by: Diane Benjamin
I never understood why Mayor Renner ran to every media outlet blaming the City Council for not proposing their own budget or cuts to the existing budget. The Council hires City Manager David Hales to manage the city. He gets paid A LOT of money while the Council gets less than $6000 per year. Hales has access to the books everyday, the Council doesn’t. Sometimes the Council can’t even get answers to questions!
Hales originally proposed several options, all that raised taxes and grew government. The Council balked.
Now Hales has modified his budget with new taxes and cuts. His communication director appears to still be in the budget. I don’t see any cuts to the BCPA or staff. He does have some good things and some bad things, like not hiring for 3 vacant police openings.
You can see all his proposals here: http://www.cityblm.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=6592
You will have a chance to discuss the budget next week with some of the Alderman:
- FY2015 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Hosts: Alderman Lower and Stearns
April 8
- FY2015 Budget Town Hall Meeting
Hosts: Alderman Black, Sage and Schmidt
April 9 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Get the details here: http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=48
The Council will also discuss the budget and other items Monday night. Maybe we can finally get an answer on the parking garage:
Presentation and Discussion of the Pepsi Ice Center Parking Garage Repairs (30 minutes)
4. Adjourn into Closed Session
5. Discussion Topic
a. Probable or Imminent Litigation – Section 2(c)(11) of 5 ILCS 120/ (30 minutes)
6. Return to Open Session
7. FY 2015 Budget Work Session (120 minutes)
Since Mayor Renner thinks it’s okay to discuss outside of Executive Session what was discussed in Executive Session, maybe we can find out who is suing who and why!
