In Bondage

We're a little late on this, but that's what happens when you're on vacation. Anyway...

The report from Standard & Poor's regarding the city economic health is, simply, horrific. They spare no feelings as they shred the city's situation. Everything from overestimating revenues to a lack of long-term planning is in there, and there aren't really any bright spots.

As they city tries to move forward, it's budget situation is becoming its major drag. City Council President Jody Joseph lamented that point in the Pride a few weeks ago when he said, "We can move on to better, more prosperous, growing things, but we can't get past the damn budget."

The City Council quickly pointed the finger at Mayor Dan Mylott -- with Councilor Thomas Conry going so far to call for a change this fall. That, of course, is up to the voters, and we'll see about that.

While Mylott shares the responsibility for this, where was the council? Where was the constant demands for long-term budget plans? Where was someone calling for more reserve funds, and making bigger cuts to the budget? The council complains its hands are tied with the budget, but by doing the one thing it can really do -- cutting the budget -- the council could have saved money, improved the reserve funds, and at least improved one of the problems highlighted by the report.

The council is the residents' line of defense on everything city-related, and until recently the council was relatively passive on fiscal matters. It came close to feeling its oats on the budget last summer, but didn't really kick it into gear until late last year.

So now, the council, the mayor, and the city have two choices: Hold the budget line, do what they can, and hope revenues improve from somewhere over time and slowly improve things. Or, it can give services a good chopping this spring, and take the beating that will come with it. And there will be beatings when education and public safety suffers, the DPW doesn't fix potholes quickly, or roads aren't plowed on minor storms next winter.

Big cuts means something for everyone to hate, and no elected official wants to spread hate in an election year. It will be interesting to see what path the council takes, and whether or not Mylott is on the same path. Working together would help, but if not, it will create a clash of wills going into this budget process.