Lexington city council members are reacting to a no-frills budget recommendation coming from Mayor Linda Gorton. The mayor went over the proposed budget in a virtual session with council members Tuesday afternoon.
The mayor’s $372 million spending plan doesn’t focus on spending, but instead reductions and tapping into reserve funds. Gorton is not suggesting raising taxes as a way to address governmental needs.
During the council meeting, Vice Mayor Steve Kay indicated he believes it’s time for a conversation about new revenue. “I’m not, at this point, ready to put a proposal on the table, but I do know from some back of the napkin calculations that I’ve done a modest increase in one or more revenue streams could generate enough money to spare the community from some of the deepest and most painful cuts,” said Kay.
Gorton is suggesting a reduction in funding for outside agencies by $6 million. Council Member Angela Evans believes that proposal deserves further review. “There’s just put it out there for council members perhaps we can reconsider that and with no favoritism but just really going back because this really will wipe out some of the organizations that we definitely depend on in this city,” explained Evans.
Finance Commissioner Bill O’mara said projections now call for the local economy to open back up in August with hopes it will build upon itself after that. Mayor Gorton said she anticipates budget challenges to continue for at least the next two to three years in dealing with the lasting economic effects of coronavirus.
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