District 22 E-Newsletter Friday, April 28, 2023

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/28/2023 03:00 PM EDT

District 22 Councilman
Robin J. Engel

Louisville Metro Council
City Hall - 2nd Floor
601 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 574-1122
Fax: (502) 574-4501
Contact Councilman Engel

Jared Townes
Legislative Assistant
502-574-3467
Contact Jared Townes

Click here to view crime maps.

WELCOME TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER

Our Mission Statement:

“To Provide Efficient, Courteous And

Professional Service To Our Community”

"Success Comes By Helping Others"

We're Proud To Serve You In Representing District 22

In This Issue . . .

The Mayor’s FY24 Budget Proposal
Big Picture Highlights of the Budget Proposal
Links to view Proposed Budget and upcoming Budget Hearings
Neighborhood Summit 2023
Shakespeare in Beckley Creek Park
Metro Parks Hiring
April Hot Topics

The Mayor’s FY24 Budget Proposal

Louisville Metro Government operates on an annual budget that unlike the Federal Government, must be balanced and must be passed prior to the start of the new Fiscal Year on the first day of July. On Thursday, as required by state law, Mayor Greenberg delivered his first budget to the members of the Louisville Metro Council. Mayor Greenberg’s proposal outlines approximately $1.1 billion in spending ($868 million for the Operating Budget and $225 million for the Capital budget). The mayor’s budget proposal invests heavily in public safety, improving infrastructure and improving the delivery of government services. According to the mayor, his proposal anticipates reasonable economic growth over the next year and doesn’t seek to increase or establish any additional taxes.

So far, the mayor and his administration have been a breath of fresh air in terms of their communication and overall transparency in the budget process. Unlike previous years, there have been great efforts taken to include members of the Council in the development of the budget. When hearing his presentation, it was clear that many of the mayor’s proposals were ideas discussed by members of the Metro Council in previous years. One of the highlights of the budget is an investment of $26 million in paving, funding the completion of a new LMPD headquarters and health facility, as well as increased investment in parks and libraries.

The Mayor’s presentation marks the beginning of a two-month review by the Metro Council. Over the next week members of the Metro Council will begin to review digital copies of the budget with our anticipated receipt of the detailed budget proposal sometime next week. Starting on May 8, 2023, the Metro Council will begin holding hearings with department directors. Over the course of the months of May and June the Metro Council will hold nearly 40 hours of hearings with a final vote expected at the June 22, 2023, meeting of the Metro Council.

Big Picture Highlights of the Budget Proposal

$26 million for Paving/Repairing streets
Funding to continue to narrow the gap of vacancies within our police department
Funds to add personnel to assist in the process of construction and planning for Metro projects.
Funding to support victim services, police training, oversight as well as technological advancements within LMPD
Additional funding is included to support more cameras and technology focused on helping solve crimes such as vandalism and auto thefts.
Additional funding to support increased mowing of public rights-of-way and parks

Outstanding Concerns – while there is much to be happy about, there are still areas of the budget that will likely need some adjustments. While paving was funded at a much higher level than previously proposed under Mayor Fischer, the amount allocated is still approximately $4-8 million short of the goal established by the Metro Council and Department of Public Works over the past 7 budgets. While a small increase in funding for enhanced cleaning and repair of park restrooms was included, the amount recommended wasn’t nearly enough to make much of a difference in the state of our public facilities.

Links to view Proposed Budget and upcoming Budget Hearings

“I’m pleased with the mayor’s call to action for public safety. It’s imperative that all citizens are safe if we are to thrive as a city. In addition to public safety, as we begin budget hearings, I will focus on public safety and be looking for more ways to invest into our public libraries and infrastructure. I am eager to start working with the new administration as well as my council colleagues on these budget priorities.” Councilman Robin Engel (R-22).

I thank you for taking the time to ready this summary. If you would like to look at the mayor’s proposed Operating and Capital Budgets, please use this link to a .pdf (Size is 6MB): https://louisvilleky.gov/management-budget/document/fy24proposed-budget.

If you are interested in viewing one of the Metro Council’s Hearings, please use this link: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/calendar-agendas to see the full schedule for the Months of May and June.

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your member of the Louisville Metro Council. Please feel free to reach out to me via phone at 574-1122 or email me at Robin.Engel@louisvilleky.gov should you have any questions or ideas related to local government, and please have a happy and safe Derby Week!

Regards,

Robin J. Engel

Louisville Metro Councilman

District 22

Neighborhood Summit 2023

Shakespeare in Beckley Creek Park

Metro Parks Hiring

Employment with Louisville Parks and Recreation is a great opportunity to connect with nature and the community! We have employment opportunities throughout each division (aquatics, recreation, golf, community engagement, Jefferson Memorial forest) for both full-time and part-time positions. Visit bestparksever.com for more information on employment opportunities!

Job Opportunities

April Hot Topics

1. A consumer reported a Facebook Messenger scam to BBB. While trying to sell a crib, the consumer was contacted by an interested buyer. The buyer claimed the consumer needed to upgrade her Venmo account before the transaction could be completed. This is a scam. If anyone tells you that you need to upgrade your Venmo account to a “business account” before you can complete a transaction, do not continue to interact with them!

2. A consumer contacted BBB to report a scam email that appeared to come from a close friend. The email stated the friend was collecting gift cards as part of a fundraiser. The email turned out to be fake. If you receive a message from a friend asking for money or gift cards, be sure to verify the email’s authenticity before making any kind of donation.

3. A consumer received a text message claiming to represent Netflix, stating that the consumer’s account had been disabled. This is a phishing scam. Never click on links in unsolicited text messages, and never give your personal or financial information out. If you have questions about the status of your account, contact the provider directly.

4. Consumers continue to report fake Amazon phone calls to BBB. This is a phishing scam. As a reminder, Amazon will never contact you to alert you of a large purchase on your account. If you have any questions or concerns about your account, contact Amazon directly.

5. BBB has received reports of employment scams in our service area. Beware of any “job opportunities” where the interview process seems almost too easy, the recruiter requires you to download a specific app to complete the interview, and the employer sends you a check to purchase supplies. You can also look up reviews on a company at bbb.org before applying or interviewing.

6. Multiple consumers have reported scam sites to BBB that involve address changes and mail forwarding. The consumers report paying hundreds of dollars to file a change-of-address or have their mail forwarded. USPS charges very little (if any) money for these services. Be sure to visit USPS.com for mail-related services.

7. A consumer reported a fake Macy’s website linked on ads that appeared on social media. The website advertised products for prices that were too good to be true. BBB reminds consumers to be wary of ads on third-party sites, and to visit a manufacturer’s site directly when online shopping.

8. Several consumers have reported online shopping scams to BBB; in particular, these scams involve never receiving a purchased item. Before shopping online, check BBB.org for reviews of the company. Always pay with a credit card in case you need to dispute the charge later.

9. Consumers continue to receive fake calls claiming to represent LG&E and Duke Energy. Some scam calls even show up as “LG&E” or “Duke Energy” on caller ID. BBB reminds consumers that LG&E will never call and demand payment over the phone to prevent service disruption. When in doubt, contact your utilities provider directly to check the status of your account.

10. Scam Publishers Clearing House phone calls are on the rise again in BBB’s service area. As a reminder, the real Publisher’s Clearing House only contacts winners by mail, not by phone or text. Any “sweepstakes” that claims you need to pay money upfront to claim your winnings is very likely a scam.

Questions? Contact Councilman Engel

STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences / Unsubscribe | Help