Our 2009 FY (2008-2009 Fiscal Year) budget embodied $14 and a half million in revenues and $14 and a half million in expenditures.That budget, approved by the prior commission, was balanced.
The setting of that budget was completed against the reccomendation of last year's Budget and Finance Committee and a compromise recommendation of a 0.1 millage increase that would have lowered tax revenues a bit less was also rejected by the Commission. This led up the current year's loss of services.
To wit:
Elimination of the City presence at the City's Don Vista center Reduction in hours of operation at the City Library by closing on Monday Elimination of the City Police K-9 capability Closure of the City Building Permit Desk in the afternoon Elimination of budgeted support of the 4th of July Independance Day Fireworks.
PLUS the elimination of 17 City Employees including 7 Fire Protection positions and 2 Police positions!
During last year's commission discussion leading up to the decisions that resulting in service cuts Commissioner Leonard sided with Commissioner Metz favoring a tax cut. Commissioner Chaney was reluctent to cut taxes before resident input as were the Mayor and Commissioner Halpren.