City's proposed budget passes its first vote

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The city’s proposed budget has passed a first vote.

District 5 Council Member Gil Hernandez was the only "no" vote.

The new $1.1 billion proposal is higher than the city’s current budget, by about $18 million.

The budget would add 25 more police officers over the next five years and more cadets for the fire department.

More than $128 million is budgeted for street maintenance and reconstruction.

Some of that would come from a 2 percent property tax increase.

With the elimination of contract help, the city is looking to save $5 million.

The proposed budget also calls for no rate increase in storm water or wastewater and would eliminate fees at city pools.