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Council members press mayor for prompt appropriation for new Land Bank Authority
Summary
Councilors criticized the mayor for not sending a requested appropriation letter to the council authorizing $25,000 in starter funds for the new Land Bank Authority, saying the delay hampered the authority’s ability to begin work.
Several council members on Tuesday criticized the mayor’s office for not sending a formal appropriation request after the Land Bank Authority asked council for $25,000 in starter funds.
Councilman Jonathan Lafferty said the Land Bank represents a "tremendous opportunity" but argued the authority cannot operate without funds. "You can't operate a tremendous opportunity for the city with no money ... for us to have to wait now 4 weeks is completely unacceptable," Lafferty said, adding the mayor's office has 10 days under council rules to respond to requests and that the mayor attended the prior meeting and heard the request.
Councilman Noonan echoed the call for quick action. Other council members said they expected a simple letter from the mayor formally asking for the appropriation so council could act. Council did not vote on this matter during the meeting; members requested the mayor’s office send the letter and asked the clerk and mayoral staff to follow council rules for timeliness.
Why it matters: The Land Bank Authority requires initial funding to begin operations and acquire properties for rehabilitation or resale; council members said delays stall the authority’s ability to act on opportunities described in press materials.
Outcome: No formal vote; council members asked that the mayor submit a written appropriation request so council can take up the item at an upcoming meeting.
