The city of Raleigh released its 2016 fiscal year operating budget in late May. The budget will be adopted no later than July 1. 

The presentation addressed the general fund, community growth pressures, capital investments as well as introduced the new $832.5 million budget, which includes a fee increase for solid waste disposal, a pay increase for city employees, adjustments to the benefits packages of employees and customer services enhancements. 

The budget addresses new challenges caused by the rapid population growth featured throughout the city of Raleigh. According to the Raleigh Public Record, city manager Ruffin Hall said challenges include infrastructure upgrades and social equity.

Funds for eight new public safety employees, expanded facilities for city services — including a central communication center — and an average pay increase of 2.9 percent for city employees will all be contained within the budget. 

Parking fares in city-owned parking garages will also change under the new budget. A new flat rate fee of $5 will be charged for nights and weekends. Additionally, there will be a $7 charge for special events. These changes are proposed to take effect on Dec. 31and are projected to bring in $950,000 in revenue, according to the Raleigh Public Record. 

For more information about the 2016 fiscal year budget, visit the Raleigh Public Records website at raleighpublicrecord.org.