Mayor Calls Proposed Budget 'Blueprint For Progress'

By Frances Kuo 

(LOUISVILLE) -- It's designed to build on Louisville's progress and set a course for the future. That's how Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson presented his budget proposal to the Metro Council on Thursday. It features investments in public safety, economic growth and improving quality of life. WAVE 3's Frances Kuo explains.

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson calls it a "blueprint for progress, a map for charting the course for the future of our hometown." On Thursday, he presented his $730 million budget proposal to the Metro Council.

Public safety tops the priority list, with $130 million for the Metro Police Department, the largest share for any city agency.

That money would go to hire and train 50 new officers and expand the department's firearms training center, which has struggled to keep up with demand.

"This particular range has 12 lanes, so only 12 officers at a time can perform the training," said Kevin DeSpain of the Louisville Metro Police Academy.

The mayor also proposes $468,000 for handheld computers, allowing paramedics to store and disseminate information in the field.

"It would definitely decrease our response times and improve on just about anything we do on the streets," said Sgt. Shad Hollis of Louisville Metro EMS.

At a cost of $17.5 million, Mayor Abramson also wants to modernize the fire department, by adding three new fire stations and 17 new fire trucks.

The fire modernization plan is part of a new approach to the budget, thinking long-term to fund capital improvements.

That idea is also reflected in $750,000 towards a new animal shelter and $5 million for park improvements.

After the Mayor's presentation to Metro Council, initial reactions were mixed.

"I suspect this year's budget process will be smoother," said Councilman Jim King. "Certainly, it will have its wrinkles; I don't expect a lot of hubris."

"I hope it says we're working closer together more now than we ever have," said Councilman Rick Blackwell. "I feel like that's what it says, we'll see in the next month."

While Councilman Kelly Downard agreed with most of the budget's highlights, he says he and other members need time to look at its details.

"The community's probably tired of every year, promises for the future," Downard said. "Again, we have a budget that does a little bit more of everything, not much of anything."

The Mayor's proposal also includes $12 million for road and transportation improvements, and more than $12 million for MetroSafe to improve emergency communications.

The budget stays true to the Mayor's pledge -- no cuts in services and no tax increases.

Online Reporter: Frances Kuo

Online Producer: Michael Dever