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.
