March 21, 2010
BUDGET CUTS: Line for Line Cut Revelations Rejected
Department Heads Have Decisive Power
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – A marathon Saturday morning and afternoon budget session of Huntington City Council did not occur. Instead, apparently following council’s cue, the administration stepped up with its proposed cuts and revenue adjustments. Shortly after the department amounts were made known, chairman Jim Insco announced, “We’re outta here…” until Monday, that is.
Facing decreased revenues, the originally proposed budget contained furloughs for all. Council passed exemptions for the Police and Fire Departments; personnel cutbacks could jeopardize public safety.
However, the Saturday proposal has both layoffs and furloughs. The caveat : Department heads determine cuts in their own departments. Council woman Frances Jackson asked for greater insight into what would be shaved. At large councilman and former city manager short circuited that passionate plea with wisdom concerning the abilities of department heads to conserve funds.
No one stated it, but, this appears to be close to a proposal suggested at last week’s session, though re-packaged. The decisions do not have to be made until July 1 or thereafter, which provides an opportunity for restorations.
Still, no department is exempt. Equipment has been stressed for police and fire, as well as overtime.
We will be updating this developing story with specifics as they become more available.
Although HNN briefly spoke to Mayor Wolfe who attended a portion of the “Jamie Food Revolution” premiere, he did not stick around for the full showing due to commitments at other venues. The opportunity was not sufficient enough to discuss details, although he did give us a “thumbs up” on the ABC TV production.
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BUDGET CUTS: Line for Line Cut Revelations Rejected
Department Heads Have Decisive Power
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – A marathon Saturday morning and afternoon budget session of Huntington City Council did not occur. Instead, apparently following council’s cue, the administration stepped up with its proposed cuts and revenue adjustments. Shortly after the department amounts were made known, chairman Jim Insco announced, “We’re outta here…” until Monday, that is.
Facing decreased revenues, the originally proposed budget contained furloughs for all. Council passed exemptions for the Police and Fire Departments; personnel cutbacks could jeopardize public safety.
However, the Saturday proposal has both layoffs and furloughs. The caveat : Department heads determine cuts in their own departments. Council woman Frances Jackson asked for greater insight into what would be shaved. At large councilman and former city manager short circuited that passionate plea with wisdom concerning the abilities of department heads to conserve funds.
No one stated it, but, this appears to be close to a proposal suggested at last week’s session, though re-packaged. The decisions do not have to be made until July 1 or thereafter, which provides an opportunity for restorations.
Still, no department is exempt. Equipment has been stressed for police and fire, as well as overtime.
We will be updating this developing story with specifics as they become more available.
Although HNN briefly spoke to Mayor Wolfe who attended a portion of the “Jamie Food Revolution” premiere, he did not stick around for the full showing due to commitments at other venues. The opportunity was not sufficient enough to discuss details, although he did give us a “thumbs up” on the ABC TV production.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
