LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Council members voted down an ordinance that would have increased premium tax rates to help pay for rising pension costs.
Councilwoman Madonna Flood got emotional detailing how proposed cuts to services would affect people across the city. "To the mother leaving her home in the middle of the night carrying her child on her hip with only the clothes on her back, a woman's shelter is not only essential, it's her only means of escape," she said.
The vote was 11 to 15. All seven Republican members voted no for the tax increases along with eight Democrats. Work of a compromise - a mix of tax increases and cuts to services was defeated.
"This is, of course, a difficult vote. I know that. It is not something that I want to do. But I can tell you, the more difficult vote will be on June 25th," explained Councilman Bill Hollander.
June 25 is the expected vote on next year's budget, which will now include $35 million dollars in cuts. In February, Mayor Greg Fischer outlined what those cuts for next year could look like, including eliminating LMPD's June 100 member recruiting class, closing two of 21 fire stations, shutting down four of 17 community centers, along with four of the five city pools and keeping the Belle of Louisville docked downtown.
"We are in a place where there are no great options. No one is happy here talking about raising revenue, raising taxes. No one is happy here today talking about cutting services. But, unfortunately, that's what's been laid before us," said Councilman Pat Mulvihill.
Mayor Greg Fischer expressed his disappointment with the vote in a written statement:
"I am deeply disappointed and saddened for the people of Louisville by the Metro Council’s vote to cut $65 million in vital services from the city budget. The magnitude of this action by the Council will force cuts to services, including police, fire and EMS, along with cuts to programs that make a difference in the lives of people all over Louisville — libraries, community centers, Meals on Wheels, senior centers, paving projects, programs that work to keep our city healthy and clean, and many, many others. My thanks goes to the Council members who had the courage to vote against these cuts.
On April 25, I will present a FY20 budget with the first year of cuts totaling $35 million, reflecting the service cuts that the majority of the Council voted for.
Separately, the Council’s vote tonight to reverse their March 7 vote suspending the bond ordinance that would fund capital projects that they’d twice approved now must be reviewed in light of their subsequent vote to cut $65 million from Metro Government, to determine whether or not those projects can go forward."
Kent Oyler, president and CEO Greater Louisville Inc., statement:
"Throughout discussions on how to address the city’s projected budget shortfall, GLI has consistently advocated for a balanced approach, centered on reductions to spending and limited tax increases. We are concerned that Metro Council was unable to reach a consensus and find a sustainable path forward.
Our local officials must come together to solve this issue and give careful consideration to all options available — which we acknowledge are fewer than we would prefer. GLI remains committed to working with the city to continue moving our economy forward and navigating this new fiscal reality."
Tracy Dotson, FOP President Metro Corrections, statement:
“The failure of Louisville Metro Council tonight to vote responsibly for the future of this city and the citizens who depend on reliable government services is not only shameful, it's irresponsible. An elected position is not all ribbon cuttings and dedication ceremonies. Sometimes hard choices have to be made, choices that should put citizens and workers first, not your next election. Every NO vote in this picture is a YES vote for reduced public safety and workers losing their jobs. Some of these NO votes are Council members that the FOP or Labor has endorsed. Council members who evidently earned that endorsement by pretending to be in favor of Law Enforcement and Labor until their first tough decision showed their true colors. To our supporters on Metro Council, we appreciate you. Keep up the hard and difficult task of ensuring this city's future. For the NO votes, we will see you at your next election. We will be in your neighborhoods, at your Town Halls, and on your campaign trails. We will put forth and support viable and responsible candidates in your districts that know the difference between the right thing to do and the easy thing to do.
We will remember.”
Tonight at 11, Robert Bradfield will have more on what this means for the city's budget.