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Under pressure: New finance panel set to tackle ‘tough’ city budget
NEW BRITAIN — There will be no honeymoon for the newly appointed Board of Finance and Taxation as it’s faced with molding a preliminary municipal budget as shortfalls hamper city programs and operations.
“Given our difficult economic times, this is the toughest budget New Britain has ever faced,” said Mayor Timothy O’Brien, who, on Tuesday, named seven members to the influential board. The panel, with five Democrats and two Republicans, will convene on Thursday when it receives the budget requests that city departments submitted last week to the mayor.
“They know what our goal is and that is no tax increase,” O’Brien said Tuesday. “I do realize there is a lot of pressure on them.”
The overall city budget now stands at $217 million and is facing an approximately $10 million deficit.
Many of the 49 spending requests from city departments and outside agencies call for increases over the current year’s spending. Those include the Police Department, which is asking for a spending boost of about $1 million for an overall request of $15.1 million.
Both the mayor and the chairman of the Board of Finance say they’re sympathetic to the needs of the Board of Education, which on Monday proposed an 11.5 percent increase in the budget for city schools. The current budget for schools is $118 million and administrators want to push that number to $132 million.
“My intention is to be supportive of public schools,” O’Brien said, adding, “I want to provide them with an increase in their budget. Suffice to say, we’ll do the best we can to accommodate (their budget request).”
Board of Finance Chairman Gerri Brown-Springer, a former principal of Slade School, was more direct. Asked if the education budget proposal should stand, Brown-Springer said, “They can use even more (money).”
“My biggest goal is education and education funding,” Brown-Springer said. “I need to find out why the Board of Education budget is always cut.”
Brown-Springer would not commit to a budget without a tax increase, saying, “I can’t make a decision on taxes because I do not know what the needs are.”
O’Brien waited to name the members of the finance board until two days before they’re scheduled to review city department spending. But he said any criticism that he waited too long to appoint the panel is unwarranted.
“People are trying to throw stones. The appointments were made in plenty of time. The accusations are petty,” the mayor said, speaking of comments posted online.
In addition to Brown-Springer, those named to the board were Democrats Jaclyn Falkowski, Marjorie Hackett-Wallace, Marlo Grappone, and Maria Agramonte-Gomez, and Republicans Ben Babij and Kevin Nodell. Only Nodell previously served on the board.
Two members, Nodell and Hackett-Wallace, have finance experience. Nodell has 20 years of professional service in the finance industry and Hackett-Wallace is an investigative auditor with the state.
The board is scheduled to present its budget to the mayor by March 26. The Common Council is scheduled to adopt a final budget by June 11.
“Given our difficult economic times, this is the toughest budget New Britain has ever faced,” said Mayor Timothy O’Brien, who, on Tuesday, named seven members to the influential board. The panel, with five Democrats and two Republicans, will convene on Thursday when it receives the budget requests that city departments submitted last week to the mayor.
“They know what our goal is and that is no tax increase,” O’Brien said Tuesday. “I do realize there is a lot of pressure on them.”
The overall city budget now stands at $217 million and is facing an approximately $10 million deficit.
Both the mayor and the chairman of the Board of Finance say they’re sympathetic to the needs of the Board of Education, which on Monday proposed an 11.5 percent increase in the budget for city schools. The current budget for schools is $118 million and administrators want to push that number to $132 million.
“My intention is to be supportive of public schools,” O’Brien said, adding, “I want to provide them with an increase in their budget. Suffice to say, we’ll do the best we can to accommodate (their budget request).”
Board of Finance Chairman Gerri Brown-Springer, a former principal of Slade School, was more direct. Asked if the education budget proposal should stand, Brown-Springer said, “They can use even more (money).”
“My biggest goal is education and education funding,” Brown-Springer said. “I need to find out why the Board of Education budget is always cut.”
Brown-Springer would not commit to a budget without a tax increase, saying, “I can’t make a decision on taxes because I do not know what the needs are.”
O’Brien waited to name the members of the finance board until two days before they’re scheduled to review city department spending. But he said any criticism that he waited too long to appoint the panel is unwarranted.
“People are trying to throw stones. The appointments were made in plenty of time. The accusations are petty,” the mayor said, speaking of comments posted online.
In addition to Brown-Springer, those named to the board were Democrats Jaclyn Falkowski, Marjorie Hackett-Wallace, Marlo Grappone, and Maria Agramonte-Gomez, and Republicans Ben Babij and Kevin Nodell. Only Nodell previously served on the board.
Two members, Nodell and Hackett-Wallace, have finance experience. Nodell has 20 years of professional service in the finance industry and Hackett-Wallace is an investigative auditor with the state.
The board is scheduled to present its budget to the mayor by March 26. The Common Council is scheduled to adopt a final budget by June 11.
Comments
sharhenlee wrote on Jan 24, 2012 11:42 PM:
" Pg. 29-Charter---Officers/Directors of departments no later than second Friday in January shall transmit simultaneously to the Mayor or designess and the Bd of Finance and Taxation estimates in detail, amounts of money requested for ensuing fiscal year. Bd of Finance has 75 days following their receipt of estimates to submit their proposed budget to Mayor, Mayor has 90 days after his receipt to present his to Council. Question is---are the days counted from when the initial figures were supposed to be transmitted or from when they actually were/are as I assume they have not yet met.
Also, we keep talking about this huge deficit. What has that independent auditor found---still waiting for their report.
Yes. Everyone needs to work toward a zero to negligible tax increase. The other committee that was formed to find redundancies, revenue streams, etc etc. Possibly they should work along side the Bd of Finance and Taxation as one of their members overlaps anyhow. Maybe they can achieve this goal together. We need to look at everything that is broken and restructure, pay for needs vs wants, pressure the State and Feds to start paying for mandates they place on localities and let's see how long some of these mandates actually stay in effect once that occurs, stop paying for things that govt should not be paying for and place responsibility where it truly belongs, etc etc. Something has gotta give and it cannot be the tax payer. Most of New Britain is the 99%. "
Also, we keep talking about this huge deficit. What has that independent auditor found---still waiting for their report.
Yes. Everyone needs to work toward a zero to negligible tax increase. The other committee that was formed to find redundancies, revenue streams, etc etc. Possibly they should work along side the Bd of Finance and Taxation as one of their members overlaps anyhow. Maybe they can achieve this goal together. We need to look at everything that is broken and restructure, pay for needs vs wants, pressure the State and Feds to start paying for mandates they place on localities and let's see how long some of these mandates actually stay in effect once that occurs, stop paying for things that govt should not be paying for and place responsibility where it truly belongs, etc etc. Something has gotta give and it cannot be the tax payer. Most of New Britain is the 99%. "
Nicholas D. Mercier wrote on Jan 25, 2012 6:42 AM:
" The clock starts on the second Friday in January. Which means instead of 75 days this Board will only have 65 days to review the municipal budget and 54 days to review the Board of Education budget. Perhaps Mayor O'Brien thinks this isn't a 'big deal' but, again, as someone who served I can assure you it is. "
sallyeigenraam wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:53 AM:
" As a former member of the BOF&T I want to extend my appreciation to the new board for stepping up and voluteering their time to this difficult task. While the media might infer that everyone is being replaced by the new administration, this is un-true. Members had stepped down. The board chair, Mr. Mercier, had agreed to return and it is very unfortunate that the new board will not have his experience. This board is late per city charter in addition to being new to the process.
Every year is a difficult one in a city faced with budgetary woes. Each year the budget presented is millions over the one prior. This is usually due to the increase in salaries and benefit cost increases. The budget is lean on service and big on employee expenses. Because of this it is imperative that the board is independent and of the private sector in order to protect the taxpayer. You cannot have city employees or retirees making recommendations. The fox cannot watch the hen house.
I applaud the mayor's committment to a "no tax increase". The board of finance and taxation does not make any absolute decisions with regard to the budget. This board is one of public review and recommendation. Meetings are open for all the public to attend, (although I do not recall a city resident sitting in over the last two years).
If you are concerned about how your tax dollars are being spent or will be spent in the future, please attend the budget meetings. "
Every year is a difficult one in a city faced with budgetary woes. Each year the budget presented is millions over the one prior. This is usually due to the increase in salaries and benefit cost increases. The budget is lean on service and big on employee expenses. Because of this it is imperative that the board is independent and of the private sector in order to protect the taxpayer. You cannot have city employees or retirees making recommendations. The fox cannot watch the hen house.
I applaud the mayor's committment to a "no tax increase". The board of finance and taxation does not make any absolute decisions with regard to the budget. This board is one of public review and recommendation. Meetings are open for all the public to attend, (although I do not recall a city resident sitting in over the last two years).
If you are concerned about how your tax dollars are being spent or will be spent in the future, please attend the budget meetings. "
saavedra wrote on Jan 25, 2012 8:09 AM:
" Congratulations to the newly appointed Finance Board. I look forward to speaking with you regarding the school district's budget request and our students' needs. I was hopeful with the announcement of Gerri Brown-Springer as Chairperson. Gerri has a great deal of experience in our local public school system and will review our budget with great insight. Maria Agramonte-Gomez will be a great voice at the table as well! "
nobody wrote on Jan 25, 2012 8:37 AM:
" Mr Mercier's nose is out of joint. The job he had was his first political appointment he had and he must realize that iiiit was just that , POLITICAL.
It didn't mean he was a finance person to begin with because he was just a teacher with NO exoerience in public finance. Besides he was a Stewart appointment and did whatever Stewart wanter. "
It didn't mean he was a finance person to begin with because he was just a teacher with NO exoerience in public finance. Besides he was a Stewart appointment and did whatever Stewart wanter. "
Nicholas D. Mercier wrote on Jan 25, 2012 9:22 AM:
" Once again, nobody, you prove that you are out of touch. Both years I recommended increases in the funding of education in recognition of the difficulties facing our system at the same time as calling for greater fiscal oversight from the Board of Education. This is just one example of something Mayor Stewart and I had not agreed upon. While you may consider my appointment 'political' I served with dedication and put a great deal of effort into both learning the budgets as well as the financial practices and policies of our city.
Again, you may feel that my "nose is out of joint," but I consider Mayor O'Brien's disregard for the timetable laid out in our city charter is unprofessional and negligent. I would have been saying the same thing even if I had been reappointed to the Board. "
Again, you may feel that my "nose is out of joint," but I consider Mayor O'Brien's disregard for the timetable laid out in our city charter is unprofessional and negligent. I would have been saying the same thing even if I had been reappointed to the Board. "
nobody wrote on Jan 25, 2012 10:20 AM:
" Again Mercier I notice that you are blogging while you should be WORKING.
You dear sir have to GROW up. You must think your perfect but you a certainly not. Only two years in politics and a failed run for the BOE you crying because you did not get appointed again. This will be the first of many setbacks, learn to live with it.
And PLEASE GO BACK TO WHAT TAXPAYERS PAY YOU TO DO TEACH!!!!!!!!!! "
You dear sir have to GROW up. You must think your perfect but you a certainly not. Only two years in politics and a failed run for the BOE you crying because you did not get appointed again. This will be the first of many setbacks, learn to live with it.
And PLEASE GO BACK TO WHAT TAXPAYERS PAY YOU TO DO TEACH!!!!!!!!!! "
Dobbs wrote on Jan 25, 2012 10:55 AM:
" Although it may be polite to say so, no one should be "surprised" to hear O'Brien calling his critics "petty". "
should I run wrote on Jan 25, 2012 11:23 AM:
" It should not be the State of Connecticut's job to give hand outs to teach your kids.. In theory, it should be the responsibility of the community to teach your kids. It was like that for a 100 years before.. And that also means the appropriate development of the city in respect to population (such as age), housing, tax dollars and services,(education) are to be evaluated over and over before expansion... At some point all towns, not just New Britain, expanded for the quick buck and for the highly paid lifetime fully funded pensions of union jobs.. As fast as the money came in, it went out.. Again this is all towns and cities.. There was no separation of money, but just general funds and everyone had a hand in it and no oversight because who would of ever thought there would never be any left??.. When services started to suffer such as roads and the education system it was too late to reverse course.. The people, (too many) were already here, the multi family homes, (way too many) were already built and the unions already in place. So instead of taking their medicine and contracting 30 years ago and New Britain getting smaller, (population by reducing homes or obtain a moratorium on building) the unions pushed the cities to expanded in the face of disaster to fund a already failing system.. Even the Avon's and Farmington's are already seeing their empires imploded because they don't have too many homes, but too big of homes.. Their turnover rate of family to family is endless because retirees will never stay in a 2000+sq home till they die.. The school systems will always expand and taxes will increase.. It's a never ending cycle and soon their demise just like NB
In order to help all comminutes they need to get small, leaner and reduce the cost of education which the the biggest driver of taxes any community has.. Rich towns need to build smaller to keep retires in their homes.. There is no better tax payer then one who no longer has kids enrolled in school.. When all that tax money is spent on infrastructure and other services.. You can never tax all your kids education, ever it's impossible!! That's why you need LIFERS, young people who buy a home raise their kids and never move.. 18 years of education money for another 30-40 years of just tax money.. The math does it's self "
In order to help all comminutes they need to get small, leaner and reduce the cost of education which the the biggest driver of taxes any community has.. Rich towns need to build smaller to keep retires in their homes.. There is no better tax payer then one who no longer has kids enrolled in school.. When all that tax money is spent on infrastructure and other services.. You can never tax all your kids education, ever it's impossible!! That's why you need LIFERS, young people who buy a home raise their kids and never move.. 18 years of education money for another 30-40 years of just tax money.. The math does it's self "
Nicholas D. Mercier wrote on Jan 25, 2012 11:25 AM:
" Dear Nobody,
Considering you don't know my work schedule I kindly invite you to mind your own business. For your information I commented this morning during my 5 minute personal break. This comment is being posted during my 30 minute lunch break. Your repeated baseless attacks clearly demonstrate that you have some personal issue with me but are too cowardly to speak to me in person about it. So perhaps it is you who could stand to grow up. "
Considering you don't know my work schedule I kindly invite you to mind your own business. For your information I commented this morning during my 5 minute personal break. This comment is being posted during my 30 minute lunch break. Your repeated baseless attacks clearly demonstrate that you have some personal issue with me but are too cowardly to speak to me in person about it. So perhaps it is you who could stand to grow up. "
Lifelong Resident wrote on Jan 25, 2012 11:45 AM:
" Hey Mr.Mercier, nobody is someone that you know all too well. He sits at his computer all day criticizing people like yourself who actually care about the city they live in. Do yourself a favor and don't respond to him you just make him more angry that young people have finally decided to get involved in this city. Go to sleep Mr.Sanders and leave the kids alone!
And for the record, putting a retired school administrator on the finance board will have a detrimental affect on your taxes people. School personnel including many of the board members cannot see the forest for the trees! It is an endless cycle of spending. More money will not save the city's educational system, better teachers and staff will! So stop hiring medoicre staff and everyones friends and family, and maybe things will finally change for the better! "
And for the record, putting a retired school administrator on the finance board will have a detrimental affect on your taxes people. School personnel including many of the board members cannot see the forest for the trees! It is an endless cycle of spending. More money will not save the city's educational system, better teachers and staff will! So stop hiring medoicre staff and everyones friends and family, and maybe things will finally change for the better! "
Lou Salvio wrote on Jan 25, 2012 12:24 PM:
" Sharhenlee: The mayor will have two weeks after the BoFT submits its proposed City budget to him before he MUST submit his proposed budget to the Common Council.
Those of us that have been critical of the Mayor's "last minute" appointments or anything else about his performance thus far are simply, "petty." Mr. Nobody says we should all grow up but he doesn't consider using an alias to be a childish antic! Let's see what he does with this year's school budget recommendation as a member of the BOE. "
Those of us that have been critical of the Mayor's "last minute" appointments or anything else about his performance thus far are simply, "petty." Mr. Nobody says we should all grow up but he doesn't consider using an alias to be a childish antic! Let's see what he does with this year's school budget recommendation as a member of the BOE. "
Dobbs wrote on Jan 25, 2012 2:46 PM:
" This radical administration is poised to follow the lead of the Malloy administration by instituting the largest tax increase in our city's history, and despite what our charter says they'll attempt to make it retroactive. This is a direct of result of our election being bought and paid for by ACORN and the unions. "
ajax wrote on Jan 25, 2012 3:18 PM:
" should I run: While I agree with some of your comments such as fiscal responsibility and the overgrowth of union power (notice that Scott Walker has balanced the Wisconsin budget and lowered taxes, and nobody but the unions are complaining...), I have to point out a few areas where I believe you are wrong.
The city of NB has been built out for over 30 years. 100 years ago, the city was quickly being developed, and there was a vast LACK of housing due to the abundance of jobs. Hundreds of people were living in tents because they simply couldn't build the multifamily homes fast enough. Then we saw offshoring, corporate takeovers, closings, and finally the highway taking out the majority of our business tax base.
The result is that we have a densely populated city with plenty of housing but no business tax base. Since we are already mostly developed, it's difficult to increase our tax base without knocking down or completely gutting and rehabbing existing buildings. Even bringing in new businesses to a building that already exists does not expand the tax base, since that building is already being taxed.
Property taxes made a whole lot of sense when wealth was based in property: how much land you owned, how many buildings, how many horses, buggies, sleighs, etcetera. Now, wealth is measured in dollars, and income is a better indicator.
Cities like New Britain are at a HUGE disadvantage. We must serve 10,000+ students and 70,000+ residents with only 13 square miles of taxable land, 40% of which is off the roles because it is non-taxable (state or city property, hospitals, religious institutions). Towns like Avon have much more land (23 square miles), fewer residents (18,000), fewer students (3,500), and almost all their land is taxable. The average family also makes 3x what the average New Britain family makes.
In short, since access to an equal and quality education is written in our state constitution, it is the state's responsibility to fund education adequately, and take the burden off of cities and towns. "
The city of NB has been built out for over 30 years. 100 years ago, the city was quickly being developed, and there was a vast LACK of housing due to the abundance of jobs. Hundreds of people were living in tents because they simply couldn't build the multifamily homes fast enough. Then we saw offshoring, corporate takeovers, closings, and finally the highway taking out the majority of our business tax base.
The result is that we have a densely populated city with plenty of housing but no business tax base. Since we are already mostly developed, it's difficult to increase our tax base without knocking down or completely gutting and rehabbing existing buildings. Even bringing in new businesses to a building that already exists does not expand the tax base, since that building is already being taxed.
Property taxes made a whole lot of sense when wealth was based in property: how much land you owned, how many buildings, how many horses, buggies, sleighs, etcetera. Now, wealth is measured in dollars, and income is a better indicator.
Cities like New Britain are at a HUGE disadvantage. We must serve 10,000+ students and 70,000+ residents with only 13 square miles of taxable land, 40% of which is off the roles because it is non-taxable (state or city property, hospitals, religious institutions). Towns like Avon have much more land (23 square miles), fewer residents (18,000), fewer students (3,500), and almost all their land is taxable. The average family also makes 3x what the average New Britain family makes.
In short, since access to an equal and quality education is written in our state constitution, it is the state's responsibility to fund education adequately, and take the burden off of cities and towns. "
sharhenlee wrote on Jan 25, 2012 5:16 PM:
" Thank you Mr. Mercier and Mr. Salvio for the charter clarification.
I do agree with lifelong resident. Comments are often made attacking another individual who has commented rather than commenting with your opinion or your knowledge with regard to the article at hand. I have asked time and time again for people to be publically respectful. Sometime it is best not to honor their comment with a response. I do appreciate the comments of Mr. Mercier as he has served on that commission.
I think this is one of the most important commissions in the City and I do feel that more than the majority of those appointed should have financial backgrounds in some cpapacity. On the other hand, I also believe that it might be as simple as to bring in a member of the public who has had to budget very strictly in their home due to the economy---possibly job loss, or rising costs with no raise at their occupation---anyone who understands that while we used to eat, clothe, entertain, heat , light, etc in a certain way we have had to adjust so many or most of our wants in order to pay for our needs because there is no where to get any more cash, as even the job market is bust. We need to look at both the City Side and the Education side to be fair.
I agree. We have a charter, as I assume most all towns and I assume for a good reason. We need to follow it.
Good comments by 'should I run' and 'ajax.'
My opinion--- local property taxes should not be the end all to pay for education costs. Again, anything mandated by the State or Federal govt in any way should be paid for at that level. We have stated this over and over again but we keep re-electing the same individuals over and over at every level who cannot seem to get this done. If there was a way to privitize education I would love to see that happen so maybe a level of responsibility for it could be shifted. "
I do agree with lifelong resident. Comments are often made attacking another individual who has commented rather than commenting with your opinion or your knowledge with regard to the article at hand. I have asked time and time again for people to be publically respectful. Sometime it is best not to honor their comment with a response. I do appreciate the comments of Mr. Mercier as he has served on that commission.
I think this is one of the most important commissions in the City and I do feel that more than the majority of those appointed should have financial backgrounds in some cpapacity. On the other hand, I also believe that it might be as simple as to bring in a member of the public who has had to budget very strictly in their home due to the economy---possibly job loss, or rising costs with no raise at their occupation---anyone who understands that while we used to eat, clothe, entertain, heat , light, etc in a certain way we have had to adjust so many or most of our wants in order to pay for our needs because there is no where to get any more cash, as even the job market is bust. We need to look at both the City Side and the Education side to be fair.
I agree. We have a charter, as I assume most all towns and I assume for a good reason. We need to follow it.
Good comments by 'should I run' and 'ajax.'
My opinion--- local property taxes should not be the end all to pay for education costs. Again, anything mandated by the State or Federal govt in any way should be paid for at that level. We have stated this over and over again but we keep re-electing the same individuals over and over at every level who cannot seem to get this done. If there was a way to privitize education I would love to see that happen so maybe a level of responsibility for it could be shifted. "
Lifelong Resident wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:37 PM:
" Also I forgot to mention the the makeup of the finance board is very specific in the ordinances I believe. Ther must be an accountant and other finance professionals on that board to meet the needs of the city and being a state worker or communications director for the state democratic party does not qualify in my opinion. "
Dobbs wrote on Jan 26, 2012 9:22 AM:
" It should be painfully obvious to anyone paying attention, that this corrupt bunch will only abide by the city's charter and ordinances when it suits them. "
otherpeoplesmoney wrote on Jan 27, 2012 11:43 AM:
" Under pressure: New finance panel set to tackle ‘tough’ city budget. Roll up the sleeves, smoke a cigarette and announce a new round of taxes! Need to tax and spend, shared sacrifice, for the good of all... just a few more dollars from everyone for the benefit of those who need it most. Perhaps the panel will come up with a few ideas on how to raise funds. I hear New Britain "soap in a box is" for sale. The suggestion or warning to those who wish to buy the soap- do not bend over buy it. "
OTHERPEOPLESMONEY wrote on Jan 28, 2012 2:55 PM:
" The cost of not instituting a Phonics only curriculum should be placed squarely on those who prevent it from becoming the preeminent curriculum in our public an private schools. In 1986 Pl99-425, Title IX, Sec. 901 was passed. It called on the US Department of Education to compile a list of early childhood instructional reading programs and methods, cost of the programs and whether or not the program met the recommendations of the 1985 Commission on Reading. Both the Republican and Democrat establishments stopped this law from ever being used. Yes, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush again - their executive branch failed to protect parents and children. You want to save money in this town, use a simple phonics based reading curriculum. English only. Or else, we'll continue to need more special educators as we continue to place on kids on behavioral altering drugs when they act out cause they are not learning. Instead of spending upwards of 100 per student or more, you'll spend 2 dollars and the kids will learn. Not to difficult to solve this problem - but if we got the kids to learn, why, we wouldn't have all those special needs children and the dollars that come to support this Northeast only behavioral phenomenon. "
Dobbs wrote on Jan 31, 2012 9:09 AM:
" The US Department of Education was created by The Carter Administration with considerable help from the N.E.A.. Upon his election President Reagan immediately attempted to abolish the department, but his efforts were thwarted by the Democrats. Without the The US Department of Education there would be no federal mandates on education, leaving us free to institute a simple English only phonics based reading curriculum. "
otherpeoplesmoney wrote on Jan 31, 2012 8:20 PM:
" Yes, it is true that Mr Reagan tried to scuttle the Department of Education, but his Chief of Staff John Sununu was approached to make sure the law on examining and reporting out on early childhood reading programs was followed, he flatly refused. Thus, the parochial nature of party will always come before the well being of our people in this country - which is why we need a conservative third party movement that will expose what these phonies really are. In Connecticut we need initiative and referendum to stop the lunacy here. "
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Nicholas D. Mercier wrote on Jan 24, 2012 11:02 PM:
Speaking as someone who has served on the Board of Finance and Taxation it is extremely difficult to complete an adequate review of the budget in the amount of time provided, so any delays in even receiving the documents is detrimental. Also, for the Mayor to grant the Board of Education a month extension on submitting their budget is also rather far reaching and again ignores the charter. This is an entire month delay preventing the Board from reviewing document that is large and contains a great deal of information that must be absorbed in order to make informed decisions.
Perhaps the Mayor thinks diluting or delaying the public's role in the budgeting process isn't a big deal, but as a citizen and a taxpayer I disagree. "