12/18/06, Will Resha and McCormick lead on CIP?

6/14/07 - FINAL UPDATE - SEE BOTTOM - YES Mr. Resha did lead. Thank you, John.
Updated on 1/9/07 - see bottom
Updated on 4/27/07 - bottom of blog
My intent is to address with specifics the cheap, symbolic, budget cuts several councilmembers have dreamt up to try to fill a $2.8M gap left from the failed levie lid lift vote. Can you believe city officials would go so low as to cut "Derby Days" and "Redmond Lights" for a quick fix? It' appears it's their way of 1) "getting back" at the electorate for the levy defeat, 2) "proving their seriousness" for fire and police deficiencies, 3) distracting the public from scores of millions of dollars of idle long term unallocated cash reserves 4) last minute budget 'planning' and 5) dealing with their guilt of over-spending on City Hall.
The new City Hall will ultimately cost us $70M over 30 years. How could these officials (with the exception of Ms. Allen and Mr. Robinson) be so remiss in their planning to now call for $300,000 in cultural program cuts to fill their gap? It doesn't have to be this way.Mayor, Councilmembers Jim Robinson and Kim Allen say cuts aren't required this year or next if we re-work our long term capital allocations. Cole, Vasche, Resha, Marcione and McCormick think otherwise. Resha is re-working the CIP (Capital Improvemnent Plan) for a new proposal in January. Will Mr. Resha reassess and bring new perspective to the table? Will Council President McCormick adjust and lead?
Stay tuned.
1/15/07 update: In last week's review of the CIP, John led the discussion. With $32M in unallocated capital funds (that can be used for non-capital operations) John suggested the Admininstration (mayor) allocate unused 5% transfers to areas of more immediate needs, like parks. The Mayor side-stepped and the rest of council was mute. The failure of the city to negotiate for the Perrigo Heights forest was still too fresh for them. Thanks for trying, John and thanks for your public service. We will miss you on council.
1/9/07 update: In the Council Study Session tonight, Mr. Resha boldly demonstrated open-mindedness, flexibility and resolve to allow the council-at-large time to thoroughly study C.I.P. options. He formed a sub-committee with Ms. Allen and Mr. Marchione to study and and review C.I.P (capital budget) options. Stay tuned.
4/27/update: BIG BREAKTHROUGH on how council is starting to think about and utilize our CIP - capital fund program. Council President Nancy McCormick demonstrated her power at this week's study session on their proposed August, 2007 levy lid lift. She is recommending tapping into the wealthy CIP to fund maintenance & operations (M&O) for parks... This act alone would lower the proposed parks levy assessement from 10 cents to 5 cents !! At $121,000/penny assessement the levy would be reduced by $605,000, if I have my numbers right. Thank you, Nancy! Mr. Resha changed his mind and agreed with Robinson, Allen (the leader), Vache, and Marchione.