WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. April 7, 2008: Mayor Joseph Delfino contacted WPCNR Friday to assure the public that the city Proposed Budget which will be presented to the Common Council this evening, could still change. Asked what the public could expect as the budget debuts this evening, the Mayor said, “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

The Mayor told WPCNR , in response to public criticism (by Councilman Benjamin Boykin, among others) that the Budget and Management Committee had not been consulted on the preparation of the budget, “The Administration (previously) has always presented the budget to the Common Council first then the Budget Committee, and they'll five meetings to make any changes in the budget. Any changes they want to make, we'll consider.”

WPCNR notes that under the previous budget director, Anne Reasoner, the Budget & Management Committee had always been able to make comments on budget conditions and forecasts before the Proposed Budget was printed. This process of forecasts took place under Budget Director Eileen Earl prior to Ms. Reasoner assuming that position. The Budget Director has since been eliminated. 

 It has only been since Ms. Reasoner’s requested departure in June of 2006 that the Committee has been receiving the  proposed budget after it is printed.

 The Budget Book will be presented to the Common Council tonight, which has made no effort to advise the Mayor what kind of tax increase (if any) would be acceptable; how much departments should be requested to cut the budget; and what discretionary projects should be funded or not funded. Previously the Budget & Management C ommittee had weighed in on these matters as the budget was being put together. The Capital Projects Board, in fairness, which includes members of the Common Council has previously met to discuss budget requests by department --on key projects -- but had not general operating expenses.

Mayor Will tell Common Council First

Asked if the Mayor planned a budget in line with last year’s increase of 5% in spending and 7% in City Property Tax , the Mayor said he could not reveal that. He  described the budget as “a bare bones budget.” Asked if the 5% - 7% spread between expenses and tax increase was a barebones budget, the Mayor declined to comment.

The  Mayor said the council was well aware of city projections of the budget, made to  apply and comply with the requirements to apply for the AIM  (Aid & Incentives to Municipalities) grants the city was awarded over the next three years. The Mayor said he gave those projects to Assemblyman Adam Bradley when Mr. Bradley was considering the sales tax increase of ¼% now working its way through the State Senate.

A 5% - 7% Spread

In those forecasts, the Mayor projected the city General Fund would grow to $148.1 Million in 2008-2009. The General Fund was $144.8 Million this year (2007-2008). The overall city budget, including the Water Fund, Library Fund and Self-Insurance Fund and last year’s administrative salaries the budget was $154.5M.

Over the next two years the City Property Tax is projected to grow 7% each year.

In 2008-2009 according to the projections issued to the Department of Budget for the State of New York,  exclusively published by WPCNR in October, 2007,  at www.whiteplainscnr.com/articles6090.html the Mayor was calling for a General Fund Budget of $148.1, and projected salary increases in 2008-2009 to be 5% ($70.7M in 2007-2008 moving to $73.9 Million in 2008-2009).

Forecasts Submitted to the State One Year Ago.

Adding inflation to the mix, 3.3% to this year’s budget, you come up with a figure of $160 Million for a city budget. Add to the $160 Million a 1.5% increase over inflation, and the figure builds to 161.6 Million. Increase benefits by 5% -- the school district estimate of health benefit increases and the budget builds $1.7M more to $163.3 Million. Add $500,000 in Administrative Salary increases and it inflates to $163.8 Million.  Add possible open space purchases in the neighborhood of a million dollars, and a 40% approximate increase in  electric energy costs, you might expect a city budget to come in about $165 Million and up.

The Schedule for Budget Surgery.

There is an opportunity  for the Budget and Management Committee to cut, of course, eliminate administrative salary increases – or negotiate a tougher contract with the unions, or get some givebacks.

Asked why the Budget and Management Committee could not have been given a “walk through” of the budget in Mid-March, the Mayor said, “We didn’t know where we were, John.”

For citizens interested in following the budget vetting process in the coming weeks, here is the schedule:

 April 15, 2008 – Tuesday, 6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Overview of 2008-09 Proposed Budgets Joint Meeting with Budget & Management Committee.

 April 24, 2008 –Thursday, 5 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Parking Department Budget and Revenue

April 28, 2008 – Monday,  6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Recreation and Parks/White Plains Performing Arts Center Budgets & Revenue

 May 1, 2008 –  Thursday, 6 PM, Mayor’s Conference Room

Public Safety Budget, Fees

May 5, 2008, Monday, 7:30 PM Common Council Chambers

Public Hearing on the Budget

May 7, 2008 –Wednesday, 6 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

Public Works, Water Department Budgets & Revenue

May 13, 2008 – Tuesday, 6 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

DECISION NIGHT

May 22, 2008 – Thursday, 5 PM Mayor’s Conference Room

Special Meeting to Adopt 2008-09 Budget and Non-Union Employees, Administrators, Common Council Salary Increases for 2008-2009