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| City Budget Approved, but Not Without Controversy |
It took three-and-a-half hours of what looked like confusion to some and often contentious debate to others, but the Galesburg City Council has approved a property tax levy and a budget for the coming year.
Aldermen approved the 92-million dollar spending plan Monday night, and a nearly eight-million dollar property tax levy, the amount of which is identical to the 2010 levy, but with recommended funding levels for police and fire pensions.
That left what could be considered a shortfall in the city's general fund that will end up being filled through other cuts, but the whole process has left Seventh Ward Alderman Jeremy Karlin unhappy.
"That levy amount that's been requested for approval by the city council, it ignores vital services," Karlin said. "I've said that many times, I don't wish get away from the point but here we are."
It's expected to give the Galesburg Public Library the $34,000 extra they asked for anyway, through making cuts in other areas.
Lake Storey Beach will likely close, a number of jobs will be left unfilled, and part-time jobs will also be cut. City services in various areas especially public works will be cut as well.
Meetings scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday to deal with any potential impasse have now been cancelled.
Aldermen could come back later, however, and make further alterations to the city budget.
(Second Ward Alderman Wayne Dennis, left, speaks with Mayor Sal Garza at Monday's special Galesburg City Council meeting. WGIL News Story and Photo by Will Stevenson) |
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