Overview
- In a 5-2 vote at a special meeting on Dec. 29, council upheld amendments that remove city funding for the business administrator, the building and housing director, the business development/LERTA director, and the police community engagement director.
- Council points to interim leaders exceeding the 120-day cap for acting roles as the reason for defunding positions held without confirmation.
- The Intergovernmental Cooperation Association warned that the move effectively defunded a position required by law, referring to the business administrator.
- Mayor Wanda Williams labeled the cuts short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible and warned the city could incur higher costs by contracting for required services.
- A spokesperson said the mayor is livid and will respond Tuesday, marking the third straight year of budget clashes between the mayor and council.