Panel makes budget recommendations

A panel of 11 volunteers has spent nine months reviewing the budget process in New Haven and came up with a range of recommendations.

The panel was compromised of citizens, two aldermen and the city's budget director.

The 30-page report takes aim at New Haven's process of crafting and approving a $640 million city and school budget.

"Yes, it's critical of decisions made by our elected officials no doubt about it," said Chair Tim Holahan of the Budget Review Panel.

Among its recommendations: give up Tweed New Haven airport. The city allocated $360,000 this year only to approve $160,000 more in April.

"We're pouring money into Tweed and we need that money for other things," said Holahan. "We've got to get the state to take control of Tweed."

New Haven was in a budget crunch, having to layoff 35-employees and close three senior centers to fill a a budget gap.

The panel recommends the city revise its pension program and reduce debt to improve New Haven's financial condition.

The report acknowledges aldermen have little control since the Board of Education accounts for over 50-percent of the budget.

So, Holahan said the prime recommendation is for aldermen to demand more accountability when it comes to tax payer money.

"The number one thing is look at what you are doing, look at what works, keep doing that, stop doing what doesn't work," said Holahan.

To see the panel's budget review recommendations, click here .