FeedsRumors threaten millage vote
“Nothing travels faster than light-with the possible exception of bad news and rumors,” quoted Romulus Council President Leroy Burcroff Monday night.
Burcroff, who starts his weekly chairperson’s report with a famous quote, referred to the ongoing negative campaign against a city millage that will be on the ballot next Tuesday. The city is seeking a temporary levy of up to 3 mills to help fund police and fire services. If successful, the revenue from the tax increase would alleviate a generally tight budget and allow the city to avoid laying off more than 30 employees.
“Right now, we have a lack of trust in government,” he said.
Even so, he said some people have been spreading misinformation about the millage request in an attempt to get it defeated.
The request is for up to 3 mills for not more than five years, said Burcroff. It would generate about $3 million-which is the budget deficit the city is facing. “The city cannot get a single cent for the millage after that five years,” he said.
He also refuted claims that the mayor, department heads and other non-union employees did not take a pay cut or make concessions on their health care. They took a 5 percent pay cut-Mayor Alan Lambert said the cuts mean he earns about $200 less a week-and pay more toward their health care costs, too. Burcroff said the efforts will save the city about $1 million, annually.
“There are no special deals for the mayor,” he said.
The city has taken other steps to shore up a projected budget deficit, including the elimination of some city services and not hiring employees to fill vacated positions.
He said that anyone that wants information about the budget only needs to ask.
“We’re not trying to hide things from people,” he said.
