The Milwaukee Post

Public reaction gathered before expected adoption next month By DAVE FIDLIN Special to the Post MILWAUKEE — With official 2016 budg- et adoption less than a month away, Milwaukee officials are in the process of holding a series of public hearings as the labor-intensive process of finalizing next year's operations plan gets underway. The hearings come on the heels of Mayor Tom Barrett's recent presentation of his draft version of the $1.61 billion budget, which includes such provisions as hiring 100 new police officers and investing in body cameras that have drawn scrutiny. One of the more notable aspects of Barrett's budget plan is a property tax levy freeze. He said other economic initiatives — including increased construction down- town — have mitigated the need to raise taxes on existing property owners under his plan. The city's tax rate also is expected to drop 1.1 percent. Barrett's 2016 budget also begins setting aside funds for the controversial down- town streetcar project that was approved early this year by the Common Council. With Barrett in attendance, the council on Monday held the first of three public hearings on the budget. More than 100 res- idents attended the two-hour meeting, and several dozen took to the microphone to share their views on a range of issues. In many instances, the residents opin- ing at this week's hearing addressed caus- es, not necessarily a specific line item in Barrett's draft budget. Dozens of people filled the council chambers and called for creating Milwaukee ID cards. Throughout an organ- ized effort, advocates are calling on city and county leaders to work in tandem to create the cards, which they assert could be important to such vulnerable popula- tions as immigrants, the homeless and transgender persons. Some of the ID advocates were Spanish speaking and had to share their viewpoints through an English language interpreter. Several speakers, previously unaware of the ID proposal, said they believed it was a good idea and should be baked into the 2016 municipal budget, if possible. "I'm struck by what a fine idea this real- ly is," resident William Townsend said. "If you're an immigrant, you don't have a Social Security number. I think you (the council) should give it some thought. I hope you will give it your best considera- tion." But some of the commentary was indeed directly squarely at Barrett's budg- et. Criticism about the streetcar was raised several times throughout the meeting. "I think you should spend the money for the people, not on a stupid streetcar," resi- dent Jimmy Holte said. "I think it's a com- plete waste of money." Holte said he would have instead pre- ferred to see the streetcar funding diverted toward efforts to address homelessness and poverty in the community. With police resources consuming the largest portion of Milwaukee's budget on an annual basis, it is little surprise funding priorities within the department remain a hot-button issue. Several residents raised concerns with the proposed body cameras, but some of the commentary also was neighborhood-specific. Charlotte Wright, who lives along West Garfield Avenue, said the homeowners group in her enclave has been actively involved in neighborhood watch efforts. She said she would like to see a bike cop have a presence in the area. "We're giving something," she said. "We'd like to see something in return." Two more public hearings, on Oct. 16 and Oct. 30, are slated before the council adopts the 2016 budget Nov. 4. Following council action, Barrett could make vetoes if he so chooses. 2 • Milwaukee County Post • October 9, 2015 First 2016 city budget hearing raises municipal IDs, police funding as priorities Volume 21, issue number 41 The Milwaukee Post (ISSN 1544-1776) is published weekly by Conley Media, Milwaukee County 3397 South Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 For all departments call: 414-744-6370 News display and advertising FAX: 414-375-7070 Classifieds: 800-762-6219 ext. 5005 Classified Fax: 262-334-6252 For display advertising inquires: 414-744-6370 Barry Richards: Advertising Representative — ext. 13 brichards@conleynet.com Julia LeGath: Advertising Representative — ext. 17 jlegath@conleynet.com Jim Baumgart Advertising Sales Director — 262-513-2621 jbaumgart@conleyent.com For editorial questions: Dan Muckelbauer Editor 262-513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Milwaukee Post 3397 S. 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