NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Mayor John Cooper was joined by Nashville teachers, fire personnel and emergency medical technicians on Wednesday as he signed the city's operating budget for the fiscal year 2022.
On Tuesday night, the $2.6 billion budget was approved by Metro Council. The budget includes a nearly $81 million increase in funding for Metro Nashville Public Schools, which will boost MNPS teachers' pay and make them the highest-paid in the state.
The budget also includes an investment into affordable housing and adds more than 100 police officers to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Click here for a look at what is included in the budget.
The budget includes funding for a number of improvement requests submitted by various departments. This includes a $24.5 million increase for WeGo, $9 million for Fire and EMS operations, and $10.5 million for the Police Department, which includes the operational funding for the new southeast precinct.
“After a year of crisis, Nashville is finally entering an era of investment,” said Mayor John Cooper. “And with this budget, we’re laying the foundation to build a city that truly works for everyone with historic investments in our schools, transportation, community safety, and affordable housing.
Metro Council members passed a substitute budget by Council Member Kyonzté Toombs which includes much of Mayor Cooper's initial budget proposal.
Watch the full signing below:
