So, I'm really curious on this one.
No one, and I mean no one, showed up to comment on this year's first reading of the budget. I'm not the only one that finds this really odd, and probably unprecedented.
I guess there's a chance everyone is just happy with the budget, since there's no tax increase, but there have been prior years with no tax increase when folks showed up asking for more belt tightening to actually reduce the taxes.
I'm not going to believe for even a second that everyone is just totally happy with the budget. So, what's going on?
Stan
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Stan Mitchell
The Oak Ridge Observer
Direct: (865) 483-1866
Fax: (865) 483-1630
http://oakridgeobserver.com
I think most people feel that it is an exercise in futility to expect council to change their thinking on any budget item. This would have been a good time for council to really cut some expenditures that are not needed but they do not have the gumption to do it. I guess we will just keep on until we are bankrupt.
Just my view
(05-12-2010 08:00 AM)Knight Rider Wrote: [ -> ]I think most people feel that it is an exercise in futility to expect council to change their thinking on any budget item. This would have been a good time for council to really cut some expenditures that are not needed but they do not have the gumption to do it. I guess we will just keep on until we are bankrupt.
Just my view
What are the top five expenditures you believe they should cut, KR? And what is the percent of the total budget each represents?
(05-12-2010 12:06 AM)Stan Mitchell Wrote: [ -> ]I'm not going to believe for even a second that everyone is just totally happy with the budget. So, what's going on?
I think some folks had provided input to Council members beforehand, and some of that showed up in their questions and motions.
That said, most of us are aware of the reality that there just isn't enough money to do what we'd like to see done. At the same time, it's a sorry time for a tax increase. I don't think anyone is "just totally happy" with the budget, but it may be the best we can do in the current climate.
I was just grateful that the lone motion to cut school funding was soundly voted down. On the other hand, I wonder how many people noticed that more is budgeted in capital improvements for greenways, than for capital improvements for the entire school system? Maybe a bunch of the greenways funding is coming from matching grants, and that's why it's so high. I don't know. But it's not like the schools are getting all the money.
(05-12-2010 08:15 AM)ORHS 73 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2010 08:00 AM)Knight Rider Wrote: [ -> ]I think most people feel that it is an exercise in futility to expect council to change their thinking on any budget item. This would have been a good time for council to really cut some expenditures that are not needed but they do not have the gumption to do it. I guess we will just keep on until we are bankrupt.
Just my view
What are the top five expenditures you believe they should cut, KR? And what is the percent of the total budget each represents?
At the top of the list would be the state and federal lobby contracts, followed by a significant reduction in the Chamber and tourist/visitor contracts. Delaying the paving of Elza Gate park would be helpful and NM's comments on Greenway spending is right on target. What would the budget % be? I have no idea but those items would be an indication that council recognizes that we are in fiscal trouble and need to start working on it now.
But that will not happen. We are like the Feds, spend, spend, spend. Don't worry about tomorrow. But unlike the Feds, we can't just print more money.
My rant for the day.
(05-12-2010 10:43 AM)Netmom Wrote: [ -> ]On the other hand, I wonder how many people noticed that more is budgeted in capital improvements for greenways, than for capital improvements for the entire school system? ......But it's not like the schools are getting all the money.
Maybe that's because the schools already got it. As I understand it, 80% of our $100 million in debt is attributed to the school system.
I do think it was awfully generous of the city to concede to giving the schools a 3.5% increase when the city only saw a 2.9%....especially considering how the administration and board behaved during their budget meetings.
That said, I am a fan of our greenways, but I don't consider them a budget priority this year or any year in the near future.
(05-12-2010 02:42 PM)Knight Rider Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2010 08:15 AM)ORHS 73 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2010 08:00 AM)Knight Rider Wrote: [ -> ]I think most people feel that it is an exercise in futility to expect council to change their thinking on any budget item. This would have been a good time for council to really cut some expenditures that are not needed but they do not have the gumption to do it. I guess we will just keep on until we are bankrupt.
Just my view
What are the top five expenditures you believe they should cut, KR? And what is the percent of the total budget each represents?
At the top of the list would be the state and federal lobby contracts, followed by a significant reduction in the Chamber and tourist/visitor contracts. Delaying the paving of Elza Gate park would be helpful and NM's comments on Greenway spending is right on target. What would the budget % be? I have no idea but those items would be an indication that council recognizes that we are in fiscal trouble and need to start working on it now.
But that will not happen. We are like the Feds, spend, spend, spend. Don't worry about tomorrow. But unlike the Feds, we can't just print more money.
My rant for the day.
So you would be content with some cosmetic trimming, no matter whether it has a significant effect on the bottom line?
Anybody who is serious about facing "fiscal trouble" must know how much impact their budget cuts have on the budget. Anyone can carp about this or that symbolic cut. But if the "fiscal trouble" is serious, then the cuts have to be serious or the taxes need to be raised. Everything else is trivial pursuit.
You are entitled to your rant for the day.... As you like to say, thanks for playing.
(05-12-2010 03:07 PM)Knight Rider Wrote: [ -> ]You are entitled to your rant for the day.... As you like to say, thanks for playing.
Heh. No rant, just facts, KR.
And I wasn't playing. I didn't realize you were. I'm sorry I mistook your post for a serious comment.