Metro Budget Wrap-Up

While department heads filed into the Metro Courthouse to give their budget proposals to the Mayor, SEIU and its members were there to keep an eye on the proceedings.
 
Here are some highlights from the Mayor’s budget hearings. Keep in mind that the hearings were broad in nature and that the proposals may be modified by the Mayor’s office or by the Metro Council before they are approved.

Nashville Public Library
After updating the Mayor on several successful programs, including “The Flood Project”, NPL director Donna Nicely proposed eliminating Sunday hours in the area libraries to hit the 3% cut requested by the Mayor. It was unclear in the hearing if cutting branch hours will result in layoffs, though in an article in The City Paper, Nicely suggested that there would be staff reductions.
 
Metro Water Services
Director Scott Potter indicated that Metro Water Services will be asking for budget increases in 2011, mainly due to the fact that the Flood set MWS back on equipment and their timetable for regularly scheduled projects that still have to be completed. Potter did not propose specific cuts at the budget hearing.

Health
Dr. William Paul explained that the Metro Health Department will have to discontinue some programs because of state and federal grants that will be expiring. The employees whose salaries are paid for by the grants will likely be displaced as well.

General Services
Director Nancy Whittemore proposed reductions in security services, janitorial services, and maintenance. The department also plans to not fill vacant positions.

Public Works
Public Works did not propose any significant budget cuts.

Parks & Recreation
Director Tommy Lynch proposed closing three community centers, including Cleveland Park, West Park, and another one to be determined, though Lynch claimed that the closures wouldn’t call for layoffs.

Social Services
The department is requesting additional funding for the nutrition services program, the burial program, and the transportation program for seniors. Director Renee Pratt believes the 3% cut can be reached by not filling vacant positions.

911/ECC
No budget cuts were mentioned in the hearing, but Chief Duane Phillips did ask for 7 new positions to handle the Madison and Southeast Precincts.

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office
No budget cuts were mentioned in the hearing.