Where is there money left?

The attachment to item 6.30 A on tonight's City Council agenda gives a list of the money that hasn't been spent yet this year. (There is, before you get too excited, 15% of the year left.)

It makes for interesting reading. Councilor Rushton is trying to figure out where that money is, and how much it is (he's focusing here on the snow removal budget, which was going to carry a deficit of almost $3 million over to next year; they are now going to be able to bring it down to $1 million. Carrying a deficit on snow removal is allowed under state law, and it sounds like we do it about half the time).

$12 million is the health insurance money (both city and school sides); you'll remember that holiday? It hasn't come out yet.

All of this bears on schools, as extra money is up for grabs.

"How does free cash look?" asks the mayor. "Free cash" is exactly what it sounds like.

"Not so good," answers the City Auditor, though it sounds like it's better than it was. The mayor is asking for a report by the end of the month on how much it is.