The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved the budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year at their regular meeting Thursday.
After several weeks of intense negotiation, the council approved the $323 million budget almost unanimously. Vice Mayor Steve Kay says despite the compromises that members had to make, he was generally satisfied with the final results.
“It’s not perfect, it’s not what every one of us might like in every detail, but it is a really good budget, and it reflects a wise use of the funds that the taxpayers entrust to us to spend wisely,” he said.
However, some council members still had concerns about specific provisions. Councilman Richard Moloney said he was worried Mayor Gray would veto the 4% raise for city employees, reverting to Gray’s original proposal of 3%. Others, including Councilman Ed Lane, questioned the viability of capital bond projects, such as the Old County Courthouse. Councilmember Jennifer Mossotti, in casting the sole dissenting vote, said she also questioned the amounts spent on the Town Branch Trail.
"I think, “Okay Jennifer, this is a good idea, I think downtown is good, I think we need to make it vibrant and viable, we’re in competition with a lot of other cities.” And then I think, “Okay, what do I say to my folks who have been paying taxes for years and years? How come my basketballs haven’t been resurfaced? What about my tennis courts? What about my playgrounds?”” she said.
Mayor Gray now has ten days to approve or veto the budget. If he decides not to take action, it will automatically become law.
