People who live in Watertown are voicing their concerns about the city’s proposed budget that includes a hefty tax increase.
Zoo New York received the largest show of support at Monday night’s budget hearing. Wearing shirts saying “I Love the Zoo,” multiple people spoke out against the lack of funding for the zoo in the budget, including volunteer Allison Gorham.
"It would be another black eye on the city, another black eye on the council for not considering something that's so incredibly important to the area, and time is running out," said Gorham.
Interim Executive Director Mark Irwin requested $375,000 from the city for the struggling zoo and a multi-year management agreement plan.
"There is a cost to doing nothing,” he said. “If the zoo were to close, or if management reverted to the city, and it fell to the city staff, it would be far, far more expensive, and it would waste years of progress and public trust."
Still, other neighbors zeroed in on the spending plan’s 18.8% tax increase. Frank Battista told the city council this is the time to reign in spending.
"I didn't work 40 years in a job I hated to be kicked out of my home, to be taxed out of my house, so it's up to you to make these decisions," he said.
The council has multiple budget work sessions throughout May and plans to vote on the budget at the last regular or special council meeting this month.
