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Saturday, May 31, 2008
Council Overstepped on '09 Budget Cuts
By Martin J. CháVez
Albuquerque Mayor
Two months ago, I proposed a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2009 which was financially prudent and resulted in the highest bond rating in Albuquerque history.
Under the City Council version of the budget, recurring obligations are out of balance with recurring revenue. This is grossly irresponsible. I will, therefore, exercise my authority as the mayor to regulate spending to make sure recurring obligations do not exceed recurring revenues.
The City Council simultaneously expands its own budget by $700,000 and mandates layoffs of veteran employees. It further seeks to compel the hiring of new employees, which I believe we cannot afford at this time. Government must live within its means.
Article V, Section 3 of our City Charter provides in part that: “The Mayor shall control and direct the executive branch.” Section 4 of that same Article provides as well that: “The Mayor shall (a) organize the executive branch of the City.” It is my desire and intention to work closely with the City Council. However, I cannot, consistent with my oath of office, accede to actions of the City Council which violate the separation of powers contained in our Charter.
Accordingly, I will treat those portions of the City Council budget pertaining to layoffs and new positions as “advisory” only. I decline to lay off any employees as directed in the council budget. As the economy evolves, I will revisit the City Council's advice regarding the creation, elimination and filling of positions.
The City Council cut $1.3 million from the Fire Department budget. Councilor Michael Cadigan, chairman of the Budget Committee, represented to the public and fellow councilors that the money was for a press conference facility.
In reality, the funding for the Fire Academy, located on Albuquerque's West Side, would have provided a training simulator for firefighting, computers, a backup generator and other equipment necessary to have a functional facility. This is the first direct vote by any City Council to lessen the preparedness of our firefighters.
It occurs at a time when Council President Brad Winter has pending a measure to require the Fire Department to provide fire inspections to his employer, the Albuquerque Public Schools, a service with an annual cost of more than $300,000 to Albuquerque taxpayers. Just last December, Councilor Winter, as an employee of APS, approved the cancellation of then existing agreement between APS and the Albuquerque Fire Department for fire inspections.
Councilors decided it was not worthwhile to fund an effort to reduce teen suicide. The program, which carried a minuscule cost of less than 0.1 percent of the city budget, was an attempt to save the lives of troubled youngsters by focusing on teen depression.
I respectfully disagree with the City Council's view that this is unworthy. The need for the program was reinforced by the tragic suicide of a local high school senior just days before the councilors cut money to address the dilemma of teen depression. I will exercise my executive authority to utilize other funds for this vital initiative.
I know the City Council shares my desire to work closely with the new administration of Albuquerque Public Schools and believes that teenagers need to know we care for them and that help is available when needed.
Many of the layoffs sought by the City Council were at the Balloon Museum, which combined with the Balloon Fiesta, represents New Mexico's premier attraction. In addition to devastating the families of those valued employees, the layoffs would have forced closure of the Balloon Museum at a time when attendance has grown 18 percent year-to-date.
Last year the City Council cut $462,000 from the operating budget of the Balloon Museum. The current cut represents the fourth time in approximately a year that the City Council has attempted to cut funds associated with Albuquerque's signature event. I ask the City Council to work with me to make sure that both the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum prosper. They are unique internationally.
The City Council budget kills a life-saving animal-adoption program at Cottonwood Mall. The result will be thousands more animals euthanized. The Council gave the go-ahead for the new center six months ago and the lease has been negotiated. Councilors have given a slap in the face to West Side residents who deserve the opportunity to have public services in their area.
I reiterate my desire and intention to work closely with the City Council. I respect the prerogatives of the City Council under our Charter and, to the extent that the amended budget comports with that Charter, I have signed it into law.
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