So…On Thursday Recycle Bank is okay with Administration – today? Not…Updated!
The full notes from the finance committee meeting are on the blog, and there was some additional media coverage, Blade as an example that confirms that on Thursday when pressed, Lourdes Santiago stated the City would support the RFP process for a recycling program incentive like Recycling Bank. That Thursday committee meeting made it very clear that the only way several council members would even consider raising the trash fee was if some type of incentive program was a part of it.
Today? Evidently the Mayor has sent out some type of a memo that lambastes Council for not passing the revenue enhancements, and criticizes Recycle Bank because he feels the refuse fee increase is absolutely necessary and doesn’t require any justification. I received a short e-mail response from Council President Joe McNamara:
City Council has already approved a plan to pay for city government’s 2009 expenses. The Mayor has zero credibility with Council. His latest temper tantrum will have no impact on our deliberations as we continue to work together to reach responsible budget solutions that put public safety first.
Updated: I have received a copy of the memo sent to Council and all directors & media – it starts with:
Mayor Finkbeiner Sends Letter to City Council
Since February, I have urged City Council to balance the 2009 budget. The City budget is presently $8.9 million in red ink and that validates Council has not done their job in balancing the 2009 budget.I urge Council, one more time, to get serious about balancing the 2009 budget.
The State of Ohio requires it.
There is also a four page memorandum to Council from the Mayor that raises a variety of points, I really recommend reading it and the Mayor also included a 22 page attachment that is a variety of articles in the media to make some of his points.
One paragraph from the memo from the Mayor that I want to point out:
Several of you are bidding for re-election in November. It is rumored that you are then planning, in early 2010, to hold a Special Election to increase the temporary payroll tax in order to balance the 2009 budget. That Election will cost $400,000, will be too late, illegal and most importantly, devious. If this is your plan, the voters should be told so right now!
I don’t know who the Mayor is referencing out of those who are running for office, but I haven’t heard any discussion of a special election, there was earlier discussion as to the possibility of asking for an increase but that was months ago and no action was taken. So it will be interesting to discover if that is true? Who’s been discussing it.
It’s like being in junior high school.
August 8th, 2009 at 6:35 pmGosh I am so happy to live in the burbs!
August 10th, 2009 at 12:35 am