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The ongoing budget battle in Syracuse continues as Mayor Ben Walsh and the Common Council clash over the city's financial plan. Mayor Walsh has expressed his willingness to accept over $2 million in cuts to his proposed $348 million budget, but the Common Council has slashed spending by $16 million, citing the need to preserve the city's long-term financial health.
The Common Council's decision was based on a report by The Bonadio Group, an independent accounting firm. The report suggested cost-saving measures but has been criticized for its lack of public input and reliance solely on financial statements. Despite Mayor Walsh's willingness to compromise, Councilor Pat Hogan, who is running for mayor, indicated that the council is likely to override any objections from the mayor.
Mayor Walsh plans to file formal objections to the council's amendments by Monday (May 19). The council will discuss these objections at their meeting on May 27. Walsh has criticized the cuts as "draconian and dangerous," warning that they could disrupt city services, including police security details for downtown events.
Councilor Hogan and other council members argue that the cuts are necessary to avoid tapping into the city's reserve fund, which is projected to have about $120 million. The council's decision to hire an independent firm for budget analysis marks a shift from previous years when budget reviews were conducted through public hearings with department heads.
The political implications of the budget battle are significant, with two councilors running for mayor against Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens. Both sides have expressed a willingness to compromise, but each blames the other for the impasse. The outcome of this budget dispute will have lasting effects on Syracuse's financial strategy and public services.