Akron Mayor Horrigan Releases 2020 Safety, Streets Budget Detailing $15.8 Million of Investments in Akron's Police, Fire, Streets

AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 29 -- The city of Akron issued the following news release:

Today, Mayor Dan Horrigan released the City's plan for spending Safety and Streets funds in 2020. On November 7, 2017, Akron voters overwhelmingly supported Issue 4, a charter amendment that levied an additional .25% income tax to support police, fire, and roadway improvements in Akron. Since collections began in February 2018, the City has invested more than $28 million in safety and streets. The 2020 budget outlines a blueprint for more than $15.8 million more to be invested in police and fire protection and roadway improvements in Akron.

"While limited City resources require us to make difficult budgeting decisions across many departments, we will be able to maintain a significant investment in police, fire and roads thanks to this funding," Mayor Dan Horrigan said. "I am excited to continue to improve Akron's infrastructure and to provide the necessary support and equipment to our first responders to be able to properly serve and protect our citizens. These investments make Akron a stronger and safer place to live, both for our current residents and the next generation."

A few key highlights of the 2020 Safety and Streets budget include:

- $4.75 million to repave deteriorating Akron streets, bringing the total annual repaving program to $7 million

- A $1 million investment to replace 28 outdated or failing police vehicles

- Funds for the replacement of two fire engines

- Partial funding for new fire station #12 in Northwest Akron (construction to begin in 2021)

- Funds to maintain safe and appropriate staffing of firefighter/medics and police officers.

One of the key Safety and Streets investments is the newly re-opened Akron Police Academy. "Bringing back the Akron Peace Officer Basic Training Academy has been a huge boost for our department," Akron Police Chief Ken Ball said. "It allows us to attract a broader range of bright recruits and ultimately build a more diverse police force. We will host the academy again in 2020 as we seek to maintain an effective, professional department that looks like, serves and protects the Akron community."

To review the full 2020 Safety and Streets budget and more information, please visit www.akronohio.gov/safetyandstreets.