I didn’t think it was possible. At this late date in our fiscal year, facing the prospect of a remaining deficit of $8.5 Million – after getting whittled down from $55 Million at the beginning of the year – the City last night and Council approved a balanced budget! Hooray!
The details aren’t yet available. According to the presentation made last night by City Budget Officer Elana Chan, after City Council refused to endorse the Administration’s request to ask the state for a tax cap waiver – that is, to close the $8.5 Million by raising property taxes higher than state law would otherwise allow – “[C]ouncil’s feeling was that we have to work harder. So I did work harder.”
Apparently! I really look forward to hearing the details on this budget plan. I hope that whatever economies and adjustments found by Ms. Chan and her colleagues, including Budget Examiner Alphonso Jones, can be replicated and carried forward to next year’s budget and beyond.
Today, though, “Beyond” and “Next Year” can wait for a little while, I think. A 30-cent increase in taxes, which is what we now have, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. But hey! things could have been much, much worse.
I wasn’t at the meeting last night to join in, but I do think a round of applause is in order today for Mayor Mack, Budget Officer Chan and all the members of the Administration and Staff who pulled this off. And to City Council, who finally had a chance to vote on something good for a change.
Nicely done, all! Now, take the rest of the week off! See you at the Parade!
UPDATE: The City has posted a document online that summarizes the presentation made by Ms. Chan at last night’s Council meeting. According to that document, last night’s Council actions to adopt several budget-related Resolutions did not formally adopt the City Budget. The process to do that will take place on a timetable over the next two weeks that will culminate with a Public Hearing and Council meeting scheduled for March 29. By then, we should hear the details.
I look forward to that, because the presentation states the revised remaining deficit as of 3/16 – before last night’s announcements and resolutions – of $5,903,254. It is this gap that Ms. Chan has stated has been closed.
Looking forward to seeing the details. Once again, nicely done.