VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - Binghamton Mayor Rich David has signed the 2020 city budget legislation, after it was approved by the city council on Wednesday.
"The 2020 Budget is a responsible financial plan for the City’s future that includes our largest tax cut to date and reflects the enduring priorities of this administration," David said in a statement. "From public safety and infrastructure to community development and flood mitigation, we’re fulfilling our commitments to residents and continuing to turn difficult challenges into significant opportunities."
The days leading up to budget approval were not without controversy, notably a pay raise for David, a Republican.
The mayor had been on a limited series of incremental raises over the last several years, but that ended this year. Some Democratic councilmembers thought the mayor's salary should not be part of yearly-budget negotiations because it risks looking political.
In a conversation with WSKG this week, David agreed. He said he wants to go back to a pay scale that will spans multiple mayoral terms.