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?