Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia announced his last budget proposal for the City Thursday.  The Mayor is proposing a $495.8 million spending plan, a 16 million dollar increase from last year’s budget.

A big part of the budget is the Board of Education’s 245.9 million dollar plan.  That’s around 9 million dollars more than last year’s operating budget.

The Mayor says 202 million dollars will fund city operation departments, and 47.8 million will go toward a combined city and education debt service.  Pavia says there was a loss of state aid to directly help city services by 2 million dollars. 

And included in this year’s plan, is a spot for Fourth of July fireworks.

Pavia says during his term, he’s been faced with economic challenges – and has made difficult decisions, balancing the quality of life for residents while keeping taxes low.

            The Mayor’s proposal was presented to the City’s Board of Finance Thursday evening.