Council to consider $61 million 2019 budget in special sessions

Columbus City Council will be poring over the city’s $61 million dollar budget for 2019, starting this afternoon.

The total proposed budget for 2019 is up about $440,000 over the 2018 budget, according to numbers provided by the city. However, In the general fund, which the council has the most control over, the 2019 proposed budget is down about $1.9 million from the 2018 budget. That is a $36.7 million dollar proposal for next year, compared to this year’s $38.6 million dollar budget.

Jamie Brinegar, the city’s finance director, said that the biggest change year over year will be made to accommodate the changes recommended by a recently completed salary study.

The council will hold two special meetings today and tomorrow to consider the 2019 budget. Both start at 1 p.m. and will be held in the council chambers at Columbus City Hall.