Niagara Falls City Council members rescinded two of their budget amendments Tuesday but later reinforced their stance on eliminating Economic Development Director Peter Kay’s job and cutting City Administrator Donna Owens’ salary.
The council voted to put back a record asset clerk in the purchasing department into the proposed 2010 budget and allow the reclassification of two Public Works employees to enhance street repairs. Combined, the rescinded amendments will add $24,462 back into Mayor Paul Dyster’s $79.2 million budget.
“We took another look at these items and feel it is economically more prudent to have them in the budget,” Robins said during the brief budget meeting.
Last week, the council approved 81 amendments that slashed $282,391 out of the budget. The biggest cuts were the elimination of Kay’s $100,000 economic development position and reducing Owens’ annual base salary from $110,000 to $70,000. Though Dyster said he plans to veto those actions and emphasize the importance and accomplishments of the two positions, councilmembers said Tuesday they have not changed their stance.
To supersede a mayoral veto, there must be a super majority of at least four councilmembers voting alike.
“I’m not going to change my view on either of them,” Councilman Robert Anderson said. “We need to be prudent with our expenditures.”
Councilman Samuel Fruscione echoed those statements and noted that he heard numerous complaints about the job performance of Kay and Owens while he was going door to door during the recent election campaign.
“I refuse to change my stance,” he said. “Those positions are a waste of money.”
Council Chairman Chris Robins and Councilman Charles Walker appear to be the only ones likely of switching their previous votes and allowing the positions to stay intact. Both said they’ve had conversations with the mayor since last week but have not changed their mind.
“Right now, we are at the point where the mayor has to go through the veto process,” Robins said. “We are waiting for the veto to get a feeling from him about these two positions.”
Councilmembers will vote on a few minor budget amendments at 3:45 p.m. Monday before sending the budget back to the mayor on Tuesday. Dyster will have until Dec. 7 to make any vetos.
The rescinded amendments approved Tuesday included the reclassification of two DPW employers from MW-2 to MW-3 for six months of the year at an additional combined pay of $4,226. Public Works Director David Kinney said the change will identify the employees as specialized laborers and allow them to work on one of the key pieces of equipment used to fix city streets.
Walker said the reclassifications will amount to more time on task.
“In the long run, the city will more or less save money by doing this,” he said.
The creation of a new full-time record asset clerk for purchasing will cost $20,236, roughly the same amount the city budgeted for temporary work in the department last year. Though he has spoken out against any staff increases, Anderson said the new position is “paramount and only a few dollars compared to the $79 million budget.”
“This was going to be needed now or later,” he said.
Local News
CITY COUNCIL: $24K for jobs added back to budget; still want administrative cuts
- Local News
-
-
BODY FOUND: Falls police ID missing woman
Falls Police say the body of a woman, found in dense brush in a field off of 102nd Street, is that of 67-year-old Judith Burr.
-
SLIDESHOW: Volunteers Search for Judith
Volunteers gathered on 102nd Street in Niagara Falls to search for the missing Judith Burr, 67. Shortly after the search began, the body of Judith was found in the dense brush just east of 102nd Street.
-
NCIDA declines One Niagara's request for tax help
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved
The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.
And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July. -
Crack dealer taken down on Orleans Avenue
Falls Narcotics Division detectives took down an Orleans Avenue crack dealer, literally, on Tuesday.
-
Historic stone chimney move could be costly
City officials are dealing with some sticker shock after receiving an initial estimate for what it might cost to move an historic stone chimney to a new location.
-
One Niagara tax request up for vote
The owners of the One Niagara building may find out today if they qualify for a tax break through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.
NCIDA board Chairman Henry Sloma said One Niagara’s application for tax assistance will be discussed during today’s board meeting. -
Search planned for missing Falls woman
Loved ones are organizing a search party for 67-year-old Judith Burr who has been missing since Friday.
-
Bill would ban offenders on school buses
The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. - More Local News Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
