Budget

Q: Columbus is facing cuts in state funding of about $15 million in 2012 and $20 million in 2013. In addition, the state is doing away with the estate tax, which brings in about $9 million per year. What would you cut, or what revenues would you increase to balance the city's budget?

A: We can’t rely on State and Federal government for our city’s financial security – we need to be self-sufficient.

The deficits mentioned amount to approximately 4% of the city budget of $1.4 billion budgeted for 2012 and 2013 combined.

Clearly we’ll need to stay within our budget, but there are core services that the City cannot afford to neglect:

Police, Fire, Garbage collection, Parks, Libraries, Critical Infrastructure, Snow Removal

All other services should be closely reviewed. Big government on a city level is not beneficial to the average Columbus citizen. It is also not beneficial to the city's businesses. Both want their core services taken care of, but otherwise they want cost-conscious government.

All city services should be under constant critique by both elected officials and the general public. Answering "Is this necessary to our way of life?", "Is this necessary to the health and vibrancy of our city?"

Q: Columbus is expected to receive about $24 million in casino tax revenues per year starting in 2013. How should the casino money be used?

A: The Casino revenue should be targeted at improving the long-term sustainability of critical city services by helping to ensure that the city is eventually able to attain financial independence. This would help insulate us from future economic pressures on State and Federal budgets. In preparing for the worst, we’ll also lay a framework for growth should the economy improve. With this foundation, both businesses and families can thrive, knowing that essential services are covered and allowing the costs of city services to remain stable and affordable.