Quote Originally Posted by okcsmokeandfire View Post
RC,

We need the 4 rescue ladders that were axed for an apparent hockey team loan. Correct if I am wrong, but isnt that $ 3.2 million dollars (originally going to purchase 4 new rescue ladders) later to be diverted as a loan to a hockey team, supposed to be paid back to the city with interest.

If in fact that is the case, then why didnt we just loan this money to the hockey team out of the rainy day fund since it is going to be repaid with interest. Then take the money that we were supposed to purchase the new ladders with originally and simply purchase them.

I have read that if we did this, then somehow our bond rating would be affected. We have over $ 85 million dollars in the rainy day fund, over 10% of our whole citys yearly budget. How in the world is a measly $ 3.2 million dollars (that is going to be repaid with interest) going to amount to a hill of beans out of $ 85 million.

I again will restate that all we as a fire and police dept desire is adequate staffing and dependable equipment to meet the needs of the citizens of OKC.
Nothing more and nothing less.

If 65% of the city budget and a dedicated 3/4 cent sales tax cannot get this for public safety, then we definitely need to look at other alternatives as a permanent funding source. Anything less is not in the best interest of the citizens of OKC.
Or as everyone else, (City employees,people in the private sector, including small business owners), make better use of the funding they have, spend it wisely, take better care of what they have, make cuts where possible, etc; etc;