Janesville council approves 2010 budget
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JANESVILLE — Despite reservations from council member Tom McDonald, coupled with his vote against it, the city council on Monday approved the city’s 2010 budget.
McDonald said he does not believe the council should take $850,000 from the reserve fund to balance the budget.
“If the city wants to do everything that’s in this budget—maintain all these programs as it is—then I think we ought to pay for it,” McDonald said. “We ought to realize what this costs.”
McDonald also said he couldn’t support a budget that increases the amount of outside trash the city brings in.
“Personally, I would rather pay a few dollars for my trash pickup (rather than have) the city of Janesville be a dumping ground for trash from all over Rock County or Green County,” he said.
Councilman Frank Perrotto suggested all adult recreation programs, minus family activities, be “cost neutral” with savings going to the reserve or to reduce taxes. That would mean fees would increase to cover the city’s subsidy.
Manager Eric Levitt figured that could mean a savings of about $36,500. No other council member seconded the proposal.
The budget calls for a .61 percent increase in the tax rate. The tax levy increased $302,887 to $25.6 million, an increase of 1.2 percent. That means the owner of the average home assessed at $113,800 will pay $832 for services, an increase of $4.80 or .58 percent.
The city was able to keep the tax levy down because employees did not receive a 3 percent cost of living raise, although some will receive increases based on seniority.
Resident Al Lembrich was the only person to speak Monday.
“All new spending items or programs should be cut out,” he said, citing the current economy. “Please have the courage to face reality.”
Several council members defended the budget, saying it is, overall, a good compromise. The budget is $848,400 under state levy limits, council member Russ Steeber noted.
The council will set the tax rate for all taxing jurisdictions at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Nov 27, 2009 at 12:12 a.m.
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OK take this increase. Add in the one for the schools and what others there maybe. Now what does that all add up to?
Nov 25, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.
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pretty typical comment janesvillean. it's always just a few dollars more.
pretty soon all those fees and taxes add up to real money.
Nov 25, 2009 at 2:20 p.m.
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It's the principle of the thing. $4 isn't much but when Levitt, Steeber and their cronies continue to increase taxes for pet projects it gets kind of hard to swallow. It wouldn't be much of a surprise that when the reserve fund is used up taxes go up 61% instead 0.61%. Anyone have a link to the approved 2010 budget?
Nov 25, 2009 at 10:26 a.m.
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attract not atrack sorry for that one
Nov 25, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
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It apears to me that Janesville has caught up with Washington in their theory. If we don't have it don't worry credit will work, thats what they are doing borrowing from another fund for future or emergency. 850000 is no chump change, and we still have bad services. I really do not know why we continue this nonsence. CUT PROGRAMS...its that simple, get the streets plowed, quit being a dumping ground, stop the stupid tunnels etc(you know what I mean) get back to basics and see from there what we have left that needs to be done. Folks if you want skate rinks, and bike trails they come at a cost, we all need to wake up. Its not that 4 or 5 bucks is that big of a deal but its the fact that you are not given a choice, and that when does it stop 20 bucks 50 a 100 its how it all starts. Think about what really matters and then move forward. Make the city look nice and be safe with good schools and continue on fropm there. Attrack business, sercure infastructure the rest is fluff
Nov 25, 2009 at 9:56 a.m.
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Did some of you actually read the article? If the money wouldn't have been taken out of the reserve fund, you would be paying even more. If they wouldn't have allowed more outside trash, you would have been paying even more. What you're complaining about and what the article explains, makes no sense. We're talking about roughly $5 here.
Nov 25, 2009 at 8:59 a.m.
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I sure don't know where I'm gonna come up with that extra $4.80. That's almost two cents a day.
Nov 24, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.
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DITTO!!!!
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