What Happened at the March 30 City Council Meeting

City Council passed its annual budget tonight with a 4-3 vote. I voted “no,” along with Matt Riehl and Brian Lowdermilk.

Why I voted “no”:

I don’t intend to be on city council forever. I do plan to live in Stow that long.

If the city continues on this rate of spending, we will be out of money by 2016.

This budget has a deficit of $693,097 (i.e. expenditures exceed expected revenue by that amount). At the beginning of 2012, our carry-over balance (i.e., savings account) was $3,174,785. At the beginning of 2013, we plan to have a carry-over balance of $2,481,688. As you can see, we can only do that three more times, maximum, before having to make some tough decisions.

Also consider, the state funding cuts to local government become more aggressive in 2012 and 2013, when the estate tax is phased out, and stage two of the local government fund cuts go into effect.

Let’s be frank with one another: If Stow couldn’t balance it’s budget in 2012, how can we be optimistic that any of the following years will be different?

There is one way, of course. That’s if Stow enjoys an increase in income tax revenue increases based on a resurrection of the economy.

We cannot count on that.

As stewards of these streets, your safety and your tax dollars, we cannot depend on matters outside our control — namely, the national and state economy.

I’m not going to be dramatic about this, but this should concern every Stow resident. I won’t guarantee that we’re headed for trouble, but I will say this with confidence: Tonight, we risked our future to obtain another year of short-team comfort.

I will continue to fight for fiscal responsibility. With every budget that proposes a deficit, the stakes get higher, and I will be even more determined to direct this city onto the right course.

Matt Riehl and I will hold our office hours on Tuesday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room. We would love for you to drop by and introduce yourself or ask questions. City council’s committees will meet next on Monday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m.