Birmingham, AL -
Carole Smitherman (District 6) says, "The fight is over, this is the city budget, let's move forward." After weeks of discussion, Birmingham city council members finally approved Mayor William Bell's budget plan by a 6-3 vote.
Mayor William Bell says, "I'm grateful to them for passing the budget so we can move forward in building the city." But not everyone was happy because the mayor pushed through parts of the budget without full participation from the council.
LaShunda Scales (District 1) says, "As leaders of the city, we didn't have enough mutual respect for one another to meet together, to sit down and discuss the budget together."
Steven Hoyt's concerns are about sanitation workers who will now receive a 0.5% raise.
Steven Hoyt (District 8) says, "it's an insult." But the mayor contends its fair, since other employees may be eligible for merit increases. Although not perfect, other councilors say it's something they can live with.
James Roberson (District 7) says, "If we do the things we need to do and manage our budget properly, with all consideration and increase our revenue potential, then we can look at other opportunities of increasing our cost of living to support those employees."
Carole Smitherman (District 6) says, "Let's celebrate the fact that we are a city that is well financed and well structured."
A major addition to the new budget plan is $250,000 for North Birmingham's environmental work for Maxine Parkers district. The mayor says he will discuss environmental work in due time. Parker who previously voted against the budget, didn't weigh in like the rest, she too voted "yes".
Mayor Bell says he'll try to find additional money for raises.
