As the wet snow began to fall Monday afternoon, the Danville City Council had a 3 PM budget discussion session planned. Within the first ten minutes, a total of eight aldermen had joined Mayor Rickey Williams, Junior; and various points were made. Mayor Williams stated that while “projected” budget revenues may have gone down for the last seven years; that’s due, he says, to making safe and conservative estimates. He says that in reality real, overall revenues have gone up in six of the last eight years.
Alderman Doug Ahrens talked about his concerns over pension funding. He stated that if a member of the police or fire department retires today, and they happen to be married; then in reality their pension is likely going to be funded at a maximum of only 80%.
Prior to the start of Monday afternoon’s budget discussion session, new alderman Barry Johnson said he’s just concentrating on soaking it all in.
AUDIO: What I’m hoping to learn is how the team collectively gets together, and decides how to make a budget that is a bonafide budget that works for the city. Going forward, in my mind; I have said to myself, “Talk less, listen more; learn, learn, learn.”
The original proposal for the new Danville budget had projected expenditures of $39.9 million in the general fund, $55.5 million in other funds, totaling $95.4 million; $83 million if you subtract $12 million in transfer funds. The new fiscal year begins next May; but the budget is often passed in December, along with the new tax levy, which is due at the start of the new year.
More budget discussion is expected during Tuesday nights (Dec 2nd) regular City Council meeting at 6 PM.
