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York Mayor signs 2016 city budget into law

The Mayor of York has signed the city’s 2016 budget into law after York City Council members called an emergency hearing Wednesday morning. During the meeting, ...
york city council

The Mayor of York has signed the city’s 2016 budget into law after York City Council members called an emergency hearing Wednesday morning.

During the meeting, the group failed to override Mayor Kim Bracey’s veto with a 3-2 vote.

Council members were then forced to go through the budget, line-by-line, voting on a series of amendments.

They included increased overtime for waste water management, more money for the human relations commission as well as money to create a new economic development position.

The budget also included a $150,000 tax transfer from the York City School District.

Councilman Michael Helfrich was the only member who voted against the amended budget proposal.

He says while some people may benefit from the new spending plan, the school district will continue to suffer.

“To cut another $150,000 this year and $300,000 at least for every year after that, they presented it and said that’s two teachers; that’s four teachers. In my mind, one economic development director deputy is not worth two teachers,” Helfrich said.

President of Council, Carol Hill-Evans said, “How does that affect a child? Time will tell. That was the most painful part. That was the hardest part on having to vote that way; It’s never been my intent to take anything from a child.”

The 2016 budget will also include a property tax reduction, but will not include an increase in the city’s sewer fees.

Councilman Helfrich says he considers the sewer fee cut a ‘win’ as Mayor Bracey had previously wanted to raise the rate by six percent.

The 2016 amended budget was passed by the council with a 4-1 vote.

 

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