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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Announces Good News for Human Services in 2004 Budget
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/11/2003 12:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Announces Good News for
Human Services in 2004 Budget
Seattle — Mayor Nickels announced today that human services will take one of the smallest cuts in his 2004 budget. A recent forecast shows the City is facing an additional $24 million shortfall for the 2003-2004 biennium. As a result, Nickels asked all City departments to give him further budget reductions. Earlier this year, the Mayor ordered a $14 million reduction in 2003 spending by the city’s larger departments, but he told the Human Services Department (HSD) they would be exempt from those cuts.
The proposed 2004 HSD budget will continue to support services that ensure the City’s most vulnerable residents basic services such as:
- Food to eat and a roof overhead
- Supportive relationships within families, neighborhoods and communities
- A safe haven from all forms of abuse and violence
- Health care to be as physically and mentally fit as possible
- Education and job skills to lead an independent life
HSD will identify reductions of only 2.8 percent, or $696,099, from the previously approved 2004 general fund budget.
"“The department, under Mayor Nickels’ leadership, has worked hard to minimize reductions that will directly impact vulnerable people or the agencies we use to deliver services,” said HSD Director Patricia McInturff.
Contract services comprise nearly three-quarters of the department's annual budget. HSD has reduced internal administration and program costs by $257,256 and contract services by $438,843. The Mayor’s proposed reductions in contract services include:
- $132,000 from the Compass Hygiene Center which will be closed in 2004 for renovation
- $70,000 from the SPICE Program
- $95,097 from the 2004 Housing Support RFP
In addition to preserving basic services in HSD’s budget, in 2004 the Mayor will add $900,000 for Community Health Centers that offer services for children and adults such as physical examinations, immunizations, dental care, maternity services and much more.
Nickels will deliver his entire 2004 Proposed Budget to the City Council on September 29 at 2 p.m.
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Office of the Mayor
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