Surprise council OK's budget

The Surprise City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2009 budget of $358,961,700 at Thursday night's council meeting that will be used for such projects as Bell Road reconstruction and Surprise Farms Park.

"The budget is a 21 percent decrease from last year's budget of more than $452 million," said Budget Director Michael Schrock. "It reflects the slowing economy yet meets important council priorities and keeps service levels high."

"This budget shows our commitment to the residents of Surprise," says Mayor Lyn Truitt. "With a weakening economy having a wide impact across our community, council and staff worked together to create a budget that continues important initiatives and emphasizes quality service."

"The downturn in housing permits is a challenge," says Interim City Manager Prisila Ferreira. "Thanks to some belt-tightening and continued strength in the commercial sector, we are able to deliver to council a balanced and sustainable budget."

Among the highlights of the 2009 budget, which covers July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, include a Bell Road reconstruction which includes adding landscaping and lighting features east of Grand Avenue, construction of the Surprise Farms Park, completion of the new City Hall and Rio Salado College facility at Surprise Center, and a multi-million dollar, three-year project to improve Reems Road south of Bell.

The complete budget will be available online in the next few weeks at www.surpriseaz.com