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Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has vetoed many of the budget cuts made by the Common Council to his proposed $348 million budget. On Monday (May 19), Walsh filed objections to 45 of the 82 amendments passed by the council, which aimed to cut $16 million from the budget. The mayor's vetoes focus on restoring funding for the city's police and fire departments, as well as the departments of public works and parks.
Walsh argues that the council's cuts would negatively impact public safety, constituent services, and city employees. He emphasized that his approach eliminates the need for a property tax increase while maintaining essential services. "Respectfully, I do not support the Council’s amendments and significant reductions to the proposed budget," Walsh stated in his letter to the council. "I urge the Council to reconsider and not make those reductions," he added.
The Common Council, which had sought an outside analysis of the budget, justified the cuts by pointing to rising city expenses. The council's analysis suggested that costs could be reduced by $26 million. However, Walsh criticized the process as "rushed, secretive, and incomplete."
The council can override Walsh's vetoes during its next meeting on May 27. At least six votes are needed to override a veto, and if successful, the mayor has no legal recourse to challenge the decision.