Council budget meeting
Another night of justifying overspending with little to show for.
Human resources-Marty Velazquez
I like Marty just an fyi. He proposed a very basic budget with little fluff. Funny I actually believed he wasnt trying to hide anything unlike most. He did say risk management would be moved back under human resources. I don't what that will really mean, but I thought it was relevant.
John Ferry- Risk manager
John recognized his team and stated how important they are to running his department. He was the only one that did that.
John said u can't predict risk or medical costs. Which is true. He did state the city is self insured. So basically depending on how big the claims are will dictate how much the city owes. The city has to cover up to $250,000 on most claims until their insurance kicks in and reemburses them. His budget has alot of variables and possibly could be the hardest to determine a correct amount to fund. I guess the Ms. Patel could hide money in the risk budget to later use for other things given the fact his budget amount is sort of uncertain.
Adam Rosenthal assistant solicitor (not sure why the solicitor wasn't there, doesn't seem like he works) stated their are
42 litigations currently in the city. That is insane!!! I am curious what they all are for? How many are because the employees are screwing up? How many are because the Mayors office caused them? I know the newest suit is from the former H.R director who is suing for several reasons. One of the reasons is because he stated the Mayor made fun of his Muslim background. But yet their is no discrimination in the city. Lmao.
There are 1100 right-to-know requests so far. I dont remember but I think he said there were like 650 last year but dont quote me. Why are so many people requesting information? Because of corruption? Being lied too? No transparency?
Honestly, I truly think the solicitor’s office is a waste. The attorneys outsource any real law work. Its sort of funny. The Harvard solicitor’s office never get to do real lawyer work.
Every person who spoke this evening stated that they either reduced or their budget was cut. L But yet raising taxes?? Doesn't make sense does it. If there are spending freezes and budget cuts and still a 4% tax increase proposal, how bad is the city's financials? What if there werent cuts and freezes? Would we be looking at an 8%-10% tax increase? Makes it seem like the budget isnt really being properly represented. I can tell you I dont trust Finance Director Ms. Patel. As I have said before, she never has any answers.
Controller Glazier stated the city has a flat budget. He basically along with the Mayors cronies stuck to the script "citizens will not lose any of the services that are currently provided."
I am concerned with the term flat budget. I am not sure how you can have a flat budget when things are constantly going up in price. Also all the raises that were given for 2026 makes me wonder how this is even possible. I really am thinking the mayor said make this budget work somehow with a minimal tax increase. I need to be re-elected and then I'll worry about it. For those of you that didnt finish high school. It means get ready for a huge tax increase next year if Tuerk wins. The city simply doesnt have the money to hire all these new people and spend and spend and spend without taxes coming in. Its not like the city really generates thats much money from anything else. The lights in the parkway will end in a wash or in the negative.
Glazier also stated Artiemis (his dog) works for free.
Well Jeff you bring him into city hall everyday. Must be nice to bring your dog into city hall. Are you the only one who is allowed to do this? Is Artiemis a service dog? I have a pet billie goat named Billie Jean. Can I bring him into city hall? Ridiculous The city hall circus.
Parks and Rec director- Mandy Tolino
There were 30% less saves in the pools this year . You know why their were less saves? Because everyone was swimming in the Little Lehigh and Jordan river not the pools!!!
She did mention inclusionary parks? You know so everyone can use them??? Everyone can use it anyway. Why do you have to say the Mayors favorite word "inclusionary" from his playbook. Which triggers CeCe Gerlach to find a handout for her specific interest people.
Mayors Budget
No one showed up to present it. Weird? Not one of his many many many many many staffers showed up to present on his behalf. Strangely Ms. Patel did finally have an answer for her boss not being there. She stated she could speak on behalf of the mayors budget. And stated "its a flat budget." So basically F-off!!.
Please get out and vote Nov 4th!!!!! The city needs change.
No comments:
Post a Comment