Wilmington’s 2016 budget is headed to Mayor Dennis Williams’ desk after narrowly passing City Council.
Council voted 7-6 to approve the $151.7 million spending plan, which revised Williams’ original proposal by adding over $600,000 to pay for some recommendations made by the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission.
Many of council members who voted “no” were animated in expressing their displeasure with the Williams’ administration, questioning its fiscal responsibility, management of the city and its responsiveness to Council and the public – especially on public safety.
Trippi Congo was among the “no” votes, saying his constituents want Council to force Mayor Williams to be accountable.
“It won’t be addressed until we take a stand and I think our residents want us to take a stand. If we have to go back and forth, that’s what they want. They want us to stop going along just to get along," said Congo. "Go to war because it’s not for us. It’s for our residents. It’s for the people that have placed confidence in us to say ‘ok, we’re going to trust that you’re going to go there and not just go along to get along.’”
Council president Theo Gregory voted “yes” and suggested many were turning the budget vote into a referendum on the mayor. But he says the time for that is Election Day.
"We can’t fix the administration in the context of this budget process. We cannot fix programs that this administration should be running in a timely and professional manner in the context of this budget process," said Gregory. "It just doesn’t work that way.”
Gregory adds he’s satisfied with the budget after adding in the extra public safety spending.
In a statement, Williams’ thanked City Council for passing the budget.
"This represents collaborative efforts by both Council and my Administration to produce a budget that does not increase taxes is fiscally responsible, and allows the City to continue providing high quality services to our citizens,” said Williams in his statement.
