Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey said he now plans to present his 2017 fiscal year budget recommendations to the City Council on May 12.

Public hearing dates are set for June 7 and 21.

City officials said they expect to have more money to spend on capital projects, particularly public works and infrastructure upgrades, but will likely hold the line on the operations side.

“It appears to be a year where we can do some positive things and start picking up on some initiatives that we haven’t done in the city for several years because of some belt tightening,” Lackey said.

Councilwoman Ruth Bruner said she would like to see new funding directed toward implementing proposals in a new concept plan for the downtown area, which includes calls for new housing, new events, improved streets and walkways, as well as better connectivity between the square, midtown and business corridors such as Green Street.  

City planning staff has said they have developed action plans to identify phases of construction for each project, as well as funding and a timeline for completion.

Bruner said she expected no personnel cuts or any major hiring additions in next year’s budget.  

Councilman Sam Couvillon said he expected to see some new funding directed toward improving roads and sidewalks in the city.