City Council Approves Budget Amendments

The Council passed budget amendments unanimously, with the exception of Councilman Bruce Tyler voting no on one paper relating to city funds for “Fridays at Sunset,” a weekly concert series held throughout the summer at Brown’s Island.

Tyler:  I’ve always believed that we should be looking to help, provide a helping hand to those in need.  At the same time, as Councilman, I also believe that we should not take that same hand and smack taxpayers in the face.  And when I look at Fridays at Sunset, I that this is a $125,000 gift to a for-profit organization that charges admission to concerts and events.  They get all the food and alcohol proceeds.

The approved $637 million budget maintains the real estate tax rate at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value.  The budget does not contain furloughs, but eliminates a total of 19 filled and unfilled city positions.  Due to declining tax revenues, the new budget is $34 million less than the 2009-2010 spending plan.

Council will meet again on Monday June 14th.

Craig Carper, WCVE News, City Hall.