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Utica Mayor Michael Galime called a special meeting Monday evening with department heads to discuss waiving his 9.77% proposed tax hike to support his budget proposal of $92.9 million.
Officials in various departments like fire, police and department of public works expressed that they cannot afford to lose any dollars allocated to them, citing staffing concerns.
Only four council members showed in person and one showed virtually, which sparked frustration from council members and the mayor.
“Until the budget’s passed, you’re on call,” Galime said. “You’re supposed to be here. It’s disappointing; it’s wrong. The department heads were here. Those are the same department heads that every single one of those council people call 10 times a day to do this and that for their district.”
A common council meeting will be held Wednesday, Galime says he is expecting to see amendments to the budget proposal from the council. The budget is due March 20.
