In this edition, we hear from the Commissioners following the approval of a contentious budget plan; Plus, we go to MainStrasse for a makeover using only local businesses!
NOTE: Our editor did a beautiful job with the makeover package, but did make one glaring error. We hope that Kim Maius of Ottoman Imports and Noah Kidd of Noah's Art will have a good laugh when Kim's husband is seen on video when we talk about Noah and his salon. Enjoy!
360 Fireworks Party
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Budget Passes, Negotiations to Continue, More Large Employer Warnings
by Michael Monks
Email Michael
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
With little more than twenty-four hours remaining in this fiscal year, Covington approved a budget for the next one. As expected, the vote was 4 - 1 in favor of the proposed budget, with the four commissioners voting to approve and the mayor dissenting. After months of heated rhetoric from commissioners, city administration and public employees, Wednesday night's meeting inside City Hall saw a continuance of the verbal jabs.
"I've seen hate against unions spread throughout this city," said firefighter Mike Clendenen. "I watched all of you campaign on public safety. I think you owe the voters an apology."
"You've damaged the city," said FOP president Brian Valenti. "The police department will go one hundred percent to make sure we give (the public) the best service, but I don't know how we'll do that."
One particular point of anger for the public employees, who face twenty-five layoffs, is the plan to hire an assistant finance director.
Email Michael
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
With little more than twenty-four hours remaining in this fiscal year, Covington approved a budget for the next one. As expected, the vote was 4 - 1 in favor of the proposed budget, with the four commissioners voting to approve and the mayor dissenting. After months of heated rhetoric from commissioners, city administration and public employees, Wednesday night's meeting inside City Hall saw a continuance of the verbal jabs.
"I've seen hate against unions spread throughout this city," said firefighter Mike Clendenen. "I watched all of you campaign on public safety. I think you owe the voters an apology."
"You've damaged the city," said FOP president Brian Valenti. "The police department will go one hundred percent to make sure we give (the public) the best service, but I don't know how we'll do that."
One particular point of anger for the public employees, who face twenty-five layoffs, is the plan to hire an assistant finance director.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
BUDGET BATTLE NO CLEARER TODAY THAN YESTERDAY OR IN MAY
by Michael Monks
Email Michael
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
Maybe twenty-five positions within Covington's city government will be eliminated. Maybe they won't. Perhaps public unions, representing police, fire and public works will offer concessions on health care. Perhaps not. And possibly, none of this is necessary.
"This budget makes available $1 million for public safety projects," said City Manager Larry Klein. "Not flower pots, but ambulances and police cars."
"You can have the finest equipment in the world, but if there’s no one to operate them (what’s the point?)," countered firefighter Mike Holtman, leader of Local 38, the union representing the fire department.
Email Michael
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-River-City-News/244172412265645
Maybe twenty-five positions within Covington's city government will be eliminated. Maybe they won't. Perhaps public unions, representing police, fire and public works will offer concessions on health care. Perhaps not. And possibly, none of this is necessary.
"This budget makes available $1 million for public safety projects," said City Manager Larry Klein. "Not flower pots, but ambulances and police cars."
"You can have the finest equipment in the world, but if there’s no one to operate them (what’s the point?)," countered firefighter Mike Holtman, leader of Local 38, the union representing the fire department.
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