After learning the city is sitting on $11 million, some aldermen are hoping the newfound money could repair the city's streets or re-open the branch libraries.
"If there is money available for the services that Newton residents care about, I think it is important to have a conversation about our priorities," said Alderman and mayoral hopeful Ken Parker, in advocating for further budget discussion.
To start the discussions, nearly 10 aldermen have requested a special board meeting for Oct. 1. At this meeting members will revisit budget talks that closed without a vote in June.
Mayor David Cohen revealed last week the city had $11 million in unallocated reserves, which is more than the $5 million he predicted prior to the May override. Cohen has already detailed his spending priorities but he needs the aldermen's approval before most of the cash can be spent. Some aldermen say they are reluctant to give it to him.
"We need to pretty much lay down the law that we want some add-backs in the budget," said Finance Committee Chairman Paul Coletti. "The mayor could easily restore things in this budget."
Coletti, who is also running for mayor in 2009, would like to see six Public Works Department employees rehired, four or five police officers put back on the streets and something done with the closed branch libraries.
None of those requests were on the list Cohen outlined last week. Cohen's top priorities for the $11 million include supplementing the snow and ice account; bolstering the energy allocation; fire department and library staff overtime; and setting aside $2.3 million for capital projects such as unforeseen expenditures for Newton North High School.
While aldermen agree those are valid needs, some would like to weigh all options before rubber-stamping his requests.
"I think we could all do well with a good discussion," said Alderman Ted Hess-Mahan, one of four aldermen who terminated budget debate in the spring.
Believing the budget did not have enough votes to pass, Hess-Mahan - with Sydra Schnipper, Susan Albright and Coletti - chartered the budget, which forced the board to forgo a final vote. Because of the charter, the legislative branch of government played no public role in crafting this year's budget.
"(The free cash) deserves some explanation, and I would like to hear from the mayor," Hess-Mahan said.
Albright pointed to the need for energy money and additional funds for snow and ice, saying, "It doesn't seem like there is much flexibility to me. But I don't think it's bad to discuss the budget at any time of the year. If it brings about further clarity, it's a good thing."
Parker said the city also has $750,000 it can spend on this year's budget, stemming from a greater influx of money from taxes than expected. The $750,000 can be applied to recurring expenses such as salaries and ongoing programs.
But Cohen said the city needs to maintain the recurring revenue as free cash, because the city continuously under-budgets in areas like snow removal.
Responding to requests, Board President Lisle Baker scheduled a meeting to discuss the budget on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at City Hall.
Chrissie Long can be reached at clong@cnc.com.
