SHORELINE — In keeping with the budget season, Council members began proposing amendments to the $77 million budget at the Nov. 15 meeting.
Deputy mayor Scott Jepsen proposed that the city increase its budget for video services by $75,000, which would cover the cost of video taping public meetings such as the school board, water district, fire district, Ronald Wastewater, planning commission and parks, recreation and cultural services.
“I want to increase video services to video public meetings,” Jepsen said. “Public participation is important, so citizens can see what all public officials do.”
Council member Bob Ransom supported Jepsen’s amendment, although he was concerned that the school district should pay for their own video services.
Council member Rich Gustafson agreed with the concept of more involvement, but did not support funding it at this time. He said he would like to see the Council make this partnership a goal for the future.
“I would like to take this slower,” Gustafson said. ” I am in favor of the concept, but do not support it at this time.”
Council member Maggie Fimia said the districts likely have money they could contribute to video services, and she would rather spend funds on human services.
Council member John Chang agreed with Gustafson, and said in order to form a partnership, a dialogue with the various boards is needed.
Council member Paul Grace said the issue is a priority, due to the Council’s recent focus on improving the public process. He said he supports allotting some funding for video services.
Gustafson then said he supported allotting $10,000 to $15,000 as a placeholder to initiate the process, to see if a partnership could be formed.
Jepsen then acknowledged there was not enough support for the amendment.
“I know the fire district looked into it, as well as the school district,” Jepsen said. “We need to set the tone, if we decide it is not worth it, we should ask ourselves why we are on TV.”
Ransom then proposed an additional $100,000 for human services, $33,000 of which would go toward restoring community health and volunteer services.
Mayor Ron Hansen said he was concerned with the possibility of overloading King County’s responsibility for human services on the city.
Grace was concerned that there was no guarantee that the funds would benefit residents.
Gustafson agreed that the funding was important, but said regional and county services should take more responsibility.
“This is a role the county should have,” Gustafson said. “I am not willing to add additional funds other than those proposed.”
Fimia acknowledged that city staff gave the Council a report, which outlined a need for more human services funding. She suggested the Council could make some cutbacks on travel expenses.
Jepsen said he would support an additional $33,000 for human services funding, but felt an additional $100,000 was too much.
Ransom then proposed a 2 percent reduction in the city’s gambling tax, from 11 percent to 9 percent.
Additional amendments will be discussed at the Nov. 22 Council meeting, the same night the budget is slated for adoption.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
