Fever-pitched budget battle

DOWNTOWN TOLEDO, Ohio - Toledo's nearly $28 million budget shortfall battle rages on.

About 500 residents crammed council chambers for nearly four hours hoping to voice their concern on the $27.7 million budget problem, how to fix it, and question Mayor Carty Finkbeiner's plan to cut pay and benefits for police and other city workers.

Concerned for their safety, citizens pleaded for council and Mr. Finkbeiner to not cut any safety employees from the police and fire departments and instead focus on other areas. Over 20 people stood up and spoke their peace.

"The guy on the 22nd floor, the illegal act that he wants you to perform, and he wants to draw you all in on it," said one concerned resident.

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READ: Mayor Carty Finkbeiner remarks from April 7 Committee of the Whole meeting

 

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"Sometimes Carty can get lost in a telephone booth. He don't mean no harm," said Rev. Will Collie.

Many didn't hold back their feelings as they addressed council.

"There is only one person I know of, I've read about, that can walk on water and complete problems without intervention - and he doesn't reside on the 22nd floor," said Mel Stachura, who retired last week after 27 years on the job with the Toledo Police Department.

Mr. Finkbeiner was a big target of the evening. He slipped out of the meeting half way through, but before he did he made sure he let the packed house know how serious the budget situation is.

"When the city is losing $100,000 per day, a half million dollars weekly, and more than $2 million monthly, we must act - and we must act soon," Finkbeiner stressed.

The mayor wants to suspend union contracts for one year, cut pay by 10%, and stop paying into state pensions for police officers and firefighters.

But, the mayor may be a big part of the problem. One after another, the city's union leaders and private citizens exercised their right. In one voice they said don't trust anything the Finkbeiner administration says.

They are also concerned a lack of police presence due to layoffs will cause a spike in crime, a risk they're not willing to take.

"Who of us are going to be there when the prostitute gets her butt kicked on my corner at 3 a.m.? I'm just a little crabby because I don't sleep well with dope dealers parked next to my house," said Gail Wahle, an East Toledo block watch community member.

City council was originally scheduled to meet earlier Tuesday afternoon to vote on a proposal from the mayor's office to cancel union contracts, essentially cutting pay and benefits for employees, or declare a financial emergency. The move would effect all unions, except AFSCME Local 7, which agreed to union concessions when it renegotiated its contract earlier this year.

Not sitting well with some council members, it was decided to postpone the vote and instead have a public meeting.

Tuesday evening, Mayor Finkbeiner responded to the council meeting, basically stating everyone needs to work together.

"We need the cooperation and support of all City employees to balance the City’s budget," the mayor said in a statement. "This will require making some personal temporary sacrifices until our economy’s vigor returns, but will also avoid major layoffs. We look forward to City Council’s swift action in moving forward to balance the City’s budget."

As for when the vote will occur, that's still up in the air. The vote topic was a bone of contention during an agenda review meeting early Tuesday afternoon, with some council members accusing others of not including all of council on a major decision.

"I'm prepared to vote, I'm prepared to vote," said Councilwoman Lindsay Webb. "Let's get real, let's get straight forward. Let's not cancel meetings."

Many in attendance, including several council members, spoke up with a solution. All said they would want to continue union negotiations, hoping union concessions will help avoid layoffs and litigation.

"Whoever is at the bargaining table, you are not serving the community by continuing to extend things out," said Councilman Joe McNamara. "Whether it's the administration's fault or the bargaining unit's fault, you are failing all of us and I'm very tired or it."

One thing that did come out of this meeting was that the Toledo Police Patrolmans Association and the Finkbeiner administration will go back to the bargaining table Wednesday afternoon. The session is scheduled for 2 p.m.

As for the future of the city's contracts with the unions, city council is expected to decide on that in a special meeting Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

(FOX Toledo's Heather Miller contributed to this report)