2006-03-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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73 Other Mr. Lynch said the number of kids at the Juvenile Detention Center seems questionable. Ms. Hamilton said that Council spent lots of time last year second guessing funding for agencies, but little time discussing Schools. Mr. Schilling said this would not be the case if instead of giving the Schools 40% of the new money, the Schools would give us a needs based budget as he has suggested. Ms. Hamilton said it seems that Council has not had oversight regarding outcomes measures for the Schools. Mr. Lynch said that a needs based budget from the Schools could result in them asking for $1.5 million more. Ms. Hamilton said she would at least like to have some discussion about the School budget. Dr. Brown said the Schools have been absent a Superintendent, and it would be difficult for Council to be in the same position, drawing up a budget without the City Manager’s leadership. Mr. Schilling said that brings him to the next point. He said he understands Mr. Caravati has proposed a 5 cent cut. He said he agrees it is not good for all of us to bring individual budget, but he would like to have Council direct the City Manager to present a budget with a five cent reduction for us to evaluate in comparison to the one Mr. Caravati is proposing to do. He said the City Manager has a better perspective than any Councilor. He made that in the form of a motion. Mr. Lynch said any cuts we would have to make are political in nature. Dr. Brown asked if Mr. Schilling would like to propose reductions in certain areas. He said it would be a policy decision at this point to have a smaller budget. Mr. Schilling noted that the City Manager brought in a budget that was reduced by four cents last year without Council directing him to do so. He said Council need to justify increasing the budget. Ms. Hamilton seconded Mr. Schilling’s motion. Ms. Hamilton said she has a listing of proposed cuts suggested by Mr. Caravati, but Mr. Schilling said he would prefer to hear those directly from Mr. Caravati. Mr. Schilling said we should spend less of the more money we are getting. He said we should make clear that this budget is an increase. He said he would like to see the whole budget be more efficient and feels it is incumbent on the person who knows the budget better than any of us to make the proposals. He said this is the way to get more efficient , and then Council needs to justify where the increases go. He said Council is skirting state law. Responding to comments from Dr. Brown, Mr. Schilling said we need to start off with a base line budget. Mr. Schilling called the question. Mr. Schilling’s motion died by the following vote. Ayes: Ms. Hamilton and Mr. Schilling. Noes: Dr. Brown and Mr. Lynch. Dr. Brown said he anticipates that we will find a way to cut the budget two or three more cents. He said he thinks the decisions need to be made by Council.