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The Syracuse Common Council is set to meet today (May 27) to decide whether to override Mayor Ben Walsh's vetoes on the city's budget. The council had previously made 82 amendments to Walsh's original $348 million budget proposal, cutting approximately $16 million, including funds for the police and fire departments. Mayor Walsh vetoed many of these cuts, aiming to restore $13 million, particularly in public safety and revenue-generating departments, and to avoid a property tax increase.
Walsh's vetoes include restoring $3.5 million to the police budget and $2.4 million to the fire department, as well as $1.5 million for code enforcement, permit review, and legal services. These areas, Walsh argues, are crucial for maintaining public safety and addressing housing issues. According to Syracuse.com, the mayor's approach aims to maintain city services without increasing taxes.
Council President Pro Tempore Pat Hogan expressed confidence that the council will override the vetoes, emphasizing fiscal sustainability and resident support for avoiding a tax hike. The council's budget eliminates the proposed tax increase and a $5-a-year water rate hike, which Hogan believes will lead to better budget management by city departments.
The council has until June 2 to adopt a final budget, and they can override Walsh's vetoes with six votes.