Patterson: Executive’s Metro budget plan needs to do more

August 6, 2009

Summary

Concerns about lack of administrative reductions, operating reserve

Story

(Statement from Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson on the proposal from the County Executive to fill Metro Transit’s $213 million budget shortfall)

“I am pleased that Executive Triplett’s proposal today in many ways mirrors the plan my colleagues and I unveiled last week. However, I believe we can, and should do more belt-tightening, including cutting middle management and administrative positions, in order to minimize bus service cuts.

“I am also concerned that the Executive’s proposal included cuts to our modest, 30-day operating reserve, which is maintained in case of emergencies and natural disasters. Given the number of severe weather systems we’ve experienced in the last few years, I believe it is too risky to cut this reserve in half, while keeping middle management and administrative positions intact.

“I look forward to working with the Executive in the weeks prior to budget transmittal, and as the Council considers the budget, in order to find a transit solution that minimizes bus service cuts and implements cost-savings and efficiencies.”