Raleigh city manager released proposed budget

The budget also calls for a 15 percent increase in sewer rates as well as a proposed sewer and water administrative fee.

About $10.4 million is allocated for equipment purchases to provide essential city services, such as garbage. Another $2.9 million is for a 2 percent merit-based pay increase for full-time employees.

The city manager is also proposing a $167 million capital improvement program budget to pay for capital needs that have been put off over the past three decades.

"Our steady growth has outpaced our ability to build and replace critical infrastructure at the same rate as population increases and the city expands its service area," Allen said. "The proposed five-year capital improvement plan budget for fiscal year 2013 includes strategies that begin addressing deferred maintenance and development of new facilities to serve our growing city."

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 7 in the council chamber of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex at 222 W. Hargett St. The budget must be adopted no later than July 1.