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Cap'n Slappy · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject: City Budget

Jon, why would you vote against the budget that was approved by the 3-2 vote of the council? Was it a protest vote? The city has to operate and no matter whether one approves or disapproves of the theatre it has to be paid for. Everyone wants the city services but no one wants to pay for them. I'm just trying to figure out where you fit into all of this.

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jon · Corporal Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 22

doomster · General Secretary Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 2594

What really concerns me with the budget is city services.........I could care less about the theater to be honest with you as far as a budget stand-point goes. We have to maintain police-fire-medical services to the area, thats been a big hitter when the budget comes into play as well with the needs of equipment, better salary-benefits to match the areas around us, even down to the budgeted amount of fuel for them to use. I don't think anyone figured a budget at all of fuel prices to be $4 a gallon plus, thats got to hurt if you think about the amount the city uses.

The budget concerning the theater I am a little in the mix over.......one we were told it wouldn't cost the tax payer, but here it is our burden and baby to pay for since it can't generate enough revenue to make it on its on. Next is the issue, "how do we make it work?" Its going to be a tough situation, even with Gilmore as a possible shoe-in candidate. Please, go over this contract with a fine toth comb and check it to no end. It might even be a good idea to pass it thru the hands of someone in the entertainment business. Not saying Gilmore is a crook, we just need to look after RR and protect ourself this time around better than what we did in the past. Maybe old Jimbo will win his court case and we can get enough money to pay a portion of it back.......... Smile

doomster · General Secretary Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 2594

In adition to the above post I forgot to drop the comment about the RRPD doing drug patrols on I-95. I am all for it, look at the town of Henderson and what they have done with police work on I-85, do a google on drug interdiction and Henderson NC. It will give you some really good examples. I often hear folks say the local police have no business on he interstate, but they forgot that is in the city now as well. Its a good revenue generator, much better than a tax increase. If they hit on a big load of seized cash I can't recall the portion, or even if its all of it, but it goes back to the police dept. If its done and turned into a big program it can help a ton when it comes to buying equipment for the department and doing other stuff. I still get the...............how does that help the budget question .......plain and simple, if the PD generated enough revenue out there doing interstate work its less money coming out due to equipment purchases and other expenses. They become more of a self supporting facility rather than a bleed off of a budget.

Kestrel · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

About the RRPD on I-95. I have been hearing about automated license plate readers. I've thought that it would be a nice idea to put one on the NC 46 bridge for southbound and the NC 125 bridge for Northbound, and then you would probably catch loads of crooks.

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