Mayor: City Budget Will Include Investments in Public Safety, Economic Development and Basic Services, Hold the Line on Spending

Madison – Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said today he was pleased that the final version of the City’s 2007 budget will include his proposed investments in public safety, economic development and basic services, while holding the tax increase on the average home to about the rate of inflation. The mayor made his comments following a review of the Common Council’s proposed budget amendments, to be taken up this week. “I am very pleased with this budget,” Cieslewicz said. “While I disagree with some of the Council’s amendments, I am glad we agree on my major initiatives. I want to thank Council members from the left, right and center for supporting my initiatives in the areas of public safety, basic services, community services and economic development.” Cieslewicz repeated his themes from his announcement of his budget six weeks ago. The fundamental provisions in his budget which would remain largely untouched by the Council include: · Ten new police officers and seven new detectives. · More resources for park maintenance. · A new automated trash pickup service beginning in September to mirror the highly successful automated recycling service. · New resources for after- school programs, neighborhood centers and job mentoring, plus a nearly 50% in child care assistance for low-income families. · A series of economic development initiatives that have the support of both the business community and Council progressives. · A tax increase on the average house that is likely to come in near the rate of inflation. “On the eve of the Council’s debate, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the Council and I agree on the most fundamental parts of my budget,” Cieslewicz said. “While I will take a stand against some of the amendments, the good debate we’ll have on those won’t obscure the fundamentally strong budget that we will pass in the end.” The Council begins debate on the mayor’s budget on Tuesday and may finish no later than Thursday evening. The gun deer season opens on Saturday morning.