Brent & Don

[Laurie]

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/news/060905_NW_carybudget.html

Budget Plan Sparks Cary Controversy
By Eyewitness News
(06/09/05 -- CARY) — Proposed hikes in many town services are sparking a big debate in Cary.
Residents complained at a public hear Thursday night. They say the town's priorities are all wrong.

"If we're going to incur debt, I'd rather incur debt for roads than an aquatics center or expanded town facilities," said Cary resident Brent Miller.

Scott Fogleman, Cary's budget director, says administrators are doing the best they can.

"I think there are always difficult decisions in the budget process," he said. "What staff typically does is find a budget that meets the Town Council's mission goals and objectives for the town."

People at Thursday's public hearing contend the town is not meeting their needs. On hot topic was the proposal to end backyard garbage pick-up in favor of curbside pick-up. Town Council members say that would save money in the long run, but residents had a different perspective. Many noted the solid waste fees would jump more than $4 for less service.

The plan would increase utility fees more than 12 percent over last year's figures. Business owner Don Frantz worries what effect that will have on commerce in Cary.

"Jacking up the fees on us makes no sense whatsoever," he said. "If I have higher fees, I have to cut their benefits, lay off an employee, reduce their pay. It's not good.

Town Council may tweak the budget plan before voting on the proposal in two weeks.

[Laurie]

Brent & Don are also in the N&O:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/2488623p-8892533c.html

Published: Jun 10, 2005
Modified: Jun 10, 2005 7:22 AM

Cary budget: needs vs. wants
Proposed budget cuts jobs; residents focus on higher waste, water and business fees

By THOMASI MCDONALD, Staff Writer

CARY -- It was not mentioned during a public hearing Thursday night, but more than 40 town workers could lose their jobs if Cary's proposed budget is approved this month.
About 36 solid waste positions and 11 recycling jobs are on the chopping block because of a budget proposal to move garbage pickup from residents' back yards to a fully automated collection program, town manager Bill Coleman said in a news release.

The issue was not discussed Thursday night during a town council meeting held at the Herb Young Community Center.

Residents instead focused on budget proposals to raise their fees for garbage collection, water and sewer, and business licenses.

Among the proposals:

* A fully automated garbage service to replace backyard service along with a monthly increase in solid waste fees from $7.67 to $11.75.

* Households using 7,000 gallons of water a month will see an increase of 9.1 percent. That's about $5.04 a month more for water and sewer services combined.

* Businesses paying more in annual licensing fees.

Cary businessman Don Frantz, owner of Frantz Automotive, took issue with the proposed increase in the business license fee.

"Basically, if you jack up my fees, then I'm going to have to cut employee benefits," he said. "I'm going to have to cut salaries and maybe lay off someone."

Job cuts and increased fees are part of the town's long-term strategy to corral soaring debt payments and generate revenues that have grown by less than 3 percent for the third year in a row.

The higher debt payments occurred after the town borrowed tens of millions of dollars from 2000 through 2004 for construction and renovations that included the expansion of Town Hall and an improved parking deck.

The town's debt service is expected to climb to $15.1 million in 2007.

Some town officials have blamed the slow revenues on high impact fees for prospective developers. The fees were reduced by 30 percent last year.

The phrases "need to have" versus "nice to have" are the common refrain this budget season.

"Please focus on the needs," Cary resident Brent Miller told the council. "We need roads, a fair garbage service and public safety."

Joe Coletti, a fiscal policy analyst with the John Locke Foundation, agreed.

"Last year the town took over the operations for the SAS Soccer Park. It took over management of the skateboard park on Maynard Avenue and they continue to operate the amphitheatre at Regency Park," Coletti said after the public hearing, calling these items "low priorities."

Residents told council members that stormwater improvements also are essential, especially in neighborhoods that flood after heavy rainfall.

[johnb]

* Businesses paying more in annual licensing fees.

THAT'LL help draw more businesses to Cary.