By:  Diane Benjamin

The last time next year’s budget was discussed was March 7th.  Since then – crickets.  Why?

Council meetings were held on 3/9, 3/16, and 3/23.  Budget discussions disappeared, but then there is an election Tuesday.

The new budget has to be in place on May 1st.  Last year the budget wasn’t approved until late April and then only when Tari threatened (and did) veto the budget because he wanted tax increases.  He got those too.

If Renner’s three candidates win on Tuesday (Buragas, Painter, and Hauman)  you will at least get garbage fees raised.  If they lose, you will at least get garbage fees raised, maybe other’s too.  It will be much more difficult if Kelley, Diaz and Franklin win, so Renner may decide to add more tax and fee increases while he can.  If some of Renner’s picks win, he will have an overwhelming majority of big spenders.  Since Renner probably knows he is a one term mayor, watch him go on a spending spree.  The newly elected won’t start their term until May 1st.

Meanwhile, nobody is talking about why spending for upgrades at the Coliseum are more than the City plans to spend on roads.

Last year Tari promised the budget would be discussed all year, new priorities would be set.  It never happened.

Tuesday is a very important day for your wallet.  If the minuscule number of usual voters are the only ones to show up, reserve a moving van now.  They may all be booked for our-bound moves very soon.