Mayor Unveils New Budget

On Thursday afternoon the Louisville Metro Council got its first look at Mayor Jerry Abramson’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year.The budget is based on the assumption that the local economy will grow by just 2.9 percent, the weakest growth in five years.In an address to the council, the mayor said he’s not recommending cuts to public safety departments“The balanced budget I present to you today does not eliminate police or fire classes as the Lexington mayor recently proposed wherein he’s facing a $10 million structural imbalance in his budget," said Abramson.Republican Councilman Kelly Downard says he’s eager to get a closer look at the spending plan.“I’m confused that we’re showing 2.9% increase yet everything sounds like it’s going even or going down and so, where’s the money being spent," he said. "We have to dig into it.”Also in the budget is the construction of a new library and new animal shelter, and the purchase of lands for the Center City downtown development project.