Council approves budget on second reading on The Murfreesboro Post

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Council approves budget on second reading

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By: CHRISTIAN GRANTHAM, Post Contributor

Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 11:47 am

The Murfreesboro City Council also met Thursday to consider its budget on second reading.

Last week, newly elected councilwoman Madelyn Scales Harris warned she would not vote for the budget unless all her demands were met to save city jobs on the chopping block.

"My dad always said if you can't have a whole loaf settle for half," Harris said prior to her vote. "This has been a very, very difficult situation for me. I have prayed long and hard about this. I've actually fasted over this situation, and it's difficult for me to grasp my hands around everything that's going on in these tough times."

In the end, Harris voted for the budget, but helped win significant concessions for employees who face layoffs.

Both Mayor Tommy Bragg and Councilman Ronald Washington echoed Harris' empathy for the employees noting the decision was very tough but that they were very appreciative of what they could do together.

"Mrs. Harris, I think all the council is proud of you too," Bragg said. "You got a lot of votes. You have a lot of confidence on behalf of many people. Group decisions are always better than individual decisions, just remember that."

Harris had pushed for and got an extra $750 along with an extra month of severance for those who face layoffs under the city's budget. The city also passed a waiver allowing them to hire from the pool of proposed layoffs, significantly reducing the 14 who face unemployment.

The City Council unanimously passed the appropriation ordinance. It has one more scheduled reading before the end of the fiscal year.

Tagged under Budget, City, Layoffs, Madelyn Scales Harris, Tommy Bragg

Member Opinions:

By: Macgyver on 6/19/10
Its sad we’re even talking about lay-offs. You drive around town and see the new Chamber building being built with a combination of local and state tax money. Then there is the 2.4 million dollar water park that is being built at the Sportscom. Either one of those projects could’ve saved these jobs.

By: SocEtTuem on 6/22/10
Those of us who have to pay for these jobs are ourselves under the gun in bad economic times. Why should public employees be exempt from the pain. Unforttunately we cannot tax our employers for a raise. Instead we have to go without. Government should take a lesson from those of us who pay for it and act accordingly.