The City of Troy, New York, "Where Henry Hudson Turned Around."

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

COUNCIL ADOPTS BUDGET



The Troy City Council adopted the proposed budget last night with a bipartisan vote of 8-1. Jim Gordon (District 1-R) was the lone 'no' vote.

Interestingly, the Council also voted to eliminate the position of Recreation Director, currently held by George Rogers, by a 5-4 vote. That would mean an extra $72,000 in the city coffers. Said one supporter of the position elimination: "What do we need a recreation director for? Isn't watching city government recreation enough?"

The Rogers move came as a surprise to many as it had not been discussed in caucus. The mayor could veto the cut. Oddly enough, Councilman Gordon, currently a County employee, voted yes in eliminating Rogers' position. Rogers position is considered unnecessary because of the proposed Commissioner of General Services position being considered.

The Commissioner of General Services title is not included in the City Charter and will have to be enacted through a Charter amendment. That could prove an interesting battle, given some of the personalities on the incoming council.

The much debated tax increase will amount to 4.6% or approximately $12.00 per $1,000 in assessed value. The tax increase is almost 2% less than Tutunjian's 2005 tax increase and .1% more than Tutunjian wanted for 2010.

After the budget was formally adopted, it was quickly swaddled, taking for its MMR and a DSS caseworker was assigned. The adoptee is said to be doing well despite a slight case of colic.

On another note, there have been a number of comments aimed at Troy Firefighters and Police. Please be advised that The Troy Polloi stands with our brave Firefighters and Police. And that's not just because of all the tail they get.Their budgets should not be cut. Their training should not be reduced. We know there are occasional abuses or rumors of abuses. No department is without flaws. However, these two departments are the last place to start, not the first. Tough contract negotiations? Sure. Reducing potential raises? Sure. But when the cops or firefighters talk about the need for equipment and training, we should listen. Last summer reminded us that the cliché that they place their lives in danger everyday is a cliche' for a reason.

Therefore, lets not attack individual members of the TPD or TFD. You can criticize all you want but why belittle individual members of those two forces? Is it really a mark of dishonor to have a family of firefighters?







23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't recall seeing any disparaging remarks about the TPD.

Anonymous said...

I'm guessing they weren't published. Maybe too nasty or personal. Just a guess.

Anonymous said...

Or maybe the TPD was busy working while the TFD was posting during commercials of Days of our Lives.

Vince said...

Gordon packing boxes at county today after his most recent personal attack

Vince said...

Why does the article alude to the fact that gordon is a county employee? I dont get the signigicance?

Anonymous said...

You fucking math wisard. Your telling us that it's $12.00 per thousand. So if your home is valued at $150k it's going up $1800.00 a year? Who was your teacher Lou? Kim McPherson is wetting herself right now with her shoes and socks off. Correct this.

Anonymous said...

Blow me. You and the firemen. Time to cut that budget.

Anonymous said...

Rogers never did his job anyway, the parks are a mess!

Anonymous said...

McPherson will not play the political games. She will do what the public wants. She may not be book wise but she sure is street wise and that is what we need. Go get them Kim.

Anonymous said...

What's a math wizard. I believe that is the total rate after Jan 1. Is is not the increase

Anonymous said...

Well vince.....

Anonymous said...

Interesting it was George Rogers cut...wonder if Madden will attempt to restore that one!

Anonymous said...

truth hurts!!

Anonymous said...

Godgers wlll be ogs commissioner. Kathy gurantees it

Child Support said...

No dumbass. 200000 × 4,6%=9200÷1000=9,2×$12=$110. Kind of like Gordons child support payments as of Jan 1.

Vince said...

Why all this Rodgers jimino talk. I don't get the importance or connection. Oh we'll gotta go walk my dog

Anonymous said...

I hear Rogers has friends in high places, VERY high places

Anonymous said...

Another cop leaving for a better paying agency. The flood gates are opening.

Anonymous said...

Tell those cops to take the firemen with them.

Anonymous said...

Does your job involve getting shot at? Didn't think so. They earn their keep. You're probably a retired state worker collecting a nice pension and you're bitching about cops.

Anonymous said...

Who's bitching about cops?

Anonymous said...

Maybe city residents will care when the city can only get transfers from depts like Cambridge and are not real cops. Troy is losing some really good cops and its a shame the administration or the city doesn't care. People want to be cops still just not in the city of Troy.

Anonymous said...

Here's another shocker. Another cop is leaving for another agency.