CITY HALL \u2013 Speaker Quinn today announced two developments following the Mayor\u2019s financial Plan released on Nov 5th: the schedule for a series of public hearings and the release of the Council\u2019s economic and revenue forecast. <\/p>\n
The severity and speed of the unraveling of the financial sector and its impact on the real economy was unanticipated only four months ago when the FY 2009 budget was adopted. The Council’s November forecast is largely in line with that of the Mayor’s Office Management and Budget (OMB), and confirms that since June the revenue outlook has worsened considerably, with revenues expected to decline nearly 7 percent this year and 1.3 percent next year. The following is a statement from Speaker Quinn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe financial crisis has forced all of us in government to assess our priorities, so that going forward we can minimize the impact that pending cuts will have on essential services. <\/p>\n
\u201cMore than any other moment in recent history, the budget requires constant monitoring and modification. In beginning the budget process this early in the fiscal year, we are demonstrating both how serious the circumstances are and how committed the Council is to helping shape the important decisions that will be made over the coming months.<\/p>\n
\u201cTomorrow\u2019s Finance Committee hearing presents the opportunity for the Council and the Administration to lay out their budget priorities. Of particular interest will be the proposal to rescind the $400 rebate to homeowners. While we understand that we have many difficult choices in front of us, it is my belief that we should not rescind the $400 rebate at this time. Many working families are struggling, and in tough times, every little bit helps. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will also begin to examine the Mayor\u2019s proposals to reduce spending, and to consider the possible early repeal of the 7% property tax reduction, as well as other revenue generating initiatives. We have questions that must be answered. Do all proposed spending cuts go far enough? Do some reductions go too far and do irreparable damage to core services, such as public safety, education and social services to the City\u2019s most vulnerable? If tax increases are necessary, what is the best mix to ensure an equitable distribution of the burden and promote rapid and balanced growth of the City economy when the downturn ends?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Council continues to propose options for savings, alternative cuts, and new revenues which it will review with the administration. The November Financial Plan already incorporates some of the Council\u2019s proposals, including a vehicle fleet reduction initiative ($20 million in FY10); and the sale of advertising on Sanitation Department vehicles and street wastebaskets ($2 million). Additional options include scaling back the proposed capital scoping project, eliminating Data Inquiry Teams in schools, and increasing the fee charged for police officers to provide security at private events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current economic climate demands that we consider each and every option. We look forward to a productive hearing process as we guide the City through this economic downturn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hearing Schedule<\/p>\n
Oversight: Mayor\u2019s November Financial Plan<\/p>\n
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17<\/p>\n
Finance \u2013 David I. Weprin, Chair
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 10:00 AM<\/p>\n
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with General Welfare \u2013 David I. Weprin, Bill de Blasio, Chairs Council Chambers, City Hall \u2013 10:00 AM<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Health; Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse & Disability Services;\u2013 David I. Weprin, G. Oliver Koppell, Joel Rivera, Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 11:30 AM<\/p>\n
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Housing & Buildings; Public Housing \u2013 David I. Weprin, Erik Martin Dilan, Rosie Mendez, Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 10:00 AM<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Aging; Senior Centers \u2013 David I. Weprin, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, James
\nVacca, Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 11:30 AM<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Education \u2013 David I. Weprin, Robert Jackson, Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 1:00 PM<\/p>\n
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Public Safety \u2013 David I. Weprin, Peter F. Vallone, Jr., Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 10:00 AM <\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Fire & Criminal Justice Services \u2013 David I. Weprin, Miguel Martinez, Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 11:30 AM<\/p>\n
Finance jointly with Cultural Affairs, Libraries & International Intergroup Relations \u2013 David I. Weprin, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Chairs
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 1:00 PM<\/p>\n
Public Testimony
\nFinance; David I. Weprin, Chair
\nCouncil Chambers, City Hall \u2013 Following the Cultural Affairs\/Finance hearing<\/p>\n
For Background Purposes Only<\/p>\n
The below are examples of possible alternatives to the Mayor\u2019s November Financial Plan. They should be used only to understand possible differences between the Council and the Administration. <\/p>\n
Some of the possible changes to the financial plan include:<\/p>\n
* Paid Detail Fee Increase \u2013 The Department can increase the fee paid by private businesses to have NYPD officers perform security for them. We propose that the Department double the fee thereby generating double the current revenue baseline plan of $1.2 million.<\/p>\n
* Transfer HPD’s Demolition Unit to the Department of Buildings \u2013 HPD\u2019s Demolition Unit is responsible for abating hazardous conditions when the Department of Buildings issues a declaration of emergency ordering an owner to demolish a structurally unsafe building. Since DOB is currently responsible for the first phase of the demolition process, transferring the second phase (contracting and bidding out the demolition services) to DOB would lead to efficiencies and provide cost savings for HPD. <\/p>\n
* Cut the Capital Scoping Project \u2013 A long standing problem in our capital budget is the fact that we almost always underestimate costs of big projects. This year, the Office of Management and Budget and the Dept. of Design and Construction funded a $20 million project to help improve the scopes and cost estimates of big capital projects before they go into the capital budget. At a time when capital projects will inevitably slow down, the Council believes this project can be cut to $10 million. <\/p>\n
* Eliminate DOE\u2019s Data Inquiry Team \u2013 According to DOE, the Data Inquiry Team is geared to assist schools in data-driven decision-making by integrating the components of the Accountability Initiative into the life of the school, a program that totals $13 million. This is job that principals and their teams are trained to do, and by cutting this program we can keep $13 million where it belongs \u2013 in the classroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CITY HALL \u2013 Speaker Quinn today announced two developments following the Mayor\u2019s financial Plan released on Nov 5th: the schedule for a series of public hearings and the release of the Council\u2019s economic and revenue forecast. <\/p>\n
The severity and speed of the unraveling of the financial sector and its impact on the real economy was unanticipated only four months ago when the FY 2009 budget was adopted.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n