Utica's first proposed budget: 38 layoffs and 18.19% tax increase
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: February 23, 2012
The Utica's first proposed budget by the mayor is looking at 38 job cuts and an 18.19 percent tax increase.
Mayor Rob Palmieri says he's spent the last 45 days working on this budget and knew no one would be happy.
There are 15 cuts within the Utica Police Department, and seven positions in the Utica Fire Department.
Cuts are also in Department of Public Works as well as other departments.
"This budget that we've worked on for the past 45 days will reflect pain, sorrow, and I hope in the end, a future," said Mayor Palmieri.
Part of that pain is in the form of layoffs in The Utica Fire Department.
"I'm concerned. I still have to go back and do an analysis. We'll provide the highest level we can of fire protection, but a reduction means a reduction in services. It's inevitable," said Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks.
The may says he feels each and every person's pain who may be facing some job cuts.
But, one thing he wants to stress is that he is working hard and fighting against a control board coming to the city.
"That's a real problem that we have at this point, and unfortunately, if a control board comes in.....we do not have control, and then there could be either further cuts, or further tax increases," said Mayor Palmieri.
Mayor Rob Palmieri says he's spent the last 45 days working on this budget and knew no one would be happy.
There are 15 cuts within the Utica Police Department, and seven positions in the Utica Fire Department.
Cuts are also in Department of Public Works as well as other departments.
"This budget that we've worked on for the past 45 days will reflect pain, sorrow, and I hope in the end, a future," said Mayor Palmieri.
Part of that pain is in the form of layoffs in The Utica Fire Department.
"I'm concerned. I still have to go back and do an analysis. We'll provide the highest level we can of fire protection, but a reduction means a reduction in services. It's inevitable," said Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks.
The may says he feels each and every person's pain who may be facing some job cuts.
But, one thing he wants to stress is that he is working hard and fighting against a control board coming to the city.
"That's a real problem that we have at this point, and unfortunately, if a control board comes in.....we do not have control, and then there could be either further cuts, or further tax increases," said Mayor Palmieri.
