June was a very busy month for city government. A very important, intense and lengthy council undertaking took place in June. In 
addition to regular city council and sub-committee meetings, there were ten Finance Committee meetings scheduled to discuss and deliberate on the FY 2017 City Budget. I will take this opportunity to share my thoughts on the budget process and the final outcome. It was a real eye-opener and learning experience for this first year councilor.
The Finance Committee should be commended for the countless hours they spent going through the Mayor’s FY 2017 budget with a fine-tooth comb before, during and after each of these meetings. Their efforts were greatly appreciated. The budget before them demanded close scrutiny and tough decisions. As proposed, it would have required a property tax increase of 3.47%, a new hotel and meal tax, and approximately $980,000 from free cash. The only way to lessen the blow would be to make additional budget reductions and find other sources of revenue. City department managers and representatives came before the committee to discuss their particular piece of the “budget pie” hoping their slice would not be made smaller. It was a thoughtful and informative process. Each department was asked to justify their expenses and to identify other revenue generating opportunities. Many offered possible options. Hopefully, some of those opportunities discussed will be implemented as sources of departmental revenue going forward.
Several City Councilors attended all or some of the meetings, giving them the opportunity to gather information, ask questions and arrive at a final decision when the full council voted on the budget. A few residents and local organizations took advantage of the opportunity to attend these meetings and offered thoughtful comments and suggestions. Others, along with business owners, chose to communicate their wishes to the finance committee and the councilors via emails and letters. That feedback was very helpful and much appreciated.
In the last week of June, the budget meetings culminated with four days of meetings that included a public hearing, a finance committee meeting, a council of the whole meeting and the City Council meeting to finalize the vote on the FY 2107 budget.
Public hearings are a good thing when residents take advantage of the opportunity to participate. It would have been better, if a more diverse group of residents attended to ask questions and give their opinion. The usual public hearing process appeared to be absent that night, making it difficult for the Finance Committee to thoroughly present their recommendations, thereby limiting the public’s opportunity to ask relevant and factual questions. I had hoped that more residents would have attended the hearing, but I do understand their reluctance to do so. I hope this will change in the future.
On the second day of the final week, after reviewing all of the data collected during the month, the finance committee met to make recommendations for budget reductions. These budget reduction suggestions included input from several councilors. The final list of reductions was to be presented at the council as a whole meeting. Budget recommendations are never a reflection on the value of city employees or any particular department. It is, rather, the ongoing struggle to manage a budget and live as a city within our means that creates such frustration for all of us. We must find common ground in maintaining services while not overburdening the taxpayers.
At the Council of the Whole meeting, the finance committee presented their recommendations and each one was discussed and voted on by the councilors. I voted yes on many of the proposed reductions in spending because I felt that these reductions needed to be approved in order to make even a small dent in the potential burden that the tax payers would have to bear. In the end, too few were passed. Timing is of the essence. My opinion is that these discussions should have happened sooner. It was a valiant effort on the part of the finance committee to vet all options. By the time these discussions took place the council’s and the public’s backs were up against the wall. It was now more difficult to make those hard decisions. I voted against the zero reduction motion on the School budget because I believe the School Department could have survived more than a zero reduction without sacrificing teaching staff and/or special needs programs.
At the final meeting, I voted not to approve the FY2017 budget because of the burden a significant tax increase would place on property and business owners who have been overburdened with repeated increases in property taxes. I believe we could have done a better job of bringing city spending under control. It would have better served the greater community make tough decisions now instead of setting the stage for putting the city in financial uncertainty in the near future.
In fairness to all, I believe that budget deliberations should be started sooner. Elected officials need to do what they can to insure that a diverse group of public participants are engaged in the process. The scale tips too far in one direction. Problems and solutions have to be discussed openly and early, including a public process that shares information and builds respectful relationships long before budget season is upon us. Is September or October too soon to start the process? I think not. A longer period of time would provide more opportunities for the public to be involved in the budget process. With creativity and respectful discussion, I believe we can find viable solutions. Citizens can and should be involved in the decision-making process regarding discretionary fund spending. Meaningful involvement and empowerment are key to the decision-making process. I would venture to say that the public is tired of being placated by false promises and tokenism which is an ingredient in a recipe that brews apathy and discontent among city residents.
Did this budget provide justice for all? I don’t think so. After attending all of the budget hearings and listening to the comments, before, during and after the hearings, I see room for improvement.
There was a recent editorial in the July 6, 2016, Republican regarding this year’s fireworks display that took place on July 2, 2016, at South Middle School. The writer commented how when it looked like the Westfield Fireworks would not take place, a team effort with community involvement and city departments pitching in made it happen. One comment in the article stuck out for me, “Fireworks for Freedom was Westfield’s answer, a can-do response that solved issues and obstacles rather than lamenting them. It created an enjoyable experience and also sent a message. Solutions are possible if enough people care enough to seek them. In Westfield, they did.”
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could apply that same energy, initiative, dedication and resolve to the financial aspects of running this city. I respect and appreciate those who work for this city. I also know that there are residents who need and deserve a break from rising property taxes; however, it will take a community effort to make it happen.
On Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at 6:30 P.M there will be a Ward 1 meeting at the Liberty Manor Community Center located at 74 Russellville Road. All Ward 1 Residents are welcome to attend. Residents are encouraged to attend, bring questions, offer feedback and voice their concerns.
I encourage you to continue to reach out to me with your questions or concerns: [email protected] or 413-568-8562
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Babinski, Ward 1 City Councilor
