Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher has presented a 2017-18 Trial Budget to the mayor and city council for community review. Here are some highlights from the proposed budget:

Adding 16 civilian police assistant positions. This will allow officers to focus on higher priority calls for service rather than administrative tasks, aimed at improving response times for the community.
Adding 22 park rangers to expand trailhead hours, increase enforcement, and enhance customer service at city parks and preserves.
Setting aside $641,000 for the “Rainy Day” fund to address General Fund shortfalls projected in FY18-19.

Beginning April 4 and continuing through April 20, the city will hold a total of 17 community meetings across Phoenix. Information will be available in English and Spanish. City management will be on hand to share details on the proposed budget, take feedback and to answer any questions.

The following meetings begin at 6 p.m.: Tuesday, April 11, in the ballroom at the Encanto Park Clubhouse, 2605 N. 15th Ave.; Wednesday, April 12 at the North Mountain Visitor Center, 12950 N. 7th St.; Wednesday, April 19 in the Banquet Hall at Metro Tech High School, 1900 W. Thomas Road; and Thursday, April 20 at the Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave.

Residents also can share their thoughts on the city’s budget by e-mailing budget.research@phoenix.gov or on social media by using #PhoenixBudget. Additionally, all community meetings will run on PHXTV Channel 11 and will be posted to the city’s YouTube channel. Residents can view details of the proposed budget at www.phoenix.gov/budget.

After the community’s review, the city manager will present a revised budget to the City Council on May 9. The city council is expected to make a final decision on May 23. Formally, the mayor and city council will consider adopting a budget-balancing plan on June 21. The approved plan will take effect July 1.