A recent report discusses the recent passing of an increased budget with additional funds earmarked to address blight and for additional demolitions.

Budget takes on blight, vicious dogs
By Ken Prendergast kenatsun@cox.net

City Council passed a budget this week that will include funding increases for demolishing blighted structures and to hire at least one additional dog warden to target vicious dogs loose in neighborhoods.

The $503 million general fund budget increased by 5 percent over last year's budget, yet revenues are projected to rise only 3 percent to $489 million. Projected future cost savings and a carryover from last year's budget will be needed to cover the gap.

Continuing to improve the qualify of life in our city is a priority for city council, said Council President Martin Sweeney, Ward 20. We must provide those service that are critical to moving Cleveland forward.

To achieve cost savings, Mayor Frank Jackson announced in his State of the City speech Operation Efficiency Initiative comprised of city department heads, Ward 18 Councilman Jay Westbrook and other local leaders. Jackson said the initiative is intended to keep a lid on rising costs such as health care, labor, worker's compensation and energy. He said he would like to reduce costs by 3 percent to save $15 million.

Sweeney said council identified the city's Department of Building and Housing as a priority for more funding. He contended more resources would make the department more effective.

City Council is committed to cleaning up abandoned properties, addressing the root causes and finding solutions to this issue impacting our neighborhoods, Sweeney added. This budget, along with the efforts of the Joint Task Force on Vacant and Abandoned Properties, gives us the resources and mechanism to affect change.

The task force has begun examining ways to tackle the issue of vacant and abandoned properties. It also has taken a four-step approach to the issue: detection, prevention, maintenance, as well as blight elimination and redevelopment, he said. The additional funds allocated by council will help pay for demolition, which Sweeney called the first and most essential step to eliminating blight.

Council is also addressing the threat vicious dogs present to the quality of life in our communities, he said. Our policy research demonstrates a compelling argument for at least one additional dog warden.

The city has only one dog warden following budget cuts in 2004 and a reassignment of police personnel by former Mayor Jane Campbell.

To view the online article please click on the following link.

City of Cleveland Initiatives Addressing Blight