VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK: ‘Cut Budget Fat, Not Services’
Several City leaders, including members of the City Council, have noted that few Falls Church residents have come forward to speak about the current budget crisis. But at the Dec. 14 City Council meeting, 30-year resident Richard LaVelle did just that. Videos featured by the Falls Church Times do not imply any endorsement of the views contained therein, but rather are intended to share with a larger audience the opinions expressed by residents on City issues. To view the video, click on the “Play” symbol below.
By Falls Church Times Staff
December 17, 2009
I certainly agree that the Council should be spending a lot more time on the budget and less on the timing of elections. Beyond that, saying “cut fat” without saying where isn’t at all helpful. The budget isn’t that complicated — take a look and suggest specific cuts. Really. It’s not voodoo. Most people here in the City work in organizations with MUCH more complicated budgets.
The biggest moving part of the consolidated City budget over the past 5 years has been school personnel costs — driven by escalating teacher salaries. Beyond that, just about everything else has been flat (in nominal terms) or dropping (in real terms) for years.
So who or what gets tossed overboard?
I agree with Dave. Personally I think the bottom line is a % reduction from each department and then raise taxes to balance. What that % is requires some study as each department is different, providing different serices to the community. You should let Council know which departments serve you best.
What’s the easiest way to see the existing budget? Does someone have a link to a web page or PDF handy?
Start here with these two links:
http://www.fallschurchva.gov/Content/Government/Departments/AdminServ/FY10Budget.aspx?cnlid=177
http://www.fccps.org/board/budget/fy11/
By the way, I like Barry’s idea — if you can’t say where to cut, at least be willing to say what services are the most valuable to you.