Corpus Christi City Council adopts 2020 city budget, including boosts for streets, police

Corpus Christi's funding for streets will officially more than double in 2020. 

City Council approved and adopted the city's $1.1 billion budget for 2020 at Tuesday's regular council meeting.

The 2020 fiscal year begins Oct. 1. The 2019 budget was $983 million. 

The 2020 budget allocates $128 million for street reconstruction. That includes more than $25 million for 64 reconstruction projects for residential streets. More than $70 million will be for arterials and collectors. 

There are 1,205 miles of streets in Corpus Christi. Of them, 159 miles are busy arterial streets and 211 miles are low- to moderate-capacity "collectors," which provide access to residential streets.

The budget also calls for $146.4 million for the police and fire departments, adding five new police officers and expanding the fire academy by 16 cadets. 

The Parks and Recreation budget will be $33.8 million. Residents will be able to swim for free at city pools as entry fees will be eliminated. Three splash pads will also be built.

The parks will be mowed every two weeks, instead of four. Parks, beaches and swimming pools will have higher maintenance and more improvements made. 

Kathryn Cargo follows business openings and developments while reporting on impacts of the city government’s decisions.Help support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Caller-Times.

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