Milwaukee Mayor presents city budget, includes funding for lead removal

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he wants to invest $20 million to deal with the city's lead crisis. 

Tuesday morning he presented his 2019 budget proposal to the common council. Mayor Barrett says he wants to use the money to replace 1,000 lead pipes in the city over the next year and to remove lead paint from older homes. 

"When we're making decisions for our city, the health and safety of our residents are paramount. That's why I'm adding resources to the health department where administrative and program lapses have failed Milwaukee residents and tarnished the department's reputation," said Mayor Barrett. 

The budget also calls for more staffing at the police department and a slight property tax increase. The average homeowner could see an increase of $50 per year.