Thursday, March 12, 2009

City Commisison Workshop

"I can't hear"

The Audio worked for a minute---then total silence.
This is so frustrating. It is really hard to get just one night at home.

It finally came on and I got to hear the special meeting between various interruptions. Heard Ed Grimm of the CRA speak saying that he was a life long supporter of Unions...for unions...for our fire rescue going to the County...reconsider the CRA exemption. One of the main reasons we are in so much trouble is that we can no longer afford the union pensions and benefits.

If I heard correctly, Jo-Ann Golden said something to the effect that people in the Osborne Community should pay the same as someone in College Park. Gee, just when I was thinking she was a Socialist. I am not a believer that the poor should pay the same fee as a wealthy individual but pay per your financial ability.

Right now Fire Rescue costs us $8.3 mil. If we go to the County, it will cost us $5.7 million, a difference of $2.6 million. Out of that $2.6 million, we will allocate $1 mil per year for the Pension Fund, $1.1 million in supplement payments to the County for the first 2 years and then it will be $1.3 million, $300,000 will come from the CRA over the next 10 years. I believe this is what was said.

The Commission did not like taking money away from the CRA. Just think, they might not be able to give away air conditioning units and sprinkler systems anymore to anyone who asks. That would not upset me.