Mayor says police and fire positions safe
6:20 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Three council members and the mayor walked out of Monday night's meeting during the fire chief's presentation on the importance of not cutting positions.
Tuesday, Mayor Bill Bunten told 49 News the walkout came in frustration over listening to more on an issue that he says is really a non-issue.
Some Topeka residents believe there was an ulterior motive to the plan.
"It's a scare tactic. It's what this city pulls on everyone. They try to scare people into doing this that and another so they can end up collecting more taxes,” said Topeka resident Mitch Grossman.
But the mayor disagrees.
“I've heard people say it's a scare. It's not a scare. It's what you have to do,” Bunten said.
He says if you don't raise taxes, you have to cut service and personnel, but he doesn't believe that will happen.
We asked, is the idea of cutting police and firefighters off the table?
"Oh my yes. It always was,” Bunten quickly responded.
And after Monday night's walk out, Bunten says it will just take time for council members to cool off and wear down before they can agree on what to cut and what to keep in the budget.
“Eventually you get so tired and you can't have it all your own way. Well then, you're going to have to make some accommodations so we can reach an agreement. That will be done. I promise you,” Bunten added.
The next budget meeting is next Monday.
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