The City Council’s Budget and Appropriations Committee Saturday morning voted unanimously to reduce Mayor Bill Finch’s proposed tax increase from 2.5 mils to less than one mil. Finch’s budget proposal called for a $400 tax increase on the average homeowner. The council committee heard vociferous complaints from taxpayers urging tax relief at public hearings this budget cycle. It appears committee members heard the loud voices of opposition. Based on what the council committee has voted the average tax increase will be roughly $125, assuming passage by the full council Monday night. This will not sit entirely well with some taxpayers, but still it’s not nearly the tax hit proposed by the mayor’s budget. The mil rate increase approved by the budget committee is .74.
Council President Tom McCarthy had praise for members of the budget committee saying Saturday morning after the vote they “did an incredible job working through a difficult budget process.” Budget committee co-chairs Sue Brannelly and Angel DePara as well as the other five budget committee members worked long into the night reviewing department requests the past several weeks before voting and creating a budget document Saturday to present to the full council.
The council committee vote includes $2 million in city employee concessions that must be secured. The committee reduced spending requests in the Police Department, Public Facilities and outside legal fees by City Attorney’s Office. It also eliminated 25 vacant positions.
The committee vote includes a number of revenue assumptions based on the state budget process still underway in Hartford. If those revenue assumptions don’t come through it means the mayor will have to identify additional cuts assuming passage Monday night by the full council. The full council will now be voting on the budget committee’s recommended budget, not the mayor’s budget.
The full council will likely vote yes Monday night to support the committee’s budget referral. The council is operating on a Tuesday deadline to approve a budget. if it does not, the budget Finch had proposed becomes the default budget, and thus way more taxes.
The full City Council will vote on the budget Monday night in City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace. The approved budget then goes back to the mayor for possible veto action until the final setting of the mil rate in June.
Well, it could have been worse. I think depending on employee givebacks to the tune of $2 million dollars may be unrealistic. The administration is asking for givebacks on one hand and allowing certain appointees to get significant raises i.e. Tom McCarthy $15,000 raise. Deeper cuts could have been made such as getting rid of former CitiStat workers wherever they are hiding them.
I have one question. If the FEDS are paying the salaries and benefits for 48 cops why are there salaries in the police budget for these same 48 positions?
I would have though any givebacks from employees would have been worked out before the budget is passed. How can you pass a budget with this uncertainty hanging over your head?
I know it was a lot of work for the committee members. It surely was a grueling process and many of the members are sporting more gray hair than they had before this process started, I am sure. Nice work, really, really nice work guys. Now, .74 is not ZERO, and these positions are still posted on the City of Bridgeport job board. Why?
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MAY 24, 2013
SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE – DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MAY 24, 2013
DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR – DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 7, 2013
Not taking away from the hard work the B&A committee put into this difficult task, but the outcome represents yet another tax increase for residents and businesses already overburdened like no other community. Yes it stings a little less, but I believe we missed out on an important moment in Bridgeport history, the chance to say NO to fiscal mismanagement and start the long process of making Bridgeport an attractive place to live and work again, based on good governance, a sound financial footing and a strong checks and balances system that keeps government efficient and accountable to the people.
All we got was a slap to the cheek instead of a stiff uppercut. It hurts less but the fight is sure to continue.
I hope everyone continues to express their discontent for any tax hike and shows up Monday evening. Clearly this is the best the committee feels they could do. We need to show them it’s not enough! Maybe an elected body absent of conflicts, coercion, and backdoor dealings could do more come November.
The truth is the B&A Committee voted to once again raise taxes, this time by about 2 percent.
“Silva believes the council is at a disadvantage to truly challenge some of the data in the mayor’s budget. “We found, I think, the obvious things,” Silva said.”
The Council Members even know they are being duped. What a sad state of affairs.
I appreciate the B&A Committee’s efforts and the other non-employee Council members who participated even though they were not on the Committee. However, the “bottom line” is the B&A Committee recommendation includes another tax increase which is unacceptable. Did they freeze all hiring, including for the new positions the Mayor was requesting? Did they freeze all pay increases for top managers? Did they reduce their own stipend? These are just three examples of the types of things that need to be done to “lead by example,” especially when you are asking for concessions from unions. Were they done? One thing is clear as a result of this year’s and last year’s budget processes, Tom McCarthy has engaged in several violations of the City Charter and basic ethics rules. He needs to be held accountable for them even before the November election.
Encore! Encore!!
/were-drowning-in-debt-time-to-open-up-the-gaming-compact/
Was this a pre-planned performance? You know, “a little pregnant?”
And what’s with this “DEPUTY THIS and THAT,’ they have more than Wyatt Earp ever had.
I have lost trust in this Bridgeport political system, it all seems to be an attitude of “screw them,” take their money and leave Tombstone.
Good leadership would lead the way, the mayor and staff should not get any pay raise, in fact they should take a 10% pay cut along with all department heads to lead the way.
This mayor and City Council will NOT make the necessary changes that are needed to put the City on financial track, that’s why there must be a State financial review board to lead the City in the right direction. Sure, this FRB will need to stay longer than the last FRB but it would make the hard decisions this mayor and city council cannot and will not make.
Ron,
I agree with you. Real leadership can make a huge difference. Thanks for your very constructive comment.
FAIL.
Anyone up for joining me in a chorus of “Bye Bye, Brannelly?”
I am not pleased, the committee had the offer for a line-by-line review from David Walker, the ultimate expert on government finances (remember he was the CTG under Clinton?) and they never called him in for real budget help. The fact they did not made even more work (work they are neither trained nor equipped for from needed documents from the city or from their own backgrounds) for them and their statements and lack of 0 tax increase for the second year in a row, causes me to think they are not acting in good faith. This is a real message to all taxpayers, but especially to Black Rock because we pay the highest and most dollar amount of property taxes into the pockets of this city. I can only guess they wanted Bridgeport to be number one in something, too bad it is taxes. If the mayor wants any of these council members re-elected this fall, I would suggest he go over the proposed budget with David Walker at his side and find a way to bring back to the city council a 0 tax increase. What say you, Mr. Mayor? Are you with us or against us?
Jennifer Buchanan, let’s keep the record straight, David Walker also serve under President George W. Bush.
Ron,
You are incorrect. I was appointed Comptroller General of the United States by Bill Clinton and was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate. I did not serve under Bill Clinton or George W. Bush (43). As head of the GAO, I worked for the institution of the Congress and the American people.
Dave Walker, you served as United States Comptroller General from 1998 to 2008 and Clinton and Bush were President.
Ron,
I know that, but you obviously do not know what the Comptroller General of the United States (CGOTUS) position is. There have only been eight CGOTUS’ in the history of the country. It is essentially the Auditor General of the U.S. and de facto Chief Accountability Officer of the U.S. GAO is in the legislative branch and not the executive branch. The CGOTUS does not work for the President and is not part of any Administration. As an example of that, I sued VP Dick Cheney for failing to provide adequate transparency regarding his National Energy Policy Development Group. In addition, I was highly critical of Bush (43)’s fiscal irresponsibility and decision to invade Iraq.
Ron,
Check the dictionary. The word “under” doesn’t mean the same thing as the word “during.”
This budget that will be voted on Monday is pure unadulterated BULLSHIT. How can you submit a budget that has $12,800,000 in unaccounted-for funds?
There are the proposed $2,000,000 in proposed givebacks by the unions. I have been told there is a good possibility some unions will say No to any givebacks.
There is $7,500,000 in state monies the B & A is hoping the state will restore.
There is the $3,300,000 the city needs to pay the BOE. The education mayor Bill Finch is trying like hell not to pay this amount, so far he has failed.
When you read these numbers it tells me the B & A did not do squat.
WHEN DOES THE REAL TAX INCREASE START?
Andrew C Fardy, how can unions give back when the mayor and staff are getting pay raises?
Andy, this budget certainly is not pretty, but the concessions expected by this council vote should impact all city employees. If not, unfortunately the mayor will use the layoff hammer to achieve the savings among unionized employees.
Lennie, that’s the problem. They don’t affect everyone. A very obvious example is McCarthy. While the unions are expected to give concessions McCarthy is slated to get a $15,000 raise. The mayor can lay off if there are no concessions and maybe that’s not such a bad thing. He will have to pay unemployment.
Andy,
McCarthy has blatantly engaged in multiple breaches of the City Charter and basic ethics rules. He should be removed from office. Since he is management and given the poor contract negotiation performance of the labor relations unit, his pay can and should be cut rather than raised. He can also be subject to furlough that would not trigger unemployment benefits.
Dave Walker, obviously I do know what the Comptroller General of the United States (CGOTUS) position is and I know how long you served and under which Presidents and your group does.
Ron,
You are showing your ignorance and bias. You said I served under George W. Bush. That is flat false. You do not know what you are talking about. Have the decency to do your homework before you attack people. You aren’t hurting me, you’re hurting your own credibility.
Dave Walker, you are getting petty, look up the word “serve.” You are a legend in your own mind.
Ron,
I did not contest the word “serve,” I contested your use of the word under. I will stack up my service to this country against yours anytime. By the way, if you had anything to do with negotiating the contract that allowed firefighter contributions not to be placed in the pension trust you should be ashamed of yourself. I have noted you never answered my related question. Did you have anything to do with it?
Dave Walker, you just made my point, you are a legend in your own mind, nobody talks about who they are on OIB more than you.
Hey Lennie, how about setting up a mud-wrestling match between Dave Walker and Ron Mackey for Monday or Tuesday night at City Hall?
Speedy, why don’t you referee. Do you have enough fingers left to call a count?
Don’t worry about that, Lennie; I’ll count with my toes.
Hey Speedy, you only need one finger to properly address that comment.
Joel,
Ron’s not worth my time. I wouldn’t wrestle since I have martial arts training from earlier in life.
Brut vs. Hai Karate!
Dave Walker,
Why debate Mackey?
yahooy,
You are correct. I’m done debating Ron. He lacks credibility and is not worth the time. Thanks.
Dave Walker, you are not worth the time. Like I said before, you are a one-trick pony who talks about bankruptcy and yourself, you are a legend in your own mind.
Mackey, did you bother to attend budget hearings to protest tax increases? No, you sat back and collected your city pension.
Joel,
Why would Mackey risk getting his pretty sateen jacket or his ball cap ruined by wrestling mud?
Wow, when I grow up I want to be Mr Walker. Except I would let other people brag about my accomplishments instead of beating my own drum. Over and over and over and over again. Move to Greenwich, you are way too good to be a Bridgeporter.
Chosen 1,
With all due respect, if you read the full record you will find I defend myself against unfounded and unfair attacks. I have done so all my life. I will let my record stand for itself and I have no interest in living in Greenwich.
Dave Walker,
Let your record speak for itself, over and over you tout your accomplishments, impressive yes, but do what you are going to do for what you believe in, and stop defending what you do in the cyber world.
Chosen 1,
I agree but at least I have the courage to identify who I am on this blog. Candidly, anyone who calls themself the Chosen 1 should not be lecturing anyone on how to be modest. Nonetheless, I agree with you I should not have to defend myself against people who make unfair, unfounded and anonymous attacks in the cyber world. Good night.
I am a first responder for the City of Bpt, that is as far as I will ever go. Rumor has it my bosses read this blog. Rumor also has it your boss Clinton does not read this blog, so you can write whatever you feel like.
Chosen 1,
Thanks for your service.
Thank you.
I find it depressing any of you would levy these senseless attacks against someone who has so much to offer this city. David Walker could have chosen Greenwich or any other community to live. Not only did he choose Bridgeport, he has tirelessly spoken out against the insanity that is Bridgeport’s financial management strategy. You would think once it was known such a monetary expert was a resident, the mayor and city council members would have him on speed dial.
Instead what we have are city employees shaping budgetary policy and elected officials worrying more about feeding the ‘machine’ and less about making our city a great place to live and work.
Maybe we should think of Dave as EF Hutton, and just listen.
Thank you, David Walker.
anna, and your point is? I assume you were at the meeting, so what did you accomplish?
As far as wishing for the State to restore $7.5 Million is just more of Co-chair Sue Brannelly’s nocturnal orgasms.
Old English proverb: “If wishes were horses beggars would ride.”
*** MERELY A NUMBERS ILLUSION GAME, NO? ***
Nothing will change in Bridgeport until everyone bands together, meaning Dems for change and Repubs, and puts a true Independent in office. Call it impossible or crazy, but call it true.
Only a true Independent will not owe the political favors and fake six-figure jobs that come with the “Machine” way of doing things.
Chosen 1,
I agree, the path to a better future is for reform-minded Democrats, Republicans and Independents to band together behind candidates who have the ability, integrity and courage to achieve real and lasting change.
We are getting there. Change is in the air. There Is a wealth of Bridgeport residents from every section of town who are smart, resourceful, educated and most of all, READY. This can be done. It will be hard, the machine will go down kicking and screaming, but backing off is not an option. We know all too well what failure looks like. Now is the time to start getting acquainted with success. OMG do I sound like a cheerleader or what?
BRAVO!
*** NUMBER$, NUMBER$, NUMBER$ CAN BE QUITE MAGICAL UNDER THE RIGHT PERSON’S CONTROL; IN THIS CASE AS USUAL IT’S THE CITY’S FINANCIAL LEPRECHAUN “T. SHERWOOD.” THE B&A COMMITTEE (bless their little hearts) HAS GONE THROUGH THEIR GRUELING BUDGET HOURS TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF HOW MUCH DOES THE CITY HAVE AND WHERES IT’S AT. HOW MUCH DO THEY NEED AND “ASSUME TO BE GETTING,” HOW MUCH IS ACTUALLY COMING IN AND HOW MUCH IS GOING OUT AND WHY? WHO NEEDS WHAT AND WHY, AND WHO CAN STILL DO THE JOB WITH LESS, AND IF NOT THEN WHO NEEDS TO GO. NOT TOO HARD TO FIGURE OUT IF YOU HAVE YEAR-ROUND DEPARTMENTAL INCOMING AND OUTGOING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY INSTEAD OF MAGICAL BUDGET-TIME STORIES! THIS NEW FISCAL YEAR THE CITY TAXPAYERS ONCE AGAIN WILL PAY MORE FOR LESS AND EVEN THOUGH IT’S A SMALLER MONEY BULLET, TAXPAYERS WILL STILL END UP GETTING SHOT RIGHT THROUGH THE WALLET! *** WELCOME TO ZOMBIELAND ***
First of all, this is not a contest to see whose “tool” is the biggest. I think the majority of us on this blog agree the City is grotesquely mismanaged; Tom Sherwood habitually lies and misleads the City Council; many City Council members have conflicts of interest as they or relatives are City employees and lastly, we need change and we need it now. So let’s stop comparing our tools and work for a Better Bridgeport.
Tom McCarthy showed the reality of the situation when he said: leave the mayor’s budget alone and he’ll leave us alone. Go along with the mayor and you will be rewarded (or at least left alone); go against the mayor and you will suffer the consequences. McCarthy had a lot to lose this year; a whopping $15,000 increase. When I looked at the Labor Relations budget, I also saw budget co-chair Sue Brannelly’s brother-in-law was also budgeted to receive a sizable $20,000+ increase. No conflicts there though, right? Thank you Sue Brannelly for your hard work trimming the budget (all except your relative’s pay increase).
When you follow the budget for several years as JML and Andy have, you see the glaring disparities between the “haves” and the “have nots.” The “haves” like McCarthy profit considerably as his salary has increased over 20% in four years. The “have nots” like a sanitation worker, clerk, secretary, etc. to the contrary have received little in the way of increases and have given all of it back in health premium co-pays. What is so unfair here is a man like McCarthy or Finch, Nunn or Sherwood, earning well over $100,000, pay the same towards their health insurance as a sanitation worker or secretary earning $35,000 or $45,000.
It is easy for McCarthy to convince the Council to go along to get along and approve the mayor’s budget. McCarthy is getting a $15K increase so if he kicks back a week of pay, no big deal. Take a secretary, a single mother, trying to support her family on $40,000 and take a week furlough from her and she can’t buy food that month or pay her rent or put gas in her car.
The average worker has suffered under this administration. In addition to the intimidation, harassment, bullying and discrimination that happens on a daily basis, employees are also forced to pay higher health insurance costs and take unpaid furlough days or lose their jobs. All while watching the connected and privileged get richer and richer. People are sick and tired of it and this time around they just may say NO. Then what will the City Council do—lay people off? Try it. Some departments are barely functioning now. They are so top-heavy with unqualified appointees there is hardly anyone left to do the actual work. Some workers may actually welcome the unemployment benefits (which incidentally the City pays).
There were glaring conflicts of interest this budget season and they were noted by the public, OIB and finally the CT Post. I hope Citizens 4 a Better Bridgeport files the appropriate charges and contacts the appropriate authorities to start the investigation. I hope too that caring, qualified and non-conflicted citizens run against the current City Council members.
Wow! The Fixer hits it on the nose. Exactly. Except what are the options now? If the Council doesn’t pass a budget in the next days, the Mayor’s proposed budget becomes the budget by default. .74 is better but it is, as The Fixer so eloquently describes it, yet another fleecing of us poor rubes who still live here despite overwhelming evidence we should just move the hell out. Hope Tom, Sue’s in-law and the Mayor’s other cronies enjoy their raises. I hope they remember every single day each of us are paying them and I really hope it sticks in their throats.
The Council caved. Period. McCarthy hit the nail on the head: hey, leave the mayor’s budget alone or he’ll come after our (unregulated, unmonitored) stipends. Look again at the history of the salaries of city employee Council members; not only McCarthy but Blunt and Paoletto. New City job at the airport for McCarthy’s partner. New job for Brannelly’s relative. Budget co-chair dePara used to be an independent thinker but he has fallen in line. They grab all they can for themselves and the hell with everyone else.
*** MAC SHOULD REALLY DRINK LESS POLITICAL KOOL-AID ***