Mayor Andy Berke praised the new city budget after the City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved it.
He said, "Tonight, the City Council unanimously approved the 2016/2017 City Budget that will improve quality of life for Chattanoogans -- without a tax increase.
"This budget makes critical investments in neighborhoods, workforce development, public safety, and education. Throughout the budgeting process, we focused on spreading opportunity to those in our community who have been left out of our growing prosperity.
"From the beginning of the lives of young Chattanoogans, this budget funds a growing Baby University, new early learning scholarships, and an Office of Early Learning to coordinate our efforts we will provided needed supports for families. These initiatives supplement the gains we have seen over the last few years, with the additional Head Start slots and our attention to quality education.
"We are also making needed investments in infrastructure. We are doubling the paving budget from when I took office, investing in parks, sidewalks, greenways, and needed road repairs.
"This budget invests in technology such as security cameras, which will be the foundation of a Real Time Intelligence Center. In addition, we will continue our enhanced efforts to fight domestic violence through the reorganization of the Special Victims' Unit and the growth of services at the Family Justice Center.
"We will continue to focus on putting you and your family first. Our city has made strides, but we have farther to go. All of us, including city government, have a role to play in improving our city. And with tonight's adoption of the 2016/2017 City budget, we are poised for an even greater year ahead."