Gary council OKs $47M budget
By Michelle L. Quinn Post-Tribune correspondent October 30, 2012 10:04PM
Updated: December 1, 2012 4:42PM
GARY — The Common Council at a special Tuesday night meeting approved 7-1 — with Councilwoman Marilyn Krusas, D-1, casting the lone dissenting vote — the city’s estimated general fund budget of $47,435,923 as well as its salary budgets.
Controller Celita Green told the council the original budgets were amended by substitution on three points: A code inspector specialist position be moved from the building division; an administrative position be added back to the redevelopment department, which increased the general fund total by $46,991 but would be offset by the Small Farms TIF; and a $140,000 increase to the Fire Department budget from a negotiated increase from Gary/Chicago International Airport. None of the changes had an effect on the general fund budget, according to Green.
Krusas said she voted against the budget because she believes the council could use a “sharper pencil” with regard to revenues and expenses.
“My concern is that operating expenses will be less for next year, yet we’ve increased staffing,” she said. “I think we need more than one meeting on all the budget components.”
