Budget Showdown at City Hall?

The Ballard administration says it hopes to avoid a budget showdown with Council Democrats over how to close a $65 million shortfall, however time is running out as a budget must be passed by the end of the month.

The administration has proposed closing the shortfall byraises to the police and fire department, eliminating the homestead property tax credit, taking $37 million from rainy day fund balances as well as using $10 million from the TIF District.

Democrats disagree, some are looking at dipping deeper into fund balances, like the Capitol Improvement Board.   Even a number of Republicans oppose eliminating the homestead credit.

Indy Politics spoke with City Spokesman Marc Lotter to get a feel for where the budget talks stand between now and Monday’s scheduled council meeting where a vote is expected.

Leon-Tailored audio: Marc Lotter, City of Indianapolis - (12 minutes)

A vote on the budget is scheduled for October 15, however state law says a budget must be passed by November 1 or the budget that was in effect last year will become law.