Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Star-Press Reports Delaware County Budget Passes with Split Council

From the Muncie Star-Press:

In a contentious split vote along political party lines, Delaware County Council on Tuesday approved county government’s budget for 2014.

Council’s three Republicans voted against the $21 million budget, saying not enough cuts were made. The four-member Democratic Party majority approved the budget.

For years, county government has struggled with declining revenue, including property taxes. But officials have been reluctant to cut the county’s 400-plus member workforce or cut services.

After approving a handful of cuts and a resolution to not repay more than $1 million council borrowed from its own rainy day fund, council voted on the budget.

As “yes” and “no” votes were being cast, Republican Scott Alexander voted, “No way.”

“Yes way,” Democrat Mike Jones said in casting his vote.

http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013309240020