THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks
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JUST IN: Spike Jones will be named at Chief of Police at a special city commission meeting Friday at 11:00AM. Congratulations, Spike!
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JUST IN: Spike Jones will be named at Chief of Police at a special city commission meeting Friday at 11:00AM. Congratulations, Spike!
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EXPECT CUTS AS COVINGTON COMMISSION VOTES ON 2012-13 BUDGET TODAY
It will no longer be just talk and just warnings of what to expect in the budget of the next fiscal year that starts July 1. Tonight at City Hall, the Covington City Commission will vote to approve a very lean budget, one that will likely cause immediate cuts to staffing levels and one that could lead to more cuts and reorganization in the very near future. The meeting was moved to Thursday because Tuesday night was reserved for a special presentation and first reading of the proposed budget and also to hear the recommendations of Cincinnati-based Management Partners on how City Hall could be reorganized to save money in the coming years. The River City News will be at City Hall tonight and you will find the most comprehensive coverage right here immediately afterwards.
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SEE ALSO: Mayor Chuck Scheper updates his agenda laid out in his 10-point plan Click Here
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SEE ALSO: The City of Covington has posted the updated 10-point plan and the slideshow used by Management Partners at the City website
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HIRING REBOUNDS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
A topical story considering what is about to happen at Covington City Hall tonight:
States, cities, counties and school districts hired 828,000 workers in the first four months of the year, up 20% from a year earlier, and the most since 2008, according to a USA TODAY analysis of the government's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The number of job openings at state and local governments also hit a four-year high.USA Today/Dennis Cauchon
This lift in government hiring shows how state budget problems have eased in recent months as tax collections have improved. Total revenue is flat because extra federal aid is drying up. But tax money revenue generally is spent on workers, especially at the local level, while federal aid is often dedicated to outside vendors, such as health care providers in the Medicaid program and highway contractors.
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TOUGH DISCUSSION ABOUT HEATED EXCHANGE AFTER TUES NIGHT'S MEETING
Chuck Eilerman, a candidate for Covington City Commission, posted this to his campaign Facebook page:
Last night I attended the Mayor's update on the state of his 10 point plan and the summary overview of the Management Partners study recommendations. Some thoughtful and provocative ideas, many of which seeem to have merit for further discussion. I do believe, though, that the only way we can maximize the effectiveness of these ideas is by dealing respectfully and collaboratively with all parties involved, including our employees and the leadership of related organizations. One Commissioner was overheard after the meeting threatening/promising to "F***" several of these folks. This behavior is not "passionate", it's disrespectful, insulting, disfunctional, and unacceptable coming from an elected official. Just saying...Eilerman did not name the commissioner directly, but City Commissioner Steve Frank responded to the story at The River City News Facebook page:
Last I checked Will Terwort wasn't a city employee. As for losing my temper, I am most assuredly guilty and frankly what we are doing in Covington is of no concern to Ft Mitchell commissioners who want to tell us who we should be doing business with aka Mr. Toeben rather than attracting open bidders for a project. I told him off and apologized to him later onve I cooled down. Covington will not be bought and sold by special interests as its been in the past. Sorry if I burned your virgin ears Chuck.Will Terwort is a Fort Mitchell city councilman who ran unsuccessfully in May in the GOP primary to represent that city and Covington in the Kentucky State Senate. Terwort also responded at the Facebook page:
Last night, I attended the meeting to hear the report from Management Partners. I wanted to learn how to make government more efficient and how to provide services better. I liked some of the report's ideas and disagreed with other parts of it. The point I was making with Mr. Frank was the city's lack of economic development in recent years. In the 1990's, the city was bringing in fortune 500 companies. As a result, the city's payroll tax grew. However, the city quit chasing the payroll tax, which is what pays for basic services. Even though I dont live in Covington, I still want the city to grow and prosper because its good for Kenton County. Covington is the heart and economic center of Kenton County. Unfortunately, you can't have a reasonable conversation with Mr. Frank without him losing his temper.
Looks like the campaign break is over.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RCN: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
The River City News celebrates its first anniversary today. On June 28, 2011 the first story was posted and the headline read:
"Budget Battle No Clearer Today Than Yesterday or in May"
That's right. The first couple of postings dealt with tough decisions being weighed at City Hall in regards to the budget just as the stories of this week have. Here is an excerpt from that first posting:
Tuesday night’s meeting was the first reading of an updated "proposed" budget that changes employee contributions to health care. A final vote is set for less than twenty-four hours later on Wednesday night. The City must fill a projected $4.2 million dollar deficit in next year’s budget. Klein and Finance Director Bob Due have proposed cutting $1.2 million from the police department, $1.5 million from the fire department, and nearly $900,000 from public works. Ten firefighters, four police officers, and eight public works employees would be laid off. Twelve vacant positions between all three departments would be eliminated without having been filled. "This is a watershed moment in Covington history," Klein said. "This budget rebuilds financial reserves to build Covington’s credit rating. We have a long way to go and we have to begin somewhere."
Read the entire first post by clicking here.
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LET'S ALSO WISH A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO BAKER HUNT
Baker Hunt is one of Covington's best resources and tonight the arts organization celebrates ninety years:
"A Gathering of Friends"... Please join us TONIGHTas we celebrate 90 years of Baker Hunt being a true icon of what makes Northern Kentucky Great !! If you are a current or former student or teacher, or just a Baker Hunt supporter, come join us in true celebration. The Friends Business Meeting (6pm) Pot Luck (6:30) Music by The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra info 859.431.0020.
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COVINGTON SCHOOLS GET MONEY FOR FRESH FRUIT/VEGETABLE PROGRAM
The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Education was awarded $2.7 million from the US Department of Agriculture as part of the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, and some of that money is coming to Covington. Glenn O. Swing and Latonia Elementary Schools will participate in that program that is described in a news release:
The FFVP provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to children during the school day.
The goal of the FFVP is to:
· create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choicesLatonia will receive $21,590.60 and Glenn O. Swing will receive $20,748.04 for the program that begins in the 2012-13 school year.
· expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience
· increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
· make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health
School selection was based upon submitted applications from elementary schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and that have 50 percent or more of their students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Priority was given to schools with the highest percentage of free- and reduced-eligible students.
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QUICKIES
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Would tolls on Brent Spence Bridge affect other bridges? Cincinnati Enquirer
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CVG Airport prepares for using only a single terminal Cincinnati Enquirer
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State Auditor: Special taxing districts operate in near pitch black darkness Herald-Leader
State Auditor: Special taxing districts operate in near pitch black darkness Herald-Leader
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The auditor is looking into special taxing districts across the Commonwealth and that report & database will be available by year's end Bluegrass Politics
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Is there a secret conservative war on zoning? The Atlantic Cities
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An Eastern Kentucky newspaper editorializes on the coal debate Hazard Herald
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AROLDIS CHAPMAN INTRODUCES USA TO 'SOMERSAULT OF RESPECT'
LOL:
The Summersault of Respect is an ancient ritual often performed by Cuban people at important events such as weddings and religious ceremonies. Cuban children are often required to perform Summersaults of Respect when addressing their parents. Cuban cultural Authority, Juan Guillermo Marquez, says it is a very rare indulgence to witness the Double Summersault of Respect. “Aroldis must indeed feel a deep sense of respect for his team. I have only seen a double one or twice in my life.”Derf Magazine (Satire)
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