Council doesn't fill hole in budget

DOWNTOWN TOLEDO - There is new word of layoffs in the City of Toledo, as the budget deficit of $20 million still stands.

There was hope from some that the city council would take some steps Tuesday night to close that deficit, but that didn't happen.

Sources within the police department tell Fox Toledo they expect Mayor Carty Finkbeiner to announce another round of police layoffs very soon, which could be as high as 100.

Most on the council told Fox Toledo they want to hear from a fact finder when it comes to police union negotiations. That's before deciding whether or not to void some union contracts as the Mayor is suggesting.

"I have faith our city will not operate in the same way as we do today.  Having said that, the rebirth of Toledo will come," said City Councilman Michael Collins.

So for now,  that rebirth will not come in the form of an increased trash fee, income tax changes to people who live in the city and work out of town, and a 10% pay cuts across the board. Council members did decide to purchase over $9 million in trash cans, as the city moves to automation. That idea didn't get complete support.

"We don't have the money, we don't have the money. We're still looking at a $20 million hole in our operating money," said City Councilman Michael Ashford.

So now this council waits for the fact finding.

"Once that comes out, I think that's going to show that there is no hidden piles of money. The city is in very difficult financial straits," said City Councilman Joe McNamara.

In the meantime, there is serious concern about more layoffs while the council waits. Mayor Finkbeiner has said in the past that the city loses about $100,000 a day without these budget cuts. The worry is that those could turn into those layoffs.

"The mayor is probably going to do that because the fact of the matter is there have been no revenue increases approved by council," said McNamara.

"The mayor is the chief executive officer. He needs to do what he feels he needs to do and what he legally can do. Clearly layoffs are a very distinct possibility from his perspective," said City Councilman George Sarantou.

That fact finding session is set for April 24.

Questions or comments about this story: Contact Shaun Hegarty