Tonight was the first of Peoria's budget study sessions. FYI, if you're not into local government format, a study session is a public meeting where council discusses issues but does not move or vote on the issues. The actual vote for budget approval will take place in a couple of months. A study session represents an opportunity for council members to discuss and become more informed on an issue, in this case the budget, before it is moved upon in a regular council meeting.
This is an annual process, but this year is expected to be somewhat different with all the pressure of the lousy economy. Like most cities, Peoria has cut for several years in a row now and that makes each round of cuts more difficult. The easy decisions have been made, and that leaves the tough choices ahead.
As a budget staff, it was anticipated that a proposed utility (read water/wastewater) rate increase would be a difficult topic covered tonight. This turned out not to be the case. Our budget director, CFO, a consultant who flew out from North Carolina, and the staff did an awesome job in the presentation. My hats are off to them all, they really rocked tonight. Staff was especially worried about a particular member of council said he heard and got exactly what he needed tonight to get behind the proposed rates. After postponing the increases for the last few years, the story was there to be told. The city needs the adjustment, and luckily the increase will be moderate... keeping Peoria as one of the least expensive utility providers in the valley (especially on a monthly bill of water, wastewater, and solid waste).
I also would like to commend council member Joan Evans for a comment she made about leadership. She essentially stated that leadership was about making the decision that was best for the community, and putting aside small individual desires and complaints in favor of something that is largely positive. I don't mean to make that sound cryptic or put it out there without context... I just don't want to go into the background of the statement in the interest of time, and the fact that this is a public blog that I'd rather not editorialize too much on. I'll just say that her comment was much appreciated, and I think highly of her for saying what she did.
I think this year we will really start to see how cities will realistically approach budget shortfalls just as you did in Peoria. And I think you are right in commending Ms. Evans for her comment especially during a time when our legislators aren't demonstrating leadership and continuously pursue frivolous policies that do not address the real problems of this state.
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