Mayor Steven Reed reveals Montgomery’s proposed FY 2027 budget

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA Action 8) – Montgomery mayor Steven Reed has presented the city’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.

The proposal includes a total balance of $370,4111,346 dollars, with about 66% percent of that expected to go towards public safety efforts, including police, fire, recreation, and street maintenance.

“Montgomery continues to move forward because we have remained focused on responsible financial stewardship while investing in the priorities that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve quality of life,” Mayor Reed said. “This budget allows us to build on that progress while maintaining a strong financial foundation for the future.”

Montgomery police’s budget would go from $62.2 million to $65.2 million, an increase of $2.9 million. Meanwhile, Montgomery Fire/ Rescue will get about $61.5 million, an increase from the previous year’s $58 million.

Also in the proposal, sales tax will increase approximately 9%, while lodging and rental taxes will grow between 3% and 4%.

While not given an exact amount, the proposed budget will continue to put money toward housing initiatives, street improvements, community center revitalizations and more.

The budget allocates more than $10 million towards supporting non-profit organizations and services that support emergency services, violence prevention, arts and culture and more.

“Ultimately, a budget is about priorities,” Reed said. “Our priorities remain clear: a safer city, stronger neighborhoods, greater opportunity and a government that responsibly manages the resources entrusted to us.”

The city council has a few more weeks to revise the proposed budget, before voting on it for final approval. The new fiscal year begins in October.