Mayor Avula has presented the largest budget in Richmond's history to City Council, with utility bills potentially rising by nearly $14 per month or $166 per year starting this summer. The proposed general fund budget includes a record investment into RPS and over $25 million tied to affordable housing. The budget also includes a 6.73% raise for sworn police and fire department staff and a 3.25% increase for union employees. The fire department could receive nearly $4 million for overtime alone. The proposal also includes nearly $1.3 million for new or expanded contracts for surveillance tech, license plate readers, and more.