York City mayor proposes first half of budget to address multi-million-dollar deficit

York City Mayor Sandie Walker is reviewing city spending as her administration works to address a multi-million-dollar deficit in the proposed 2027 fiscal year budget.

Walker presented the first half of the proposed budget to City Council and the public Wednesday. The second half will be presented Thursday as the two-day budget process continues.

The city has faced budget deficits for more than a decade, Walker said. Last year, the deficit reached $30 million.

“Our deficits are going back to over a decade,” Walker said. “Costs continue to increase, and last year we were looking at a $30 million deficit. This year, we’re looking at a multi-million dollar deficit.”

Walker said her administration plans to review city expenses and identify potential savings through staffing and operational changes.

“We’re going to look at all of our costs. We’re gonna look to see where we can cut,” Walker said. “We don’t want to put any burden on our residents.”

However, some departments may have less flexibility to reduce spending.

Walker said the fire department could be particularly difficult to cut because of contractual staffing obligations and rising equipment costs. She also pointed to the department’s role in saving lives as a reason to preserve its resources.

The city is also preparing for the expiration of the American Rescue Plan Act funding that has helped cover police department costs.

Walker said the administration is asking police to explore additional community support to help maintain initiatives that build relationships between officers and residents.

“We don’t want to cut anything, but we have to understand that we don’t have the money that we had with ARPA,” Walker said.

The proposed budget remains under review as Walker’s administration works towards finalizing the city’s spending plan for the 2027 fiscal year.…Read more by Macy Markham