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Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has voiced strong opposition to the Syracuse Common Council's decision to cut $16 million from his proposed budget. The council approved over 80 amendments on Thursday (May 8), reducing the mayor's fiscal plan without any public discussion. Mayor Walsh described the process as "unprecedented" in its secrecy and labeled the cuts "draconian and dangerous."
The council's amendments aim to eliminate a proposed 2% property tax hike and water fee increase, keeping the property tax rate flat. The council's budget includes $332 million in expenditures, pulling only $14 million from the city’s general fund compared to the $27 million proposed by Walsh. Despite the cuts, the council assured there would be no reductions in police or fire department staffing.
Mayor Walsh, supported by senior staff, expressed frustration at a news conference, stating that the council's actions were a personal affront. He criticized the lack of transparency, noting that he first learned of the cuts through a news article. "The term unprecedented has been used to describe this budgeting process," Walsh said. "What is unprecedented is the secrecy and lack of transparency exhibited by the council throughout this process."
The mayor has ten days to file objections to the amendments. He hopes to engage with councilors for potential compromises, emphasizing the need for dialogue and expert consultation. Meanwhile, councilors Pat Hogan and Chol Majok, both mayoral candidates, defended the cuts, arguing that now is not the time for a property tax revaluation, a key component of Walsh's proposal.