POUGHKEEPSIE – City Mayor Rob Rolison attempted to get out in front of projected budget shortfalls created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the Poughkeepsie administration told the common council to expect a minimum of a $5.5 million shortfall and plan to make necessary budget cuts. Excluding the police and fire departments, along with Section 8, all departments were requested to submit revised budgets showing that they each had identified 15 percent worth of cuts by April 3. All departments complied, excepts for the council.
In early May, 8th Ward Councilman Matthew McNamara suggested that the council make cuts to their ward spending funds. The plan was shot down. The suggestion and denial of the plan resulted in a heated debate, covered here.
Continuing to seek ways for the council to reduce spending during the pandemic, McNamara offered an amendment at the first June meeting to reduce the amount available for the council to spend on outside consultants. McNamara suggested removing $22,530 from the budget line, given that the council had not spent any of the money since January.
Councilwoman Natasha Cherry embraced the idea that was eventually tabled by members Sarah Brannen and Evan Menist. Council Chair Sarah Salem said that the board’s Finance Committee, chaired by Councilman Chris Petsas would review the resolution, but Salem has not sent it to Petsas as of June 13.
Salem has, however, sent a proposal to the committee for review. In the amendment, Salem appears to be transferring funds from other departments, rather than making cuts to council funds. “That is not a reduction in the council budget – it’s a transfer from somebody else’s,” said McNamara. “I feel they missed the point.”
When asked when the council would be voting on the Phase 2 cuts, overlooking the failure to make cuts in the first round, Salem said, “Ask the finance committee and the administration,” without giving a date. Pressed as to when the cuts would be voted on, Salem said, “I don’t ask for things to be put on the agenda; I set the agenda,” while once again noting that the finance committee would be reviewing it at their June 17 meeting. Petsas indicated that McNamara’s latest budget cut amendment had not been sent over by Salem.
The continued delays in identifying cuts have drawn the ire of Rolison. “I am beyond frustrated and at a loss why this council after two months can’t get their act together to make the same sacrifices the rest of city government has made. That is not the message they should be sending to our dedicated workforce and the taxpayers.”
