Public Hearings Scheduled For Mayor's Budget Proposal

Two public hearings set for June 2nd & 14th

The Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee will begin its review of the Mayor’s proposed 2010- 2011 Capital and Operating Budgets on Tuesday, June 1st. Various departments of agencies of Metro Government will appear before the committee through the month of June.

“While there are indications we have turned the corner on this recession, balancing the 2011 Budget will be difficult at best,” said Councilman Jim King (D-10), who chairs the Committee. “This will be our third year of declining revenues although the decline is less than previous years.”

King has released the 2010 Budget Hearing Schedule for the month of June. The Committee will begin its work at Tuesday, June 1st. The first item for consideration is the revenue overview for the coming fiscal year by officials of the Abramson Administration and Dr. Paul Coomes, Economist of the University of Louisville.
“We will strive to ensure that the Metro Council’s priorities, in terms of services, are reconciled with those of the administration.” said Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) Vice Chair of the Committee. “We will focus on making sure each dollar is spent wisely and in a way that benefits the people we serve”.

Public Safety agencies, including Metro Police and Louisville Fire and Rescue, will appear before the committee on Tuesday, June 8th and Wednesday, June 9th.

The public will have two chances to comment on the budget with two scheduled hearings. The first will take place on Wednesday, June 2nd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The second hearing will occur on Monday, June 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Details about how to sign up to speak for the hearing will be forthcoming.

“Given the recent concerns addressed by the State Auditor’s report on Metro Government finances, the Budget Committee will also use the hearings as an opportunity to pursue control deficiencies cited in each department,” said King. “Our first priority is to make sure essential services remain intact while at the same time using taxpayer dollars wisely.” “The Office of the State Auditor left us with a blueprint for improved accountability and the delivery of services” said Downard.

A complete listing of the Budget Committee’s hearing schedule can be found on the Metro Council’s homepage at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil . There will be live web streaming of the hearing that can also be accessed by the Metro Council Home Page and clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

All hearings will also be broadcast live on Metro TV.