As state officials scramble to close a large deficit by possibly cutting aid to cities, Bristol itself is eyeing a possible second straight budget shortfall.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said the city will likely report a deficit when it finishes its fiscal year report in a couple of weeks.
He said that Bristol will probably also have another deficit during the fiscal year that ends in June.
Klocko said neither figure is available yet.
Klocko said the city did the best it could dealing with the recession, but nobody expected it to go on so long or to reach so deep.
“You just couldn’t plan,” the comptroller said, especially with state lawmakers delaying until September the passage of this year’s budget.
Klocko said it is easy to say Bristol didn’t budget prudently, but if it had nailed the numbers better then property taxes would likely have risen as much as 2.25 mills over past two years.
“If we did a better job, taxes would have gone up,” Klocko said. “So basically we were delaying the inevitable.”
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
With our new political force in control were screwed. We need real action but to many promised favors for certain friends.
ReplyDeleteWard better start cutting from the city worker frist. lets do it right this time around.Or are they in his back pocket. Make the cuts.
ReplyDeleteDont worry Ken and Dave will save us. Just dont hold your breath.
ReplyDeleteKen and Dave cant figure out were they are dont exspect help from them. Ego Maniacs.
ReplyDeleteThe Republicans blew it!
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't Kloko say that back in October?
ReplyDeleteDid Ward know then?
Do Ward and Kloko talk to each other?
If my name were mentioned on this site, I would do just the opposite of whatever was said - what a bunch of losers.
ReplyDeleteIs anybody in charge?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Ward can go four for four?
ReplyDeleteThere goes Kockos bond rating reputation.
ReplyDeleteBoo Hoo
6:23 He didin`t what Art to lose!thats why the budject was pushed off.
ReplyDeleteThe opposite of nothing is something. So tell your boy Ken he should at leaste put on a show. REMEMBER DO something.
ReplyDelete5:54 AM, Please come back when you learn to write in English. I'm not sure what language you're using, but you sure do sound confused!
ReplyDelete5:54
ReplyDeleteCertainly he didn't want Art to lose. Kloko has him wrapped around his little finger, and we are and will be paying for it.
And the other puppet, Mize, is no better!
We are all screwed with Ward as Mayor and Frank at the state.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and poignant letter in the Press today.
ReplyDeleteSince it apparently was written last week, was this what prompted the city to speak out (barely)?
Hope we get more information than what has been provided.
BE NICE IF OUR CITY LEADERS TOLD US WHERE OUR BUDGET STOOD!
ReplyDelete12:19
ReplyDeleteDon't hold your breath.
They will continue to keep us in the dark (as most of them are).
If you parse Kolockos statement, he seems to be saying that we (Ward et al) din't do a good job.
ReplyDeleteI agree with him.
Seems like the whole field is lost. They cant make a move without layoffs but they all owe favors to the union. Look what happen to cockyane a few votes and he went away.Two years comes quick.
ReplyDeleteArt owes all the unions,thats why he is the Mayor i`am sure they will get good money this time around.
ReplyDeleteThink back: who was the last mayor to lay people of when things were tough?
ReplyDeleteBristol is certainly experiencing a leadership deficit: both parties!
ReplyDeleteWhat is Ward doing about department heads going over budget ALREADY?????????
ReplyDelete