With the Common Council preparing to give final votes on both the Capital and Operating Budgets for 2010 on Tuesday and Wednesday, many alders have requested more information on several controversial amendments.
Ald. Bridget Maniaci, District 2, said in a statement that she would like more information about the controversial Edgewater Hotel proposal and the consideration of tax increment financing before she makes a definitive decision.
""I want my city council colleagues to come to their decisions confidently and with full information at their disposal,"" she said.
Currently, Hammes Company, the developer behind the Edgewater proposal, is requesting $16 million from the city in TIF funds, but several alders are hoping to remove at least $8 million of those funds from the project. The overall costs for the project will likely total over $90 million.
Ald. Julia Kerr, District 13, said in a statement that before she votes on the amendment, she wants to be sure she can fully explain the costs and benefits of such a huge project to her constituents.
Another large project that will likely be called into question is the renovation of the Central Library.
Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18, as well as Alds. Jed Sanborn, District 1, and Paul Skidmore, District 9, are proposing an amendment that would require the city to secure $4 million in private funding before a development and construction agreement is reached.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said in his blog that he has tried to maintain a balance throughout his budget, and hopes the council will maintain it.
""My budget calls for the elimination of 22 city jobs but probably no layoffs, no pay increases for anyone in city government, but no pay cuts either,"" he said. ""It has no increases but no cuts to community service providers. And, it has a tax increase on the average house of under 4 percent.""
