Whose Budget Is It Anyway?
Reaction to the Mayor’s budget address was predictable. Republicans called it turning around the ship of state and putting things in the right direction. Democrats called it voodoo economics that short changes public safety. Neighborhood groups like the Marion County Neighborhood Association took a wait and see approach. And the township assessors promised to fight consolidation to the end.
However, one thing that did surprise me was my conversation with City-County Councilor Jackie Nytes. Nytes said the tax increase that Democrats passed last year put the city on much more solid financial footing. Nytes said if they hadn’t done that, the Mayor’s budget would be in a lot worse shape. She said the Indiana legislature has tied the hands of cities and towns, making it more difficult for them to raise revenue and fund core services.
Nytes also dismissed Republican criticism that former Council and Administration left them with unfunded obligations. She said anyone who had been paying attention would have known the city was spending down fund balances because the legislature was limiting local governments.
Nytes said she understands that this is the way the world works, but it would be nice for the Mayor to say “thank you” to Democrats for making it possible to fund his budget. She said Ballard is in the driver’s seat, but they were the ones who put the gas in the car.
