Sunday, February 27, 2011

BUDGET WOES

As expected, the State has cut our city budget again this year. This year we could be over as much as 3 million dollars.

Naturally this is a major concern for all of us and difficult decisions must be made.  There has been a lot of talk about cutting expenses or raising taxes, and naturally neither option is appealing to anyone.  Now is certainly not the time to raise taxes with the economy in the shape that it is in.  So that leaves cutting expenses.  Where should we begin? 

I don't have the answer to that question but I want to find out.  I think the City Council needs to hold a series of budget meetings to go over the budget line by line and see where cuts, if any, can be made.  The public should also be allowed to view this information either on line or in print.  This is our money and our budget.  Yes, I know we are legally entitled to this information.  But we need easier access.  Not everyone has the opportunity to attend meetings or visit the Controllers Office during business hours.  We hear a lot of talk about transparency, I think the City of New Albany needs more transparency.  The more knowledge people have the better they become at decision making.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

AMEN, Shirley! You are so right, and we need to make SURE we're transparent in all we do around here. Right now, there's so much to be questioned in this city. Questions left unanswered.

And, I'm for a bi-partisan, individually strong leader in every office in our government. This bit about loyalty to a party or to a certain group within the party is outdated (if it was EVER right) and non-productive. This is why I'm not for people running on "slates." As soon as I see a slate of candidates running together, I make SURE to scrutinize them carefully.

Shirley, I like your post. I like what I'm reading and hope you do well.

It's not easy to run for anything. I can't imagine doing it. So, thanks for taking the time and effort to step up to the plate and run. You're EXACTLY the kind of candidate we need out there!

Anonymous said...

Shirely said "I don't have the answer to that question"

Do you have any answers to anything? We need someone with goals and a plan to get those goals accomplished. So far you have provided none of those. If you want to get elected, you are going to need to show that you are capable of doing the job and not just talk about things that need to be done. We've had enough of that already. Begining to wonder if you have the capablilities to do the job that needs to be done. Please prove to us that you do.

Anonymous said...

ms. baird have you seen and studied any of the major contracts the city has? union contracts with police & fire? city attorney contract? emc contract? anything with these contracts you want to see changed?

The New Albanian said...

Shirley, what what your opinion of the meeting at the Y about branding?

Anonymous said...

she doesnt have the answers because she is a typical gutless politician afraid to take a stand, can we say waffle fries baird?

She thinks running for council is like high school student council, say nothing and talk about nothing to be popular and get elected

shirley baird said...

1)No I have not yet read the contracts.

2)If you think I am a gutless politician you do not know me at all.

3)I think the idea of branding is an excellent idea for all of our local businesses to help each other to succeed.

Anonymous said...

I don't know who keeps getting on here calling you names, Shirley, but it's getting old. I ask that they please show a little decorum and refrain please.

Anonymous said...

...because she is a typical gutless politician...

and being an anonymous critic takes guts?

Anonymous said...

Do you or do you not support a park district? If you are elected you will be representing the people of new albany, not jeffersonville, clarksville, harrison co or clark co. If they want and feel the need for a park district they can contact their state rep like the people here have. hopefully their state rep will be as attentive as ours has been in addressing their concerns and needs.

So yet again shirley we ask, do you or do you not support a park district for floyd county?

Anonymous said...

Shirley, if you want a copy of the budget you just ask and pay for it (all the pages). I did it a few times. However, it will change again and you have to ask and pay for another one.

Anonymous said...

Here's a question for you. If you get the official budget, does it not occur to you that the cheating IS NOT DOCUMENTED ON IT? You're never going to catch these guys on a paper chase. You've gotta catch 'em with their big manilla envelopes full of cash. Otherwise, you're just prodding around in the dark...Hate to tell you.

They know this, by the way. That's why some people (as in at the Kitchen Table) are COMPLETELY UNAWARE of it.

If it weren't robbing us blind, I'd be ROFLMAO.

Anonymous said...

ms. baird still refuses to tell us whether she supports or does not support a park district. looking like she is quickly earning her name on the list of candidates not to vote for.

Anonymous said...

Biggest question to ask: 'what is the total INCOME REVENUE the city receives and from what sources?'
Surprise!

Anonymous said...

You need to read the CLAIMS and ask questions!

Be sure to read between the lines!!!

shirley baird said...

I did not refuse to answer the question about the park district. After careful consideration I have decided to support the park district. It works well for the libraries. If Floyd County is the first to do this I hope the other counties follow suit.

I was unaware that Rep. Clere was asked to by Floyd County residents to present this bill.

I hope to represent the people of New Albany so I listen to the people and try to help when I can.

Anonymous said...

ENGLAND TO ASK FOR 3.5 MILLION IN EDIT TO COVER DEBT AS THE STATE TURNED DOWN THE REQUEST FOR 700K

Anonymous said...

England's always got his hand out. Money, money, money, money. With England, money talks.