City Commission Decides to Think Over Budget, But Deficits Still Loom
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Rough seas are ahead for City Commissioners as they come to grips with budget cuts in the face of diminishing resources.
The City Commission meeting Monday was a study in democracy in action.
Five commissioners stood firm, and one, Kathy Newsham, changed her vote.
Six firefighters will not be laid off, or given incentives to retire, at least not immediately.
Fire Station No. 5, at Smith and Transit streets, will not be closed, at least not immediately.
The overwhelming emotion in the decision was evident in the statements of speaker after speaker and in Ms. Newsham's explanation of her changed vote.
The dialog was riveting; the speakers who took the podium one by one had heartfelt feelings for the welfare of the city. All were right, in their own way. There was really no vitriol, only concern for the future. Anyone watching would have seen a group of people struggling to keep a community afloat, to find a way to maintain.
Yes, public safety is our priority, everyone said.
Who can disagree with that?
One commissioner, Kellie Snyder, talked of her driving lessons with her father, who taught her to watch the road ahead, not to look at the hood of the car. It was a keen insight applicable to the city's current and future financial status. Where does the road ahead lead?
No one wants firefighters, or any other city employees, to be laid off. No one should lose a job because of budget difficulties. But that is what is happening all over the country, in governments and companies and organizations.
The changed vote, the acceptance of the veto by Mayor Charles Brunner, leaves the commission with an even tougher job.
Where do we go now?
The mayor said Sen. James Barcia has assured him he will do all in his power to avoid cuts in revenue sharing. Right on, Sen. Barcia. We hope you succeed.
But the word from Lansing is that the City of Bay City is very likely to lose $2.4 of its current $2.9 million in revenue sharing.
And the shrinkage of tax base, the slow erosion of industry and tax base, were lurking in the background of the discussion.
Several speakers spoke of the need to preserve, or create, jobs.
Jobs will not be preserved or created based on emotions alone.
Hard facts, reality, are factors facing city officials.
The city needs to figure out how to create an economy that will support, and add, public safety jobs because growth and vitality demands it -- not as a short-stop issue fueled by emotions.
As one speaker put it, "We need to see a plan. Where are we going?"
We heartily concur.
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