Dear Editor:
At every budget hearing I complain about our government spending the money before a budget is adopted. The budget adopted in May was for last fiscal year, the 11.25 percent tax increase is for 2009-2010; which started July 1, 2009; however there is no budget. It is easy for our government to give raises, make promotions and hire people when you are not restrained by a budget.
In 1991, our government changed from a calendar to a fiscal year so the city would match the state yet the city is constantly using the excuse they waiting for the state aid before they adopt a budget. The change of years put JC in the hole for $128.9 million, a debt we are still paying. It is also easier to reduce tax abatements as the city did for Crystal Point, if you lack a budget.
It is unacceptable JC government to wait 10 months before a budget is adopted. It must adopt the 2009-2010 immediately and start working on the 2010-2011 before July 1, 2010.
Yvonne Balcer