Police and fire departments lose a total of 20 positions as Ann Arbor City Council passes revised budget
(This story has been updated to clarify that the fiscal year 2011-12 budget includes cutting 13 positions in police and seven positions in fire, while the overall two-year budget plan includes cutting another 12 positions in police and five positions in fire in 2012-13.)
The Ann Arbor City Council took action Tuesday night to save funding for parks, public art and nonprofit human services agencies but didn't stop deep cuts to public safety.
The council also finalized a parking agreement with the Downtown Development Authority that calls for a transfer of 17 percent of downtown parking revenues to the city for the next 11 years, with a renewal option to carry the contract through June 2033.
Council members deliberated for nearly five hours before unanimously approving the 2011-12 budget just minutes before a midnight deadline.
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, the city plans to spend roughly $79 million from its general fund, digging a little more than $1 million into its cash reserves.
None of the positions in the police and fire departments proposed for elimination under the city administrator's budget from April were spared by the council. That includes 13 positions in police and seven positions in fire that will be cut effective July 1.
The two-year budget plan calls for eliminating a total of 25 positions in the police department and 12 positions in the fire department, but that's subject to change over the next year.
A few public safety workers who were facing layoff July 1 may be able to stay on the job due to retirements or vacancies, city officials said.
Mayor John Hieftje, shown in this file photo, said the city did all it could to minimize layoffs in the police and fire departments this year.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The number of city employees in Ann Arbor is slated to drop from 736 to 706 by July 1, with another 18 positions to be cut the year after. Despite the proposed cuts, Hieftje said he hopes to find a way to avoid going through layoffs again next year.
Matt Schroeder, president of the Ann Arbor firefighters union, and other members of the fire department watched from the audience Tuesday night.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed because I don't think they considered the safety of the citizens or the students of the University of Michigan," Schroeder said after the council's vote. "It doesn't look as though they tried to save any positions in fire or police."
Several residents in attendance lobbied to save the jobs of firefighters by holding up signs reading: "We (heart) Ann Arbor Firefighters!"
Council members voted on a series of amendments to the budget, but none of them proposed saving the jobs of firefighters. One amendment that proposed a three-month delay in laying off four police officers was defeated by the council in a 6-5 vote.
Hieftje announced in mid-May that city officials were working on a plan to reduce the number of layoffs in police and fire. He called Police Chief Barnett Jones to the podium Tuesday night to explain the city's plan to spare one officer and two firefighters from layoff.
The administrator's budget from April included eliminating seven firefighter positions starting July 1, five of which were expected to require layoffs.
Jones, who doubles as the fire chief, said two firefighters have announced their intention to retire, meaning only three layoffs may be necessary. City officials note the firefighters union could save two of the three from layoff by agreeing to health care concessions.
On the police side, 13 positions still are to be eliminated effective July 1, including two vacant dispatch positions, one vacant telecommunicator position, one vacant police professional assistant position and one vacant officer position. Five officers, two dispatchers and one police service specialist also were to be laid off, but Jones said Tuesday night that one of those five officers likely will be able to avoid layoff due to another vacancy.
City officials note the police union could save the jobs of all four officers facing layoff by agreeing to health care concessions. But even if those positions are cut, Jones said he'll move officers away from desk jobs and back onto patrol.
Jones also said he believes the city can put an end to the practice of periodically closing fire stations — something it started doing in February to cut costs — through better management of fire department overtime and how fire trucks are deployed.
Matt Schroeder
"I would like to see the plan of how we're going to continue to staff with these cutbacks," he said. "We're still going to have a cut in service, and there's no way around that."
Council Member Marcia Higgins, D-4th Ward, offered an amendment to use $110,000 from general fund reserves to preserve the jobs of the four police officers facing layoffs for three extra months. The only four council members to support Higgins were Sabra Briere, Stephen Kunselman, Margie Teall and Mike Anglin.
Higgins suggested funding the positions for three additional months would demonstrate to the police officers union that the city is interested in keeping the officers on the job, but it would take concessions on health care to keep them employed in the long run.
Hieftje and Council Member Stephen Rapundalo, D-2nd Ward, said they thought that might just lead on officers who could otherwise start looking for other jobs now.
Hieftje expressed hope that the state House will pass a bill requiring public employees in Michigan to pay at least 20 percent of the cost of their health insurance premiums. The bill already passed in the Senate, and it could move through the House this month.
Asked after Tuesday's meeting if the firefighters union is willing to consider the city's call for health care concessions, Schroeder said everything is on the table.
"We're open to those things, but there are a lot of other things that need to be discussed as well," he said. "Our safety is one thing, and so is the citizens' safety."
Three council members — Briere, Higgins and Teall — joined forces Tuesday night to propose an amendment to restore a majority of the money — about $85,600 — that was to be taken away from nonprofit human services agencies. The council voted 6-5 in favor of a one-time use of fund balance with Kunselman, Anglin and Hieftje supporting the measure. In all, $1.24 million in city funding will go to nonprofits that provide human services next year.
The council also voted 6-5 in favor of a one-time use of fund balance to restore $90,804 to be used for mowing or maintenance of city parks. The amendment was sponsored by Anglin and Taylor and picked up support from Rapundalo, Hieftje, Briere and Kunselman.
Higgins offered another amendment that resurrected a long-standing debate over the city's Percent For Art Program.
Under an ordinance approved by the City Council, 1 percent of the money spent on capital projects in the city is set aside for public art. Higgins wanted to reduce that to 0.5 percent, which drew concerns from other council members who argued public art is an important economic development tool and contributes to the quality of life in Ann Arbor.
Ultimately, the council voted 7-4 in favor of preserving public art funding, with only Kunselman, Briere and Sandi Smith joining Higgins in pushing for the $158,813 cut.
Hieftje pointed out the public art money Higgins identified comes from the streets and parks millages, as well as the water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste funds. He said that money could not be used to pay for salaries in the general fund.
The council unanimously approved the new parking agreement with the DDA. For the city, 17 percent of downtown parking revenues works out to be nearly $2.7 million next year.
As part of the contract, the city has agreed to act as a financial backstop for the DDA if the authority's fund balance falls below $1 million in the next five years. The council also voted to forgive the $711,767 in excess tax revenues that the DDA recently found out it owed the city.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
snapshot
Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
It's about time local official lit a fire under the firefighter's union to make some changes. It's also time for folks to take responsibility for fire safety in their own homes. I haven't seen any fire education programs offered lately. Time for some serious contract negotiations and not the playtime, paytime negotiations that have been going on in the past.
Mike K
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
Unbelievable, now the left wants to recall the left for not being left enough. This article sends a clear message about the state of government - city, state, federal. It's not "political". It's "actual", and this is a sure strategy for failure: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demagogy" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demagogy</a>.
Michael Christie
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
So the DDA will raise parking rates to cover a nice increase to Republic Parking and maybe some wage increases to themselves, of which none of it is ever reported, but we loose 20 of our most important figures in this city. Absolutely pathetic!!! Keep voting this mayor in office and it will continue to get worse.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
Mayor and council members, allow me to assist: GOOD FAITH: Honestly and without deception. An agreement might be declared invalid if one of the parties entered with the intention of defrauded the other. The duty of each party to an agreement (and all officers, employees, or agents of each party) to act in a fair and equitable manner toward each other so as to guarantee each party freedom from coercion, intimidation, or threats of coercion or intimidation from the other. NEGOTIATION: A mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of a transaction or agreement: the negotiation of a treaty. AA Administration on these counts from precedence? FAIL But that must not have anything to do with Public safety's reluctance to "come to the table".... nah
lester88
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
All indications are that the public safety unions have been at the table. Problem is they are faced with a take "this" so we can give it to others or we are blaming you for the layoffs. The fire union "saved" a couple of jobs for a few months and they still get blamed for causing the layoffs. Bargaining means compromise. The Mayor has chosen not to. Employees read these blogs and know the sentiments of the citizens of this community. Consistently polls have placed a high priority on public safety. The Mayor and Council have chosen to ignore this. Employees also see the fraud, waste and abuse and unlimited funding for ideological pet projects as Ann Arbor tries to save the planet from the rest of the world. As the Mayor continues to cut services, you will get what he is willing to pay for. You may have to wait an hour when you have an accident. You may have to wait 2 hours to report that your home has been burglarized. And your house may burn down or have more extensive damage. This is not fear mongering, this is the reality folks.
lester88
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
Here is another example of a poor personnel relations strategy orchestrated by the Mayor. John Hieftje said, "it'll be up to the police and fire unions to come to the negotiating table and agree to health care concessions to save more jobs." Save more jobs? Employees don't believe or trust him. "City officials note the police union could save the jobs of all four officers facing layoff by agreeing to health care concessions." They are only repeating the company line. "The council also voted to forgive the $711,767 in excess tax revenues that the DDA recently found out it owed the city." This decision to "forgive" would have more than paid for those four officers and a couple of firefighters if the city was really interested in saving positions. My advice to the Unions: Don't fall for it.
areyoukiddingme
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
@ Gary Hamm: Nobody would cut their own salary, so other cuts had to be made . . . Would you?
Jessica
Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
The issue is not about cutting salaries! It's about the cities lack of proper priorities. When you REALLY need the police...I highly doubt parks or art will be on your mind.
blahblahblah
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
For those upset with the council's budget priorities, stayed tuned for the council's upcoming vote to spend $10 million plus for a U of M parking structure called Fuller Station.
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
This is clearlyjust a bargaining ploy. Management always threatens layoffs.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
it's not a bargaining ploy if they follow through even after bargaining.
Domey
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
Great news! For criminals.
Jessica
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 6 a.m.
Thank you to those of you in support of our Police & Fire. My husband is one of the 4 officers who will be laid off in July and I'm sure no one considered his courageous efforts this past week in arresting TWO gunman, one who shot into a crowd of people in this lovely city just last week. Our AAPD have been in negotiations with the city over issues such as health care for quite some time but the city keeps planting additional requirements to the compromise and is not willing to guarantee those jobs reguardless of the health-care contributions. Just ask the Fire Department how that worked out for them. These men and women are not paid for what they do, they're paid for what they might-have-to-do. I didn't hear of any civilians taking down the gunman who could have shot my husband last week. But hey, the parks will be mowed, and the art freshly painted. Thanks A2 officials for making it clear where your priorities are. I'm only thankful that although my husband may be jobless soon, at least he's still alive...
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 10:46 a.m.
What an excellent comment! Thanks, Jessica!
genetracy
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
By and large, Ann Arborites hate Governor Snyder and his policies. But they elect a bunch of clowns for city council who cannot maintain a balanced budget in an upper-middle class city and properly fund public safety.
Fredric
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
Time to start prioritizing as to where the money available is spent. Apparently the City Council has not concept of how to control funds or where to spend it. I strongly urge the Tax payers of Ann Arbor to stand up and demand that a certain core of services, ie: Fire and Police be staffed fully prior to any other spending. Then take a look at which programs effect the most people the most. This is basic management 101. It is very nice to have funds available for all programs but if not, then the critical services must be met prior to anything else!!!
Steve
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
Just like most big business. The big guy's gets a golden parachute and the little guys pay for it all. What cuts are the Supervisors & Administration taking? How about Council & Mayor going back to their lower pay scale before there big raises?
nixon41
Wed, Jun 8, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
right on. If it were his house that would be totally a different story.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:58 a.m.
The mayor has a house in Upper Burns Park he now has to support - without even selling his previous home. I don't think he is going to any lower pay scale any time soon.
63Townie
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
So the mayor is "comfortable" with the public safety cuts. I think he should have to explain his comfort to every family who lost loved ones in house fires, starting with the most recent deaths. I wonder if he would be so "comfortable" then? How about telling sexual assault victims he's "comfortable" with the layoffs to AAPD? Robbery victims?
Steve Sommers
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:06 p.m.
This can happen here in AA very easily. Go look at the Huron River flowing very fast right now and see the kayakers. With less rescuers its going to be alot harder to save them. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43233984/ns/us_news-life/?GT1=43001" rel='nofollow'>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43233984/ns/us_news-life/?GT1=43001</a>
TKA2
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
WOW! Lotsa debate to approve the budget exactly as proposed! Hope everyone who spoke feels good about it, nothing changed at all but you did your chance to vent!! Proposed Budget 2012, page 117 has Full Time Equivalent by Service Area. Compare FY 2011 to FY 2012: 20 of the 29 FTE cuts proposed are to Police and Fire, 13 and 7 respectively, or 7% and 8%. Lets see how the other departments match up.... City Attorney reduces by 4% but less than 1 person. With less police shouldnt we need less Attorney's? City Administration reduces by less than 1, and 1.6%. We can cut 20 from public safety but less than 1 from Admin?? Ironic isn't the correct word considering Admn draws up the budget. Community Services adds 1. Probably need more community service in tough times. Financial Services reduces by 3, or 6%...nearly the Public Satefy cuts but not quite. Public Services reduces by 7, or 2.5%. The largest FTE area by the way NOT Public Safety as often cited by Admn. 15th District Court, reduces by 1, or 3%. Retirement and DDA flat at 4 and 3 respectively. Assuming we really need FTE cuts this is really upside down. Admn, Finance, and largest unit should be leading the way on cuts, not cutting a fraction of public safety.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
In response to Marvin Face's comment that Ann Arbor is very safe, while it's true that the crime statistics are good, there is a lot of raw material for trouble. For example, the recent downtown shootings and the fact that the downtown homeless shelter hosts ten Level 4 (most serious) sex offenders. Downtown residents and downtown merchants already find the lack of visible police presence a bit troubling. As for fire protection, AnnArbor.com recently ran a story about how the number of deaths from fire for Ann Arbor residents have increased since the fire department cuts began. This year is the worst yet, with three deaths (matching last year's record) already and the year isn't half done yet.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
In answer to Bonsai's question, how much is in the city's general fund reserves: In the "government activities" portion of the financial statements, what we call the general fund, there is actually $164.75 million in cash and short term investments available to the city. Using just $1 million of rainy day funds when all this money is available is not right- basic safety services are already insufficient. Now is the time to use the money AND drain the buckets!
AT
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
Stupid move by the city council. Fund "Arts" programs and the non profit human services, whatever that is. Meanwhile they cut the already depleted police department. I hope these cuts at least focus on fat cat upper management of the force and not the street officers.
YpsiLivin
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
"Jones also said he believes the city can put an end to the practice of periodically closing fire stations..." Maybe the City should work on putting an end to the practice of periodically laying off firefighters.
Sandman
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
You must call yourself a Democrat to get elected in this town. Wake up people, our City Council is in favor of the Republican Governor's policies. When will the average Ann Arbor voter wake up and vote for real Democrats and stop being snowed by the closet Republicans. Even our Mayor is hoping to stick a 20% health care increase on the city employees and also attempt to force the employees into concessions to save their buddies jobs. Sounds like our City Council is reading from the Snyder book of business..."Employees are bad, poor cheap labor is good." This is sickening and our City should be ashamed for laying off public servants, in order to buy art and donate more to non-profits. Whose gonna guard the art and the parks, maybe the homeless that eat and dress better than the working class. Wall Street and upper management are doing fine and the working class is getting the shaft.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
The mayor is a political coward -- waiting for the Legislature to do what he knows needs to be done. He just can't handle negotiating with the local unions.
E. Daniel Ayres
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
Just wondering... If, as I suspect, overtime is already a "drain on the budget" which is not under control, what is the impact of position cutting? Are we going to have a small "elite" force making 100K plus a year because they work overtime?
mojo
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
more lollipops, unicorns, and happy happy rainbows.
Old Salt
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
Now lower our property taxes also,by the same percentage as the value of our homes have decreased in Ann Arbor.
mojo
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
That is a great comment!
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
I'm not blaming Snyder-X for the revised A2 budget, but I do blame him for given our city no room to come up with an alternative.
1bit
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Rick Snyder has been in office for a few months. Do you really believe he is the cause of Ann Arbor's fiscal woes?
jeff4179
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
Wouldn't it be ironic if some thief stole the public art because there were not enough police officers to deter him?
Boo Radley
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
Funny you should say that. I just read here that the U-M aerospace department wants their sculpture returned that someone stole from North Campus ... The thieves weren't deterred by U-M police, maybe they are coming for the city's art next.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:51 a.m.
Or, created public art for the same reason...
xsnrg454
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
2 shootings in two days, and 40 MILLION DOLLARS in the water department's reserve fund. So, this is the time to reduce the police and fire departments?
Rachel
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.
I am pretty sure they are building a new sewage treatment plant. so unless you want brown water....
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
We recently had an article about the need for borrowing money for storm water projects yet, as you point out, the water department fund has plenty of money to do the work. We should be spending that money to fix our water infrastructure problems, not build fountains.
JPLewis
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
I'll bet their will be at least one more shooting before the week is out. Criminals are figuring out that Ann Arbor is easy pickins'
oneofsix
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Lets put this whole fiasco in perspective, we load that new parking hole in the ground, chocked full of art the city deems these funds should be spent on. Then we could call it the "Ann Arbor Art Park". That way the underground structure is being used and appropriately called a "park". Then the whole thing is set a blaze and we can check response times for the various fire stations. Solves everything...
Marvin Face
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
I think AA is a safe place to live. It has nothing to do with the number of officers we have. In Detroit they have almost 3.5 officers per 1000 residents crime rates FAR above Michigan and national averages. Ann Arbor has approximately 1 officer per 1000 residents and a crime rate FAR below national and State averages. I understand that it is hard when anyone loses their job but a greater number of officers does NOT relate to crime rate. The same way higher school funding has no relation to student success.
xsnrg454
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
One of the reasons this is a safe place to live is because the police catch the bad guys. Less police means less officers available to catch said bad guy when calls come out. They usually don't wait around for the cops to show up.
Carole
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Disgusting to say the least. And, I totally disagree with forgiving DDA $700K plus owed to the city and providing financial coverage for any overages DDA might have in the future.. As mentioned numerous times, as far as I am concerned, the city could save a great deal of money closing down DDA. The city administration should be responsible for running the city -- RE: AAFD and AAPD -- again disgusting. I believe in parks, arts, and charity when funds are available to provide them--when not, these should be the first to be cut -- if you don't have the personnel to support the safety of the citizens of the city what use are the parks and arts. Charity should be the individual choices of citizens -- not city hall. Citizens beware -- may be beautiful, but ask yourself this questions "how safe are we?"
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
Weird, I was actually the first to comment on this thread and I confirmed the post "took". Now no post. It's a glitch I'm sure so I'll reiterate. So how does one go about getting these yahoos recalled? I don't want to wait until next elections. I'm absolutely positive I'd rather their salaries, stipends and expense accounts be utilized for our public safety folks instead.
skfina2
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
Try focusing your energy on recalling the folks in Lansing who decided that an 82% tax cut to businesses was more important than properly funding our cities and schools. <a href="http://www.firericksnyder.org" rel='nofollow'>www.firericksnyder.org</a>
macjont
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Proof that the Council did the right thing: the nonsense being uttered in opposition.
a2miguy
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
"The council also voted to forgive the $711,767 in excess tax revenues that the DDA recently found out it owed the city." What what WHAAAAT?!?! This is an outrage. City council just threw away an opportunity to, at the very least, avoid dipping into cash reserves to balance the budget. How in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks can these idiots justify the cuts they are making, yet ignore a $700K+ "oops" by the DDA? Hey, does anyone think the IRS will "forgive" you for a mistake on YOUR taxes? I don't care what kind of sweet deal the city thinks it made with DDA for future parking revenues. These are signifcant dollars, owed to the city, that the city needs NOW.
blahblahblah
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Over the years, the city has already double dipped, maybe even triple dipped on the amount of money it was contractually expected to receive from the DDA. So one could argue it was already paid that amount and some.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
"Ultimately, the council voted 7-4 in favor of preserving public art funding, with only Kunselman, Briere and Sandi Smith joining Higgins in pushing for the $158,813 cut. Hieftje pointed out the public art money Higgins identified comes from the streets and parks millages, as well as the water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste funds. He said that money could not be used to pay for salaries in the general fund." Hieftje--he admires the Emergency Financial Manager idea, he loves having the House Republicans take the lead in handcuffing local government management on health care costs after his failure to take the lead during his decade in office and he is more than happy to spew that psycho babble that money tacked onto projects at a one per cent 'tax' is somehow fairy dust, magic money that doesn't mean anything to taxpayer. The votes last night are a picture perfect snapshot of his political soul.
JPLewis
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
"The Ann Arbor City Council took action Tuesday night to save funding for parks, public art and nonprofit human services agencies but didn't stop deep cuts to public safety." This is not going to go well for the city....just wait and see. Me, I'll be stocking up on ammo. Ann Arbor has become a one fire and one crime town. Any more than that at one time, and you'll be on your own.
JPLewis
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
@John B: Mine is a logical and reasonable opinion. Time will tell; it always does. If you think its safe to have less police and fire protection, you are entitled to that opinion. Many of us here in Ann Arbor do not and are hopping mad at the city council and city administrator for their anti police and fire attitude. BTW, I have firearms for the protection of my home, as do many other citizens...and they don't function correctly without ammunition.
Ryan J. Stanton
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
The final numbers for the 2011-12 budget still were being calculated last night, but I've got them now from the CFO in case anyone is interested in the exact amounts: Rev. $77,987,857 Exp. $79,105,945 Use of fund bal. $(1,118,088)
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.
Thanks Ryan.
Bonsai
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
How much fund balance is left over? Important context don't you think?
john scharpenberg
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
make the cuts some other place if you cut public safety you will be in for a long hot summer with nothing but trouble cut mayors pay and some other big wigs and you will have the money if not your just going to be the mayor of a law less town i wont want to come there and thats sad because i was born and raised in Ann Arbor and i use to think it was the greatest place to live all the liberals made it what it is today i heard that the Vietnam vets wanted to put the memorial at vets park witch is a proper place for it but Ann arbor said no well good luck Anns Arbor you are going to need it
John A2
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
This is going to cause a chain reaction. Does anyone remember how Detroit and Flint became crime oriented towns? This is an invitation for crime and a strike against property value. The U of M is going to suffer from this too. I say sell a couple of parks and save our city, and save our city, and save our city. Out with the old A2 and In with the new unsafe A2. We have huge well financed parks and no one to keep them safe. We have lots of kids coming here for school each year and they will be targets for criminal activity. Did the council forget that the university has already had many cereal rape, murder, and drug problems, just like other big universities. This is not good at all for anyone except the criminals. This measure is just another win for Satins workshop. Bye A2, it was nice while it lasted! People are going to start leaving A2 and moving to the burbs now more then ever before.
skfina2
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
Apparently the Luck Charms leprechaun and Cap'n Crunch have been getting in some trouble lately....
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
"Cereal rape?" "Satins workshop?" Whoa.... Simmer down now....
bruceae
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
Once again the police and fire unions are trying to scare everyone. Why are they so special that they shouldn't be paying part of their health care benefits just like everyone else?
nixon41
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
Put your life on the line everyday & see what it's like.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
a garbage man has a more dangerous job than a fireman with respect to deaths per 100,000 workers
John A2
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
Because they put their lives on the line for "everyone else". Have u ever had to do this work? I doubt it. Walking into a burning house and saving a child's life is got to be worth more then the average, or being called to control a domestic violence situation, and having to tackle down an angry person who might have a gun or knife. These people put their lives on the line for us each and every day.
eone
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
wake up ann arbor,why do you keep giving free services to nonresidents?? do you give free parking,golf, library services etc.??? put toll booths up at city parks,bike paths and MOST of all charge for city police and fire services like some of our surrounding townships do. they want to come and work and enjoy ann arbor and go home to their house in the country or by the lake so make them PAY!!!!
tdw
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
John B good idea as long as it keeps the residents in
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Or, we could just build a twelve-foot tall concrete wall around all of Ann Arbor, with armed checkpoints for entry/exit! That'll teach 'em to mess with us, huh...?
Roy Munson
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
In most cities, you pay taxes and can expect at least halfway decent public services. In this town, you get to pay ungodly taxes that ends up being payments to charity. Charties that City Council sees fit, of course. I know this town is full of freaks and weirdos, but will they REALLY re-elect this group of radical left-wing extremists next election? Please say it ain't so! At least if I become homeless in the next couple years, I will be able to enjoy 5 star accomodations in town here.
macjont
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
Congratulations to the Ann Arbor City Council for having the foresight, wisdom, and courage to continue contributing to the preservation of our parks and our arts community. Of course, this courageous action came in the face of predictable outcry from those vocal few among us whose first reaction to times of financial stress is to savagely attack those things in our community that make living here truly worthwhile. The Council recognized what so many do not –– that it is these immeasurable things of value that Einstein certainly had in mind when he stated: "Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted." Ann Arbor, a relatively vibrant oasis in an otherwise struggling state, has long drawn strength --- some of it quantifiable, much of it not --- from the kind of community the Council is trying to preserve.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:36 a.m.
Even my kids are saying that, obviouscomment! There is some pretty cool public art in Detroit, BTW.
obviouscomment
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
"public art is an important economic development tool and contributes to the quality of life in Ann Arbor" parks and arts are great...but there is no quality of life if my family and i die when the firefighters and police can't get to us in an emergency
2WheelsGood
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
"Of course, this courageous action came in the face of predictable outcry from those vocal few among us whose first reaction to times of financial stress is to savagely attack those things in our community that make living here truly worthwhile." Parks and art, as nice as they may be, are not what makes living here worthwhile. Take public safety for granted, and you have Detroit; great potential, but nobody willing to visit the war zone.
squidlover
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
Macjont, First, I think there is more than just a "few" that question this decision. Second, I'm not reading in the posts that the citizens think that the parks and arts are not an important part of our community. I'm reading that many of us believe that public safety is a higher priority given these times to make such decisions.
thinker
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
I guess when our houses are on fire, our husband or wife or child is having a medical emergency, or a tornado strikes, we can call up the trees, parks, and art works of the greenbelt and public art commission, and the homeless, to come save us. We need a recall, or new city leadership and council, at least! November 2012 is our chance!
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Unfortunatley Ann Arbor's election will be decided in the August primary with only a couple of thousand people turning out. One party systems need not worry about the general election and it is so much easier to put up a "straw man" in the primary to make the rullers look like they've been "challenged" and won.
thinker
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.
Rick Snyder has NOTHING to do with this!
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
That's <a href="http://www.firericksnyder.org" rel='nofollow'>www.firericksnyder.org</a>.
Rachel
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
I happen to love art and love parks... but NO WAY would I EVER put that above firefighters or police officers. This is insane. (p.s. I'm a Democrat, I disagree with many of Snyder's policies, but I don't agree with how the Democrats voted this time.)
WIQB103
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
"Jones also said he believes the city can put an end to the practice of periodically closing fire stations — something it started doing in February to cut costs — through better management of fire department overtime and how fire trucks are deployed." Unfortunately, this means they simply won't send the fire department on calls anymore. Until recently, AAFD went on medical calls to assist people who were having seizures, difficulty breathing, suffering from broken bones, etc. The AAFD is highly trained in medical care. They care lots of life-saving medical equipment on their trucks. Often, AAFD got to medical calls before the ambulance did. Now, the city (although they are reluctant to admit it to anybody) is not sending these highly trained personnel on calls. Instead, they are relying on police and the ambulance to handle medical emergencies. Something the police are not particularly trained or equipped to do. Perhaps in a few years "better management of the fire department and how fire trucks are deployed" will mean they only respond to fires during business hours.
ChelseaBob
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Wow- So much here. First, it's interesting how one comment blames Governor Snyder for the actions of the far-left city council of Ann Arbor. Nice stretch. Second, it's even more interesting that the city council is hoping the republican legislature will pass a law requiring public employees to pay for part of their health care. I guarantee that any of the council members that run for state office in the future will tear into republicans for passing that bill, but they are praying for it right now. Reality is a funny thing. Third, yes it's true you can't use capital funds directly for salaries, but the $300,000+ allocated for art could go to fund necessary capital projects and less money could come of general fund, leaving more $$ for salaries. It's a shell game. In the end, Ann Arbor chose art over police and fire protection. My condolences to the loyal police and fire employees who will lose their jobs now.
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
Left vs. Right. Republican vs. Democrat. Every few years each faction of the elite gets their turn at the trough. Stop feeding them if you want change.
Rod Johnson
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
"Far left"! Get real.
squidlover
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
"...public art is an important economic development tool and contributes to the quality of life in Ann Arbor." Unlike the men and women of the police and fire department who work to protect us daily and whose actions directly impact the economic setting of the city (reducing insurance costs, increasing property value, etc...) Very sad
63Townie
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
How does one set about to start a recall campaign? Citizens made it PERFECTLY CLEAR that we want to preserve public safety, and our elected officials spit in our collective face.
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
The recall has already started. Go to <a href="http://www.firericksnyder.org" rel='nofollow'>www.firericksnyder.org</a> for details.
northside
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.
The first sentence appears to be very misleading and is an appropriate fit for an editorial, not a news article. Based on the numbers provided deep cuts would have been made to police and fire even if the human services, parks, and arts cuts had been made. So to imply there was some sort of direct tradeoff and the city doesn't care about police and fire isn't accurate.
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
True. And would hardly make a dent. If art were more than half the budget it would be first on the chopping block. The questions are: How did years of mismanagement get us to this place? And how do we fix it? Neither of which seems to be being addressed. Council seems only to plan for the next election cycle. The city is dying from a thousand cuts but instead of trying to stop the cutting they are only focused on which spot to put the next band aid.
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
Correct....
snoopdog
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
"Mayor John Hieftje said, adding it'll be up to the police and fire unions to come to the negotiating table and agree to health care concessions to save more jobs." A very fair and reasonable request during these difficult financial times. Hopefully the union members will think of saving their coworkers jobs this time rather than just thinking about themselves. Not likely but we can hope ! Good Day
emsmedic
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
The key word in your comment is "reasonable." The fire department has already taken voluntary pay cuts. They've already reduced benefits. They've been forced to cut staffing yet again. Now consider Michigan's SB 0007 and SR B. SB 0007 requires public employees to pay 20% of their healthcare costs, regardless of collective bargaining agreements to the contrary. SR B takes the Jan 2012 wages of public employees, cuts them 5%, then freezes them there for the next 3 years, also independent of collective bargaining agreements. Hmmm, if I make 50000 a year and have already given up wage increases and other benefits, then I must suddenly absorb a substantial increase in healthcare costs to 20%, AND take an additional 5% wage cut/freeze... with gas at $4.25 a gallon and climbing, I might add...at what point do these concessions cease to be "reasonable?"
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Yes. The City poisoned their own soup in negotiations by their actions with AAFD.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.
The firefighters made a concession in "good faith" of 4% of their pay. A pay that they gave up for good, seriously affecting some of their daily budgets, and, their retirement plans. Saying basically that they cared enough not only about their brethren, but the citizens of Ann Arbor. They were willing to contribute some of their financial stability to stabilize an increasingly dangerous situation. The point that there were no guarantees is true, but the point that the firefighters were willing to make reasonable concessions can not be downplayed. They also came to the table with several solutions for saving the 1.8 million dollars that the city said that they had to save. After much time, effort and work to develop these different models, and come up with solutions, the city manager finally made it clear he wanted nothing less than actual job eliminations. (The same city manager who felt compelled to make dishonest and disparaging remarks about the fire department and their pay - even as he left with his $40,000 annual pension from the city from his $150,000 position....) So....now the attack will be on their health care benefits. At this point, there is quite a dilemma - already making a middling salary, do you lessen employees stability further by giving up health care? Where will it end? I hear people list all the faults of unions, however, look how quickly all that work toward ensuring employees are safe and properly compensated is eroded....Properly compensated employees make our society healthy and stable. It lessens the need for social services, institutions, and prisons. In my opinion, there is a lot of myopic thinking going on right now....
63Townie
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
@ Craig, my point was that AAFD offered up something no other group was willing to do.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
63Townie If memory serves me the 4% wage concession delayed cuts for 6 months (?) or something like that. And that was made clear at the time was it not? That the 4% concession was never connected to a promise never to cut again?
63Townie
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.
Why should they? The last time this came around, AAFD offered up 4% wage concessions, the only union in Ann Arbor to do so, and they were still cut. Concessions will not save one public service job, that FACT has been clearly demonstrated by the mayor.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
Tsk. tsk, Snyder kills of the schools and A2 lays off police and fire. Well, I can't blame people for arming themselves to their teeth and home schooling their kids. Nice going with our tax dollars.
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
Bertha, I think both parties are at fault for the mess at all levels of government over the last several decades. This crisis has it's roots deep in our polical system. Parties are a distraction from the truth that the elites do what they want and force us to pay for it.
Bertha Venation
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
I believe both parties are at fault. Republicans at the State level and Democrats at the local level.
cette
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
Wow, what a poorly run city...
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
One party systems encourage group think and discourage reflection upon one's own beliefs.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
It's a sad day for Ann Arbor.
Bertha Venation
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Ya. No kidding!
Tony Dearing
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Commenting were removed because they violated our conversation guidelines. You are welcome to challenge other commenters, but we ask you to do so on the substance of their comments, and not to resort to personal attacks or insults.
MjC
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
"The Ann Arbor City Council took action Tuesday night to save funding for parks, public art and nonprofit human services agencies but didn't stop deep cuts to public safety." Remember NOT to vote for Hieftje and Rapundalo next time the election rolls around. We need to stop voting according to name recognition and really educate ourselves about the business that is being conducted in our city. It is never good practice to allow elected reps to sit in office year after year after year. It leads to bad decision making. Cutting public safety when we need more visible police patrols around the city and campus? Foolish foolery!
2WheelsGood
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
@local: I'm sure a poll would agree with your thoughts on the subject (as well as mine), but that's because the people reading these articles are the very few residents who actually care. Instead, take the same poll of average citizens walking down the street, and I'll bet 9 out of 10 have no knowledge of these cuts. Ignorance is truly bliss.
local
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
agree totally
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.
"Police and Fire Departments Lose a Total of 37 Positions as Ann Arbor City Council Passes Revised Budget" I have an audio recording of how this decision must have been reached: (Set in a smoke filled room) First Voice: Let's cut the benefits of the police and firefighters to balance the budget. Second Voice: Great idea! How should we do it? First Voice: Let's cut 37 police and firefighter positions and force them to negotiate! Second Voice: But what if that doesn't work, won't it endanger lives? Three people have already died this year in fires, and the death rate is up a lot since we started cutting fire fighter positions. First Voice: Who cares about a few lives when bigger principles are at stake? Obviously, I am joking, right?
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 4 a.m.
Ranzini for mayor!
My2bits
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.
Police and fire jobs can and should be saved. As mentioned, this can be accomplished by having employees pay a portion of their health care costs. This has been happening in private industry for a long time. If we can actually implement a national health care plan, and deal with sky-rocketing health care costs, this would not have to be an employer/employee issue.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
IF their salary was $100,000 (as it might be for those working in the private industry) then paying 20% of their health care cost would be a great deal --- especially if they got an upgrade to a Cadillac plan.
Cici
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
And a 20% contribution for cadillac health care plans is NOT as much as some elsewhere contribute for their minimal health care coverage, even if they make $20,000/yr. If the salary averages ~$100,000 per position (as someone previously indicated) 20% of the cost of their health care is NOT at all unreasonable.
Boo Radley
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.
The first sentence in this article says all I need to know about the city of Ann Arbor.... "The Ann Arbor City Council took action Tuesday night to save funding for parks, public art and nonprofit human services agencies but didn't stop deep cuts to public safety." I think I am going to have to start doing all of my shopping and dining elsewhere ... Brighton, perhaps.
Boo Radley
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
Thanks, Tom Jr., I think I will. If A2 city government cares nothing for it's citizens, perhaps I can make my feelings known to Ann Arbor businesses, and they can deal with the city council. As someone else here said .... I am glad I moved out of Ann Arbor.
tom swift jr.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
I think you should too!
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
Be aware that Brighton, according to their city web site has a mostly paid on call fire department. This includes 9 full time and 81-81 paid on call. Their police department appears to include 9 patrol officers, 1 lieutenant, 4 Sargent's and 2 reserve officers. This public safety force seems to cover about 74 square miles and 46,000 citizens. I'm not sure thats any better than Ann Arbor.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : noon
I have an audio transcript of he conversation
Buster W.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
Public art over public safety...Nice.
Buster W.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
@northside I looked at the numbers....positions saved > 0.
northside
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
Look at the numbers. Even if the art funding had been cut and that money given to police/fire how many positions would have been saved?
keepitbalanced
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
Enjoy the art in the park until you are mugged. I am so glad I moved out of Ann Arbor.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
I keep hearing that from so many people.
tom swift jr.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
so are we
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
"Jones also said he believes the city can put an end to the practice of periodically closing fire stations — something it started doing in February to cut costs — through better management of fire department overtime and how fire trucks are deployed." If that is possible while losing even more personnel, I have to ask why it was ever started to begin with.
Awakened
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.
Previous fire chiefs did not have Jones' extensive experience in running a fire department.
Steve Sommers
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
cause its not an election year.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
It doesn't answer why they haven't been doing it all along.
Eep
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
It's very easy to keep all of the stations open while losing more personnel. All you need to do is assign only one or two firefighters to each truck, instead of three or four. Of course this will render the firefighters ineffective and put their lives (and the lives of the public) in danger, but it will allow the administration to claim that they've kept the stations open and improved response times.
Brad
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
So when my house is burning and I'm waiting for the fire department to come I'll be sure to think "but my quality of life is just so swell because of the city-funded art". At least councilperson Teall didn't reiterate her "well, some places spend 2% on art" comment. But you know whe was thinking it.
Brad
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
The numbers say that if you cut all of the ~$300K that you could pay three firefighters for a year. Don't you think that is significant in a city where there are rolling fire station closures? If you want some art, feel free to buy it.
northside
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Look at the numbers. Even if the art funding had been cut and that money given to police/fire how many positions would have been saved?
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
when your house catches on fire you could always form a bucket brigade from the city hall fountain ;)
1bit
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
So does the DDA now set parking rates?
local
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:04 a.m.
Arts and parks over public safety (firefighters and police officers), does this seem like the best use of taxpayer money? Annarbor.com, can you set up one of your on-line polls and ask the readers whether they want money going towards public safety, or the arts. This way, maybe we can get a sense whether this is what the people in Ann Arbor really want. I will cast the first vote, public safety for sure.
coffeedrinker
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 2:19 p.m.
From the article: Hieftje pointed out the public art money Higgins identified comes from the streets and parks millages, as well as the water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste funds. He said that money could not be used to pay for salaries in the general fund.
Greg Gunner
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.
I guess this is concrete evidence as to how Rick Snyder and the Republican agenda is saving jobs and creating new ones in Michigan. You get what you pay for, and if you aren't willing to pay for it you can't have it. And since we don't seem to place any value on public sector jobs, this is only the tip of the iceberg regarding lay-offs in the public sector. The next time you need a police officer, a firefighter, a teacher, or anyone else who used to work in a public sector job remember why they are not there any longer.
aawolve
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
The fact that 26 people are deranged enough to vote this comment up is disturbing.
Rachel
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
We can't pay for these jobs because we can not raise taxes on property. (State law) In these tough economic times, something has to be cut; however, I am gravely worried about laying off more positions from firemen and police officers. Already Ann Arbor has a shortage of firemen, this is ludicrous.
jcj
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
I agree! I wish Rick Snyder would stay away from Ann Arbor city council meetings. Every time he shows up he pulls all the Republican votes his way. What he does not attend city council meetings? And oh there are no republicans on city council?
aajeff
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
And what may I ask, does this have to do with Rick Snyder? Your "agenda" could not be more obvious. It was a room full of democrats that voted for this is I'm not mistaken....
1bit
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
Rick Snyder isn't on the City Council. As a matter of fact, they're all Democrats.
average joe
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:45 a.m.
"...In all, $1.24 million in city funding will go to nonprofits that provide human services next year." Did the taxpayers of A2 expect their taxes to be used for police & fire services, or for the city council to decide which 'charity' to donate it to?
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:52 a.m.
As do the benefits and salaries afforded to these employees who are now going to be laid off.....
northside
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
I am a City of Ann Arbor taxpayer who supports funding of social services. Those services are often as essential as police/fire and they can also save the city money. Take mental health services as an example. They provide treatment to people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it. They often save money in the long run by helping the mentally ill to avoid more severe problems, such as homeless and institutionalization.
average joe
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
northside-johnb- For what it's worth to you folks, I've seen the list of these agencies, & they probably all contribute to society in needy areas. But I think you missed the point- A better question would be can you name one person that pays into the city via taxes that is unable to decide if they want to support any of these agencies by making a direct contribution on their own, and not through a mandatory taxation?
average joe
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
I am just asking a question....
tom swift jr.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Another meaningless and misinformed comment here at aa.com... hey, joe, move someplace where they don't have compassionate people willing to step up and help... you'll be a better fit for that type of community...
John B.
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
Nope....
northside
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
joe can you name one of those non-profits and say what they do?
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 10:33 a.m.
What exactly DOES the Democratic Party stand for in this city? I guess we know from the vote last night.
Rachel
Sat, Jun 4, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
@snapshot we currently have an all Republican government. Yup, that's pretty "union" to me.
snapshot
Fri, Jun 3, 2011 : 4:46 a.m.
There's no democracy in Michigan, it's a union state.
genetracy
Thu, Jun 2, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
Finding a Republican in Ann Arbor is as likely as finding an Eskimo in Detroit.
Bertha Venation
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
Yep, Alan. No big surprise here. They've been bugging me like a pole cat in a gunny sack.