Erie City Council digging into first part of mayor’s proposed 2025 budget

Erie Mayor Joe Schember has passed off his proposed budget for 2025 to city council. A week has passed since and now, city council is getting the chance to dig in.

That proposed budget for next year is around $107 million and while there wasn't a tax increase this year, people may still be paying more for other fees next year.

City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember announces proposed budget for 2025

Erie City Council is taking time to dissect and pick apart Erie Mayor Joe Schember's proposed 2025 budget. And while there isn't a tax increase, refuse and sewage fees are being raised by $23 and $30 respectively.

With that in mind, one member of city council said the budget is similar to last year's, taking into account annual pay raises for some city employees.

"Compared to other cities our size in Pennsylvania, we are a very frugal city and I think we take a lot of pride in that. But, we still have about six million of it being offset with American Rescue Plan dollars and water pre-payment and those run out pretty soon," said Chuck Nelson, an Erie City Council member.

A five-year projection conducted by the city showed a deficit that needs to be addressed. One that according to city officials would likely bring on a tax increase.

Third quarter numbers show violent crime still falling in City of Erie

"Those five-year projections are only as good as our best guesses, and I'm trying to narrow it down to get a clearer picture. I think some of the points have been understated to us as far as a deficit we're facing," Nelson said.

Thursday night, council reviewed the first few sections of the budget, which includes revenue. City officials said revenue is an area where they'd like to see more money coming in.

They said 30% of properties in the city are tax-exempt. Which in turn is a missed opportunity to generate money.

Grant opportunities continue to be a major success for the city, helping to alleviate spending and budget worries with returning grant money.

"I'm sure we're going to make some adjustments in various departments when we look at salary, costs, something new with a housing study. . . there's a lot of things we have to look at and ask questions when we start meeting with departments," said Mel Witherspoon, a fellow Erie City Council member.

Erie's Public Schools hosting public forums amidst superintendent search

"Stuff like that is always enthusiastic and exciting to hear. I just hope to continue seeing that," Nelson went on to say.

City council will meet again to workshop the budget over the next several weeks.