"Dr. Joy Browne Show"
KROS is an equal
opportunity employer
NEWS ARCHIVE
School board says no - then yes to cuts
(Clinton) -- The Clinton School Board votes no on a plan to cut expenses and raise taxes and then accepts the plan after more discussion.
In a discussion that went one direction and then in reverse the Clinton School Board did approve a plan to cut about $1.3-million dollars from the budget for the next year, use interfund borrowing and raise property taxes by $1.90/$1000 in assessed value.
The initial vote was rejected 4 to 3, but after some discussion over disagreements and misunderstandings the board did approve the administration recommendation. On the initial vote board members Steve Teney, Missy Sullivan-Pope, Steve Luett and Jack Wentzel voted no.
Teney was concerned that some of his and other board members suggestion were not on the list of recommended cuts. Saying she did not have an answer, Sullivan-Pope said she just did not feel good about it and wanted to consider other cuts. Wentzel believed the property tax increase was too much. Luett also had concerns whether the work will continue to find other reductions.
As the board continued to discuss the plans, there was assurance from board president Jim McGraw and the superintendent that this would be a ‘fluid document’ and the work will be ongoing in finding any other cuts possible.
In a reconsideration of the initial vote, Wenzel was the only board member to continue a no vote.
During the audience comment part of the meeting, former board members and parent of two children in the school, Dave Frett addressed the board and challenged the administration and all bargaining units to offer to take a pay freeze. Although not addressed at the time, later in the meeting Teney told Frett that idea is being considered the proper channels.
Written 2/9/2010 by Dave Vickers - KROS News
