Culyer: Thoughts on the 2016 Budget

Thoughts on the proposed 2016 budget.

By Jim Culyer

Wednesday night the Rye City Council will vote on the proposed 2016 budget.

While I agree with the City Council decision to put off the “Five-Points Intersection improvements; I disagree with the use of funds (Capital Funds for Operating Expenses), to fund a six month salary and benefits for a new position of “Fire Supervisor”.

As Mayor Sack acknowledged, this is not a sustainable practice. Reductions in the operating budget to fund this new position need to be identified. While they are at it, they should also be looking for operating budget reductions to fund a “NEW” position in the paid firefighter area. The City Council needs to actively start addressing the “Staffed for Failure” issue.