Well it looks like our Mayor and City Council will have to face the facts. Many of us regular citizens have been trying to tell them for a long time that New Albany is "broke" and now it has hit home.
Daniel Suddeath has an article in the Tribune titled "More money or big problems ahead for New Albany?" Since there does not appear to be any money falling out of the sky it looks like big problems to me.
We all know that the city had to use the rainy day fund to balance the 2008 budget. I hope there is something left for another rainy day because it looks like there is a tsunami headed our way in 2009. There is even talk about "downsizing" the city staff. Please Mr. Mayor and Council find another way. There have been enough jobs lost in Southern Indiana. Maybe if all of the employees agree to work with the same salary for 2009 as the earned in 2008 we could save these people's jobs.
Another issue discussed in the article was raising property tax and sewer rates. YIKES!!! I don't know the answer here except again I hope they find another way. Personally, I have not had a salary increase since 2007 and my husband is on a fixed income. We are stretched to the max now. There are undoubtedly others like us and some in worse shape.
All we can hope for now is for the Mayor and Council to use wisdom and practicality when planning the 2009 budget. My prayers are with them.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
48 comments:
Looks like they are still trying to take away the EDIT money from the sewers and impose an increase of the sewer rate fees to replace that money. But then how much MORE will the sewer rates need to INCREASE to pay for the fines and work in that Consent Decree with the Dept of Justice? All the sewer info should be out soon (but it will probably be after the EDIT money has been taken away). Rainy days (and floods?) in the future?
We told you so New Albany.
Still need an answer. Cheryl A. Musgrave, Commissioner sent a memo reguarding the 2008 Expenses and Obligations. It stated all units should consider their 2007 budgeted amounts are in effect until the 2008 budget is certified by the Department of Local Government Finance per IC 6-1.1-17. New Albany evidently didn't follow that memo. So tell us again WHO made that decision and WHY?
Good questions! The facts have been stated on this blog and others - the '07 budget and how levels were to freeze with those numbers.
The sewer audit information coming out will be interesting 2. Remember when they said they HAD TO TAKE SANITATION, DRAINAGE, STORMWATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT out of the Sewer department - LOL.
BULL****.
Thank you for allowing me to voice my "displeasure" and allowing me to say I TOLD THIS ADMINISTRATION SO 2!
El sucko.
Again Freedom Of Speech was right month's ago and this adminstration denied it. Thanks Erik for looking out for us little people.
What part did Controller Garry and England miss in this memo? "in affect" says it all. But remember folks, delusional England makes his own rules and laws in this town. Is he really above the law? Hey yes man Gonder, get off your ass and have some guts. You want your EDIT money back, well we taxpayers want our tax dollars back too. Pay the sewer fund back the millions of dollars they bailed out our general fund with. Our council needs to call for a full investigation.
There was a time when I was a cheerleader for that man, but at this point I would have to agree with Freedom of Speech. The mayor (England) has given the council a black eye and has done nothing good for taxpayers. He's all about tax and spend.
It's about time that our council step up to the plate.
Grow some b*lls Council President Gahan.
England has made idiot's out of you mrmbrts.
At least Councilman Price saw this coming and NO one would listen.
typo: members
I just love your blog Shirley. Great job in dealing with the real issues of New Albany.
I am waiting for some journalist to come here and get the REAL facts of what has been going on. That person is going to make the national news.
I want some everyday decent taxpayer to blow this whole story apart and show these elected officials we've had enough of England's lies.
Garry should be removed as of today.
Ask yourselves this,who will be the fall guy in this.
England has been snowing this council from day one.
Indeed, these are great timers for Steve Price. Global hard times provide the perfect opportunity for him to wag a finger and sell his "we can't" doctrine of decay management.
the new albanian,
Why don't you admit Councilman Price was right? Just be big enough to admit it for once in your life. And by the way I think you also owe an apology to Ms. Bolovschak. Everything she has brought to our council's attention she was right. Look at the mess our city is in now.
Your a sexist too!
England and Garry should both resign for abusing their position as mayor and controller. Let's hear them both deny they knew nothing about this Memo.
England and Garry should both resign for abusing their position as mayor and controller. Let's hear them both deny they knew nothing about this Memo.
If anyone should call for his resignation, it should be city tax payers. England's problems appear to run deeper, raising questions of leadership. "I've lived through his last two terms I'll be damn if we can put up with another three years of his lies and mismanagement of our tax dollars.
The true test of character as a man is to make those tough decisions. He only plays the blame game. Good ole boys only look out for good ole boys until they get caught.
If local government will not obey state law, they should both be fired.
I think Mayor England needs to reisgnbecause he is not doing what he has to do to prove he can do his job, and complete it the right way and not the wrong way. ie raises, campaign promises. He is not a good leader, and we cannot follow someone that does not know what they are doing. We need someone that will do the right thing and help our city and not themselves. Throw the crook out and take Garry with him.
I am discussed in the actions of many city council members. The roads and city infrastructure has been neglected. They force taxpayers to dump TONS of money to fix pipes, over flows and patch streets unless it's an election year. If the so called mayor of this town thinks he knows how to run this city he better think again, Bob Real did better.
I think a lynch mob has a better chance then he does. The roads are awful, the crime I swear has quadrupled and the people are no safer today, while the police are hanging out by the K&I having oral sex with out local hookers.
Oh yea and take that person who calls himself Deputy Mayor with you. I beg you both to just resign. Please spare this city another day let someone who cares do the job. Hey Valla Ann can you clean up this mess for us?
The real reason the Tribune won't print anything is because they don't like the truth about England. The tv stations won't report it either. There is so much turmoil in this city, brought on by this mayor he really needs to resign and resign now. He's of all trades and master of none.
Why is it when we get a Mayor they forget they are suppose to work for the people not for their own agenda? What seems to be the problem? I think the Mayor needs to rethink who he is working for, we need a Mayor who works for us and supports the people. Mayors are replaceable when they start doing things for themselves.
Your right Ms. Wisman, you can say goodbye to being re-elected as Democrat Chairman. You call this leadership of the Democratic Party?You have went way over the line this time. One needs to only ask what is most important to Ms. Wisman. Doing the job she is elected to do or Chairman of the Democrat Party? So what is your views on your Roman Catholic Church teaching on abortion Ms. Wisman? Isn't Obama a believer of "choice" on abortion?
Catholic teaching has not nor never taugh you to support a candidate who supports abortions.
To Roger Baylor; Why not stone Mr. Ward or even better run him out of New Albany. It's ok to push YOUR views on atheist and communism. Is that not the pot calling the kettle black?
He is protected by the Constitution just like you and others are.
Nice words coming from someone without the simple courage to take the mask of his or her face.
The list of those who actually do have the courage is growing by the day. Sorry you can't find the gumption to be among them.
I'm quite content to let market forces rule when it comes to Mr Ward's business. I've neither supported nor requested a boycott, although several anonymous posters here and elsewhere always want there to be one against my business.
Rather, many of us would like to prevent Mr Ward from poisoning the well for the whole city. His bad karma is his, and his conscience is his to deal with (or not). It shouldn't be permitted to taint the rest of us, should it?
I was shocked and disgusted by David Ward's comments. Several people emailed the Chicago Tribune article to me.
As to Marcey Wisman, she did take a huge chance in writing that article which she did forward to the Chicago Tribune also. But she must have felt that it was something she needed to do. I know some people think that she should have spoken as a citizen rather than the head of the Floyd County Democrats, but as far as I am concerned she can speak for me on this issue if she wants to.
I am also a practicing Catholic and have been questioned by other Christians about Obama's stand on abortion. I have told them that no candidate will have a platform that everyone agrees with. We just have to vote for the person who has a platform that meets most of our needs. There will never be a perfect candidate.
Abortion is such a sensitive issue. I feel in my mind that abortion on demand is wrong but I have never been raped (thank God) so I don't know what I would do if I became pregnant as the result of rape. As far as being pregnant with a special needs child, I have friends with special needs children and they never considered termination, and neither would I. But I would never judge anyone who chose to do otherwise. We all have our own circumstances and decisions to make because of that.
One question, the new albanian
I had to laugh at the Mayor's comments posted on NAC.
Is it true that he enjoys laughing and telling his "ni**er jokes?"
I have heard he tells them all the time.
Let the race war begin.
Are you happy now Roger?
P.S.
Please stand corrected Mr. Baylor, Obama race is not African American.
He is "biracial," check it out.
biracial: having parents of two different races.
Too funny!
As far as I'm concerned, in conduct, in deed and in word, he (obama)does not represent the face of America.
Another local Democrat
for McCain
Obama is a proven liar about MANY things, including his ethnic composition. With his lies about this, Obama is 6.25% African from his father's side. Yet, when applying for Columbia and Harvard, he listed himself as African American, which legally must be 12.5% African.
Enough is enough. I'm sick of being called a racist because I have an obligation to my country and my God to let the truth be known. I'm white democrat and will not support Obama. The man "Obama" allows his children to be raised in a racist church where vial garbage is spewed forth in the name of God. That certainly isn't Christian.
The courage of anonymity never ceases to amaze me.
Keep the bile spewing, wee ones.
If this candidate has already caused this much turmoil in our city and in our country, what do you think will happen to our country if he is elected President ????
We all need to get on our knees and
pray for the help and guidance of the
Good Lord.
Why such cowardice, anonymites? You're sure of yourselves, right? Why not rally around the racist and take accountability for your actions.
LORD HELP US ALL.
It is not hateful or racist to point out someone's true race, but it is racist to assume that everyone who comes from asafrica is African; or that Obama gives a damn about blacks because his skin is dark. He's Arab African look at his middle name!!!!!!! (Hussein)
HIS MIDDLE NAME IS STEVEN -- SORRY FOR THE IGNORANCE OF SOME, LOL
Looks like Mr. Ward has plenty of company. Why am I not surprised?
You shouldn't be surprised. The only thing that differntiates the unfortunate Mr Ward is that he revealed his identity to the newspaperman. Now he must cope with having to discuss his view with other human beings, unable to hide beneath his mask.
Wait ... might that explain the cowardice ... nah. Must be a coincidence, LOL.
Since you want to run Mr. Ward out of town for speaking his mind. (Which is his right.)
Does that mean we can run you out of town for being up the mayor's a**, and for being an atheist?
Sounds like a fair trade to me.
If I was David Ward I'd sue the city for every last dime.
Biden said Obama was not fit to be president. Does that make him a racist too.
Doug England should be ashamed of himself and should be concern about the state of our city.
Maybe someone downtown is trying to get Mr. Ward's location.
At least he said it. How many people in New Albany think it?
His right and his choice.
Geez louise, give the guy a break.
Let's take a look at the scorecard.
The Democratic and Republican parties of Floyd County, the Mayor, the Tribune and the UEZ (to date) have differed publicly with Mr Ward's comments. 1SI indicated it would, and suspect DNA will do the same (noting a trend here?)
Each of these entities was represented by a real person using his or her own name.
Even Mr Ward fits this description, although he's chosen to be on the wrong side of history. So be it. Neither I nor anyone else has advocated "running" him out of the town. The free market may or may not take care of that, and can be trusted to do or not do it.
Then, there are all the cowardly anonymous folks rushing to hurl epithets at those who have the simple decency to be themselves.
Fair assessment, eh?
So, I'll take my chances with the people who have integrity. If you recall, it was the Klan that wore masks.
Black eye for NA. Unfortunately for our City, several "Dems" (and I use the quotes loosely) feel as Mr. Ward.
I agree with Ms. Wiseman; either you are a Democrat and your moral fibers dictate trying to get a way from whatever type of discrimination, i.e., handicap, racial, etc.
Shame it took another state's newspaper in order for some to realize how real hate is in our community; let's hope Hillary and Bill's messages make headway in some Dem's minds.
My advice, and having never done this is truly drastic, vote straight Democrat this year.
GO OBAMA.
I was unable to attend the budget meeting last night.
Does anyone have the scoop?
Mayor and Garry denied knowing about the 2007 certified budget guidelines. If you believe that I'll go drink a beer at Richo's.
As they say, when hell freeze's over!
Shirley,
"Working" budgets(for 2009)were handed out with approx. 5% cuts per department(a couple of exceptions where Kay and the dept head could not find enough). This is basically a starting point. The members took them home to study and there will be another meeting to go "line by line" in an attempt to find another $200k or so in cuts. For a total of approx. $800k. This does not include the "street fund" which is still to be worked on. Meeting only lasted from 6 to around 7:15 or so.
Sorry that you could not make it last night, Shirley. I know that you make most meetings. As for the rest of you, where were you? Lloyd and I were the only non officials there(other than the press).
Thanks Mark.
By the street fund, I assume you mean street repair. Do they plan to cut another $200,000 to $500,000from this fund? We have so many streets with potholes and general disrepair, what are we going to do?
Shirley,
Other than saying that "it" would be dealt with later, there wasn't any real discussion. My guess, is the administration is trying to work with the state. I believe much of that funding comes from fuel taxes. Like I said, just my guess.
Oh, you missed a pretty good back and forth between Kay and Dan. Quite entertaining and, actually, both had a point, in my opinion.
Mark
My god, do these 3 idiots (baylor,england and marcey)want to start a race war?
Only if the racists desire it, but hey -- let's leave McCain rallies out of it, okay?
Post a Comment