Hey, Autry, let *me* spend that $4.5 million!
Just when it seemed anything that resembles money is falling into a black hole (real estate investment, stock market, 401(k)...pick a sob story), Alan "the Cash Cowboy" Autry moseys up and tells us there's an extra $4.5 million to spend in Fresno's city budget.
Well, hooooo-wee, pard.
Autry has laid out how he would like to direct the money. Nearly half would be poured into fire prevention and police. More than $600,000 would be tucked into a rainy day fund that's already $17.5 million large. The City Council will chew on his recommendations Tuesday.
OK, some perspective -- $4.5 million is vending-machine change compared to Fresno's total budget of more than $1 billion. But standing on its own, that's a lot of scratch. So, here's your chance to be Da Mayah. Tell us how you would spend the money. Our caveat: Your shopping list must be things that would improve Fresno's quality of life ... or least "quality" as you perceive it.
Comments:
well if there's about 450,000 residents in the city, that's about $10 for each of us. I'd like it in cash, please.
Another option, lets pour the money into scientific research. Maybe there's a way to cool this town down by partially blocking out the sun during the hottest months of the year.
If nothing else, we could use it to remove some blight, or at least put up some nice looking facades around town. I'd start by hiding that hideous and stinky chicken feed packing plant at H street and Palm.
Posted by: Stephen at October 3, 2008 4:14 PM
Actually, Jody...that rainy day fund is currently $17.5 million.
I applaud the City for being prepared for what the next economic surprise might be.
Posted by: Chase Sanborn at October 3, 2008 4:49 PM
I was, indeed, off a single but significant decimal point, Chase. Thanks, it's fixed (Denny had it right in his story).
Posted by: Jody at October 3, 2008 4:53 PM
Maybe they can use a few grand to buy another piece of land in SE Fresno for the police to build their substation, and let the Hmong gardeners keep their garden. Community gardens are something that the city should be encouraging, not eliminating.
Posted by: Mike D. at October 3, 2008 5:10 PM
I like Mike D.'s idea. Fresno needs more green space and less brown space.
As for Stephen's idea; I think a hole in the ozone layer over Fresno would work better. Last time I checked outer space was still a vacuum; heat, smog, all gone. (Joke answer Enviro. Club members)
On second thought . . . It seems another Hollywood Star turned politician is lookig for a loan to keep California afloat. What think ye Fresno taxpayers? At 50% interest over four years (next Mayor/Governor cycle) that could buy a lot of green whatever for Fresno. Maybe this should be a question for the candidates for Autry's job. Humm . . .
Posted by: Dan Carter at October 4, 2008 6:11 AM
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