By Jen Lebron Kuhney, The Republic | azcentral.com
The Surprise City Council unanimously passed a $310.9 million budget Tuesday that will lower property tax rates for residents, give most of its employees raises and build new recreation facilities.
Mayor Sharon Wolcott praised the budget as a major milestone for a city that struggled with a $16 million budget deficit just two years ago.
“We’ve really turned a corner and come a long way,” she said.
The city nearly depleted its $13 million reserve fund and laid off employees to cope with the previous deficit. The new budget has a $29 million surplus.
