| Neighbors,
You may have seen our Mayor's announcement yesterday concerning the budget crunch facing Louisville Metro. I'm glad we're having this conversation and hope to share some insights our office has put together. In short, the "crisis", as even I called it last week in this same forum, may not be as dire as was presented to me, or frankly, to you. Yes, the City does face increased pension obligations (about $10 million), but we also face increased health insurance obligations (about $15 million) and a structural imbalance (about $10 million) due to spending one time monies on recurring expenses. We must address these issues. How we go about that is currently an open question.
Our Mayor has proposed a series of cuts to cover the $35 million deficit projected for FY20, which starts July 1, 2019. His list includes cutting a hundred police officers, over two dozen firefighters, EMS workers, libraries, parks, and more in the next year alone. These proposed cuts gave us all cause for pause about the seriousness of what our City is facing.
Upon further inspection, it isn't at all clear that this draconian method is needed to balance the budget. Although nothing is ever this simple, if our city cut each budget unit by 10% - as the Mayor mentioned in his State of the City address - we would save over $65 million each year.
Using that as our baseline as we seek $35 million in cuts (about 5.3% of the FY19 budget, our current-year budget), we could completely avoid reductions in public safety units like Police, EMS, and Fire. There probably are some ways we can economize in these departments other than reducing the number of officers keeping our streets safe - we should talk about that.
What we don't see in this reduction proposal is much if any effort to economize, merge departments, and thin the bureaucracy. There are whole departments and agencies that are not asked to cut a single penny from current levels. That doesn't make any sense.
Here's the bottom line: the cuts proposed by our Mayor disproportionately impact front-line, blue-collar workers rather than administrators or department heads.
The Mayor has reduced LMPD by 4.2%; Louisville Fire by 6.1%; Health and Wellness by just under 12%; and Resilience and Community Services by more 25% when the Mayor's executive team is only cutting 2.3%. That is unacceptable as the starting point for any negotiation on how we address this budget situation.
You can see a complete chart of the proposed cuts as prepared by our office here. For more detailed coverage of the Mayor's proposed cuts in detail, click here or check out the WAVE3 story on this issue here.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas on these important issues. Please let the Mayor know how you feel as well.
 Brent T. Ackerson
26th District Councilman
Following are a series of events you and your family may participate in at nearby libraries that will help mark African-American History Month and celebrate the diversity of our city.
- Sunday, February 10, 3:00 p.m. – for teens and adults – African Drumming Workshop – West African rhythms, create original music, ensemble playing. Workshop suitable for beginners through advance drummers. South Central Library, 7300 Jefferson Boulevard. 502-964-3515.
- Monday, February 11, 3:00 p.m. – all ages – Black Jeopardy. Show your knowledge of Black history. Refreshments and prizes provided. Newburg Library, 4800 Exeter Avenue. 502-479-6160.
- Wednesday, February 13, 2:00 p.m. – adult book discussion – “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie” by Ayana Mathis. Fern Creek Library, 6768 Bardstown Road, Cedar Springs Shopping Center. 502-231-4605.
- Saturday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. – adults – Bud Dorsey and “Available Light” - An unforgettable afternoon “tour” through West Louisville through the eyes of a renowned photojournalist. Over three decades of pictures. Door prizes and refreshments. Shawnee Library, 3912 W. Broadway. 502-574-1722.
- Saturday, February 16, 2:00 p.m. – families – African-American History Read-In. An opportunity to promote literacy. Student presentations from the community and celebrate African-American writings. Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place. 502-574-1795.
- Wednesday, February 20 – 10:15 a.m. – adult book discussion – “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. Jeffersontown Library, 10635 Watterson Trail. 502-267-5713.
- Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. – children and their parents – Motown Dance Party for Children. Songs, dancing, bubbles, parachute play, and a morning snack. Southwest Library, 9725 Dixie Highway, 502-933-0029.
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Monday, February 25, 6:00 p.m. – adult book discussion – Dreams from my Father: A story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama. Fairdale Library, 10620 W. Manslick Road. 502-375-2051.
- Tuesday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. adults – Introduction to African-American Genealogy. Joe Hardesty, SAR Library Director, will lead a lecture, teaching how to learn to trace one’s family back to Emancipation and discover other resources that can be of tremendous help. Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place. 502-574-1795
Please call the Library to confirm events are still scheduled. Correct as of today, subject to change.
The Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana
and the Youth in Action Network
invite you to join them for the
2019 African-American Read-in
Bon Air Branch Library
2816 Del Rio Place
February 16, 2019 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Newburg Community Library
4800 Exeter Avenue
February 2, 2019 - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Western Library
604 South 10th Street
February 9, 2019 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free books! Free books!
While Supplies Last
Be a part of the Youth Literacy Program
Questions? Call Jo Ann Orr (502)767-2260
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Recently reports have come in that criminals are posing as Louisville Water employees to gain access to citizens' homes. The Water Company has put together a web page detailing what to look for if someone comes to your home saying they are a Louisville Water service technician. There is almost never a reason for a Louisville Water employee to need access to your home and the few exceptions to that will be when you specifically request their help (to test water quality or look for a leak).
If you are ever uncertain about whether a Metro Louisville or Louisville Water employee is who they claim to be, ask to see identification and for their employee ID number. All Louisville Metro employees have both of those pieces of information on them at all times. If still in doubt, call the police or call the Water company directly.
Kentucky is advancing the process of issuing Drivers Licenses and Personal ID cards in an effort to improve the security of state-issued credentials and comply with federal standards. The 2005 REAL ID Act requires changes to state standards, procedures, and requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards accepted by select federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration. On October 1, 2020, Kentucky’s standard licenses will no longer be accepted to board U.S. flights or enter restricted federal facilities, like military bases, nuclear power plants or the White House.
Kentuckians do not need to replace their current credential unless they are within six months of their card's expiration date, they need to update their card due to a name, address, or gender change, or their current card expires after October 1, 2020 and they would like a Voluntary Travel ID.
All Kentucky driver’s licenses and personal IDs will include the following changes:
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New Security, New Look: All credentials will have a new look to house the latest, state-of-the-art security features that will make Kentucky cards among the most secure in the nation.
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Arrive In The Mail: Residents will continue to visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in their county of residence to apply for a new credential. The requested credential will arrive in the mail at the address provided by the applicant 5-10 business days later. Applicants will leave the Circuit Court Clerk’s office with a 30-day temporary printed document until the requested credential arrives in the mail.
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Extended Shelf-Life: For the first four years of the new issuance process, non-CDL applicants and applicants over age 21 can choose between a four-year or eight-year credential. Starting spring 2023, all applicants will receive an eight-year credential. CDL credentials will be offered in eight-year renewal cycles only.
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Optional Travel License: A Voluntary Travel ID credential offers all of the benefits of a standard credential, plus they are federally acceptable to board U.S. domestic flights and enter federally restricted facilities once federal enforcement begins on October 1, 2020.
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New Pricing: The cost of all credentials will change to account for the extended renewal cycle and additional security improvements.
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More Engagement, Upgraded Equipment: Expect a more interactive experience at your local Circuit Court Clerk’s office. All locations will receive modern equipment to quickly process required documentation.
What’s staying the same?
- As long as Kentucky has an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through October 1, 2020, residents may continue to use standard licenses for domestic air travel and federal facility entry. Kentucky's current extension expires August 1, 2019 but the state expects to maintain extensions until Real ID enforcement begins October 1, 2020.
- Residents will continue to visit Circuit Court Clerk’s offices to apply for a new standard credential (driver’s license, permit, personal ID) or Voluntary Travel ID.
- All driver’s license permits will remain valid for three years.
- Applicant may only renew their current credential within six months of the expiration date.
- Kentucky will maintain strict control over its driver’s license and personal ID card programs, and will only share information with law enforcement agencies for the specific purpose of criminal investigation.
- Applicants can still donate to Trust for Life or register to be an organ and tissue donor when applying for a new credential at a local Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
For more information about the New Kentucky State License please visit https://drive.ky.gov/confidentKY/Pages/default.aspx
Plant a tree today.
Grow benefits that last a lifetime.
TreesLouisville, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Community Canopy program, is offering a limited number of FREE trees to homeowners.
By planting trees in your yards you can benefit your entire community.
- Trees help clean our water by reducing stormwater runoff and keeping chemicals, oil, and pollutants out of water supplies.
- Studies have shown that children and youth living in greener neighborhoods are calmer and healthier.
- Trees filter airborne pollution absorb carbon dioxide – improving our air quality and slowing climate change.
- Trees can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% each year, leading to money savings for you.
The Slow Food Bluegrass School Garden Grant supports a school garden project based in Louisville, KY with $5,000 distributed over the course of three years: $2,500 in year one, $1,500 in year two, and $1,000 in year three.
To be eligible for a Slow Food Bluegrass Garden Grant, applicants must be a (a) 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or (b) nonprofit (public or private) K-12 school, developing a student garden project focused on connecting and engaging children with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Priority is given to both limited-resource communities and to projects clearly demonstrating strong buy-in from stakeholders.
Please email your application to info@slowfoodbluegrass.org; applications are due by March 10th.
For more information please visit http://www.slowfoodbluegrass.org/schoolgardens/
For low-income families in Louisville, the City may provide home repairs in dire emergency situations. If you or someone you know has need for this assistance, please contact their office directly. Learn more from the program's website here.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
- Not available on rental property.
- Must meet income guidelines (See Intake staff)
- May receive assistance once in a five year period.
- Louisville-Jefferson County residents only
TYPES OF REPAIRS
- Furnace Repair or replacement (October-April only)
- A/C Unit- Repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, Available May-Sept. only)
- Electrical repairs/upgrades.
- Water Line repairs/replacement.
- Sewer Line repairs/replacement.
- Water Heater repair/replacement, Gas or Electric.
- Gas Line leaks.
For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 502-574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov
For residents of the Urban Services District, Louisville Metro will be suspending weekly collection of yard waste from now through March 11, 2019. Individuals may request collection as needed through MetroCall at 574-5000.
The Louisville Free Public Library has much more to offer than just books you can check out. They offer free internet access, books on tape, CDs, DVDs, and many classes and events for kids, teens, and adults. Click the photo or name to see what programs are available:
2816 Del Rio Place 40220
(502) 574-1795
(502) 574-1771
*This location is undergoing renovations, and regular programs will be held offsite until Spring 2019. Please check their calendar for the latest information.
4800 Exeter Avenue 40218
(502) 479-6160 |
