Here are a few highlights from the budget. $44,139,738. The 2011 general budget is $10,963,713 with the full budget being $39,501,427. The main reason that the full budget has increased so much is because the water department will be doing a large capital improvement project.
MY VOTE
We have spent many hours and meetings debating and discussing the budget already, so our vote tomorrow will be based on the information we have gleaned through all those discussions. I have a number of concerns, the largest being that we continue to draw from our Fund Balance (Rainy Day Fund) in order to balance our budget. I believe that we should hold those funds until they are truly needed. To use them, instead of making tough decisions and cuts, is short sided and a decision I believe we will regret.
As the budget stands right now, I will not be voting in favor of it. I always keep an open mind so that could change at the meeting tomorrow evening if some new information was presented.
If you would like to see a copy of the 2012 annual budget you can view it at the following link. I also challenge you to come out to the Public Hearing tomorrow evening and let your voice be heard.
http://new.washingtoncity.org/government/index.php?sub=Finance
