Wilmington City Council voted Thursday night to override Mayor Dennis Williams’ veto of the city’s 2014 budget.
Council’s 10-3 vote met the two-thirds majority needed to make $147 million spending plan law over Williams’ objections. The city charter requires the budget be in place by May 31st.
"Not only did we stand together and stand strong to resist false and misleading criticism of our character and integrity as a body, but, most importantly, we took the high road in a very distasteful political fight," said Council President Theo Gregory in a statement. "We had the fortitude to resist the negativity and craft a new budget that is balanced, fiscally responsible and reflects the interests and values of the citizens we represent."
Council originally approved the budget May 16th, but Williams vetoed it May 24th. Williams has argued that the budget is not balanced as required by law. He also maintains inclusion of a $250,000 discretionary fund for Council to use on unspecified youth programs is unconstitutional.
Williams tried to force Council into a special session Tuesday to consider his amended version of the budget, but a judge ruled Council was not required to attend.
Gregory took exception to Williams' tactics during the budget battle.
"This has been the most concentrated attack in recent memory on Council's legal duties, responsibilities and obligations as prescribed in the City Charter," said Gregory. "I am concerned that details of the new budget, which received overwhelming support from a majority of Council, may not be known to some in the community because of the fact that the political and legal wrangling with the Williams Administration has taken center stage in recent weeks."
Williams previously threatened to take the matter to court if Council overrode his veto, but Thursday he would only say he is "disappointed by Council's action" and remains concerned that there are legal problems with the budget.
"I was elected to manage this City, and while I do not believe this budget includes all of the resources necessary to meet next year's obligations, we will do our best to move forward and provide the quality services our citizens deserve, among them police and fire protection, trash collection and safe parks for our kids," Williams said in his own statement following the vote.
