The Finance Ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality reached an agreement on Sunday night to increase funding for Jerusalem’s growth and prosperity in 2016. Both say that the deal is intended to prevent the laying off of thousand of municipal workers employed by the city, and the removal of budget cuts from the city itself.

In the agreement’s framework, the Ministry agreed to supply the city with 205 million NIS ($52 million US) that are needed to balance the city’s budget. This is an additional sum to the amount that was provided at the end of last year. Another 50 million NIS ($13 million US) will be transferred to the direct account of the city which will be coordinated between the Finance Ministry, the city and the Ministry for Jerusalem Affairs.

The two sides also agreed upon the establishment of a mutual staff that will be responsible for formulating, within a few months, a written agreement accepted by both sides outlining the special government grants and emergency funds and the requirements for them, that will be implemented to help balance the budget in coming years. These grants come in addition to the ‘capital city grant’ that already exists.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said, “I wish to thank the Finance Minister and his offices for understanding the importance of making Jerusalem a national mission. I also want to thank Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin for his help. Jerusalem is a top priority and its development is not just for its own residents but also for residents of the entire country. When we have a strong Jerusalem, we have a strong Israel. I will continue to fight for and to strengthen this city’s foundation and development, just as I have always done. I wish to thank all of those involved in helping us attain the necessary budgets for the coming year, and prevent the laying off of workers and other painful budget cuts, and to help this city run smoothly.”