City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, March 15, 2012) – Mayor Thomas S. Richards is once again asking for the community’s input as part of the process of preparing the 2012-13 Proposed City Budget. The Mayor is inviting residents and taxpayers to attend “Voice of the Customer” sessions in the City’s four quadrants. The “Voice of the Customer” sessions will begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
• Thursday, March 22, Gantt Community Center, 700 North St.
• Monday, March 26, Edgerton Stardust Ballroom, 41 Backus St.
• Wednesday, March 28, Adams Street Community Center, 85 Adams St.
• Tuesday, April 3, Lake Riley Lodge, Cobbs Hill Park, 100 Norris Dr.
Current projections show that the City’s expenses are expected to exceed its revenues by $40.2 million. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a one-time, $15.4 million spin-up of cash from New York State that reduces that gap to $24.8 million. This remaining $24.8 million gap is roughly half of the budget gap the City faced in the 2011-12 budget process due to the reductions the City made in that fiscal year. The fact remains that Rochester will not take in enough money to pay for the current level of services and implement its capital plan. Customer feedback will be used to help prioritize City programs and services.
Mayor Richards emphasized that the City has not made final budget decisions and the “Voice of the Customer” meetings are designed to help guide the City on possible solutions to close its budget gap. Participants will have opportunities to examine and provide feedback on various topics including taxes and fees, pensions, public safety, infrastructure (roads and buildings), neighborhood and business development, federal funding, organizational efficiencies and other topics.
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News Media: For more information, contact Gary Walker at 428-7405.