Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn delivered his proposed budget to the city council Thursday for the 2015 fiscal year.

And for the first time since 2011, the budget doesn't call for a use of reserve funds. Also, the budget does not include any personnel layoffs or increased millage rates.

The $876.2 million budget proposal includes $138.9 million in capital improvements. The $35.5 million of the $45.3 million increase to the budget is primarily due to additional, critical infrastructure investments for roadway improvements and stormwater projects.

The City of Tampa will contribute $1.3 million to the reserves resulting in a fund balance of 25 percent of operating expenditures which exceeds the City’s 20 percent fund balance policy.

Major capital improvement projects and strategic investments include:

•    Refurbishing 100-year-old Old City Hall
•    Design for Cuscaden Pool in VM Ybor and Julian B. Lane Riverfont Park
•    Construction of Perry Harvey, Sr. Park
•    Major stormwater investments including 43rd Street Regional Outfall, Peninsula Regional Drainage, Watrous Canal Rehabilitation, Kensington Avenue, Edison Avenue, and Marjory Avenue
•    30% one-year budget increase or $4 million for expansion of resurfacing program

"Today, city government is smarter, urban development is centered on our riverfront, and Tampa is recognized as one of America’s most vibrant cities," Buckhorn told the city council Thursday. "Our continued success in these efforts sets the stage for how and why we build in tomorrow’s Tampa.  While the recession forced us to defer some projects, we are addressing our backlog of needs, particularly street flooding and road resurfacing.

"This budget allows us to strategically invest in our infrastructure and quality of life amenities that make Tampa a great city to live, work, and play."

The City of Tampa will host two public hearings about the budget, scheduled on Thursday, September 4 and Thursday, September 17 pending City Council approval.