2009 budget and levy approved
December 23, 2008
The 2009 budget and levy was unanimously approved Monday night by the Dilworth City Council only three days after the Minnesota state plan to cut almost $64,000 from the city’s spending aid.
The state has cut the spending aid $110 million from cities and counties to cover a $426 million deficit. The spending money is sent out to the cities and counties twice a year and will just be short $64,000 for the city of Dilworth.
“To wait to the midnight hour to do this is not proper; it’s putting the cities in a tight spot,” said City Administrator Ken Parke. “It’s balancing the budget on the backs of local governments.”
The city received a recommendation from Parke to cut portions of public safety and park funds to alleviate pressure from the states spending cuts.
Councilman Rick Cariveau said the council needs to be on its toes in the coming years. “This could be a long-term battle, not a one-time deal,” he said. Dilworth should be aware of its options “before the dust settles,” he said.
State Aid to Dilworth cut
December 21, 2008
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced spending cuts of $110 million to offset a $426 million dollar deficit. The cuts catch many area cities off guard. Dilworth will now receive $233,430 instead of $297,282 leaving the city out of $63,852.
“The timing is very poor by the state – it puts the city in a tough predicament,” said City Administrator Ken Parke. City Officials will not know if they came in under their December budget for several months. The city’s fiscal year ends December 31. Read more
