Happy Mothers Day To All!

May this special day and everyday always be a Happy Mother’s Day. ~ Vivian

Robbery suspects needed money to pay bills, police say

Tennessean May 9, 2009 Police say a Nashville man and his girlfriend admitted to trying to rob a restaurant Friday morning because they needed money to pay their bills. According to a Metro police statement: At 9 a.m., Alexa Forkum, 22, of Roxbrough Drive, pulled out a gun and demanded money at the Subway restaurant at 450 Donelson Pike. She fled empty-handed in a Chevrolet Blazer driven by her boyfriend, Alex Lane, 23, of Lincoya Bay Drive. They were later caught. During questioning, Forkum admitted to the Wednesday night armed robbery at the Circle K, 2011 Elm Hill Pike, police said. The couple is jailed and faces attempted aggravated robbery charges. Forkum is also charged with aggravated robbery. — NICOLE YOUNG

Mayor Dean kills $172 million in projects

Scuttled plans affect parks, public works By Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • May 9, 2009 Metro would pay for $560 million in building, renovation and equipment projects and pull the plug on nearly $172 million in previously approved plans under the capital budget Mayor Karl Dean proposed Friday. Dean's recommendations include about $54 million to expand and renovate the Fulton government complex on Second Avenue South, $6.1 million for new bikeways and sidewalks, and about $6.5 million for a DNA crime lab. At the same time, Metro would drop about 30 planned projects dating back as far as 1999, including $58 million for various public works and $22 million for parks. But each of those departments would get slightly more money for new projects. "We have curtailed millions of dollars of projects and clearly identified those we believe important for our City at this time, recognizing that our resources are limited now and for the foreseeable future," Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling wrote in a letter to Metro Council members. Councilman Carter Todd of Green Hills said he liked what he saw in the plan, which Riebeling said would take at least three years to complete. "It's easy during tough times to get kind of scared and not make the proper investments," Todd said. "If we stop spending money and hunker down, we'll lose what makes Nashville so special." But Councilman Duane Dominy of Antioch said it might be wise to de-authorize even more projects than Dean recommended. "We need to limit how we're increasing the debt load of the city, especially in these economic times," he said. $178M would be new Metro has already spent about $132.8 million on projects that are in progress. About $178 million would be completely new, including $50 million to control stormwater and $22 million for riverfront development, where an additional$7.95 million was already planned. About $250 million was previously approved but put on hold by Dean after he took office in 2007. Riebeling said the city would start hiring architects and working up designs for many projects soon after winning council approval. A new police precinct in West Nashville, new and renovated fire halls around the city and a new library in Goodlettsville — which former Mayor Bill Purcell proposed two years ago — would be among the first things to get started. Two of the de-authorized projects are actually still planned, but with new arrangements. Instead of renovating the existing Lentz Public Health Center, Metro plans to swap the facility for property owned by HCA Inc., where the city would construct a new building. Also, Foursquare Properties, which plans to redevelop Bellevue Center mall, would build a public library there in exchange for $12 million from the city. Jim Forkum, chairman of the council's budget committee, said the deauthorization plan makes sense. "It's kind of like going through a file cabinet," he said. "You keep what you need to get done."

Mayor's budget funds riverfront park

Dean's plans also include library, bus rapid transit By Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • May 8, 2009 Mayor Karl Dean said his $560 million capital budget will include money to replace portable classrooms with traditional ones, develop a bus rapid transit system and build a park on the Cumberland River's east bank. Dean also will recommend $50 million in major storm-water projects, a new public library for Goodlettsville and more than $30 million for public safety. The mayor plans to file the full, multiyear capital budget with the Metro Council today. He released some of his proposals Thursday. "It is important, even during difficult economic times, for a city to invest in its infrastructure and facilities needed for our citizens," Dean said in a news release. "But given the current economic environment, it's more important than ever for our investments to be made wisely and support our priorities and our community's greatest needs." Dean's administration put about 140 capital projects on hold last year because reserve funds set aside to pay off debt had declined dramatically in the previous two years. Dean planned to submit a capital plan last fall, but pulled it back because of turbulence in the United States credit markets. Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling said the new plan would include about $130 million that has been spent on projects in progress and $110 million for completely new plans. With council approval, the city also would eliminate about $170 million approved by previous councils. "There were a lot of unclear priorities," Riebeling said. The announcement that Dean plans to build an "adventure play park" along the river drew praise from East Nashville residents, who were saying much different things about him two months ago. The park was the first priority in a riverfront plan developed by Metro consultants with considerable public input in 2006-07. But Dean's administration said in March that it was reassessing the priorities in light of the recession. In the end, Dean said he would propose $30 million for projects on both sides of the river. "It's an important victory that we kept the plan in place," said Kenny Byrd, president of Historic Edgefield Inc., a neighborhood a few blocks east of the river. "We can continue the process of reinvigorating residential and business life on the east bank." Antioch stands to gain Councilman Mike Jameson, who battled Dean when it appeared the park would be pushed back, said he was "enormously grateful to the mayor." "His decision will benefit Nashvillians on both sides of the river for generations to come." Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite, who represents part of Antioch, said she was pleased to see Dean's recommendations for a new fire station, a new police precinct and new parkland in southeast Davidson County. "It's a great thing," Wilhoite said.

Thank you Mayor Dean!..It's Christmas Time for District 29 and all of Southeast

Well District 29 residents, it looks like we are closer than ever before to getting community center facilities needed for our families and children in southeast Davidson. In the Message from Mayor Dean (see release to the left under Mayor Dean's picture), he has proposed in his Capital Spending Plan a new community center combined with a public health department to be located in southeast Davidson. How great is this! I will be getting more details about this endeavor in respects to location, timeline etc. as details are provided. But for now, it is MORE than just a dream and it's about time. This plan has vision for southeast Davidson. Metro parks will have the ability to purchase more park land. This is absolutely wonderful. A New Southeast Fire Station He has also proposed such needed services like a firestation in southeast Davidon. Certainly this will mean that our firefighers at Engine 33/35 will be getting a better living condition facilities. We are tired of them living in the ghetto type facility that they are in now. These are the women and men that put their lives on the line to save the lives of residents and their homes. And like the other newer fire halls maybe it too will have a community room. We will provide such input on the plans I pray.

Clinics offer free or low cost healthcare for uninsured

WKRN News Channel 2 Posted: May 5, 2009 08:59 AM CDT Even for the employed, health insurance is becoming a luxury and many, trying to save money in the down economy, are skipping routine doctor visits. Dr. Robert Cranfield, a physician at Tennessee Urgent Care, which has four Mid-State locations in Antioch, Smyrna, Rivergate and on White Bridge Road, says the growing trend is a dangerous one. "A lot of people are just holding back on coming for routine healthcare," he told News 2. "They're going to try and wait it out and see if things will get better, or for better economic times." Dr. Cranfield believes while basic healthcare can be affordable for the uninsured, overcrowded emergency rooms continue to show the uninsured are using hospitals for primary care because they know they won't be turned away if they're unable to pay upfront. There are several area clinics, however, that offer healthcare options for free or at reduced costs. Dr. Cranfield said statistics show urgent care centers are about 60% less than going to an emergency room for your healthcare. At Tennessee Urgent Care, a routine visit costs between $100 and $180 and customers paying in cash can get a 20% discount. Additionally, there are programs for the uninsured through nonprofit organizations. St. Thomas Health Systems, for example, offers clinics that base fees on a sliding scale, depending on your income and several major drug stores, like Walgreens and CVS, offer clinics where patients can see a nurse practitioner for as little as $50. In Davidson County, uninsured residents can sign up for Bridges to Care, a program funded by Catholic charities that links enrollees to a network of doctors based on the patient's ability to pay. "It may not be full cover insurance, but at least you have that primary care doctor you can go to instead of going to the emergency room," said Holly Sanchez with Bridges to Care. "As long as you're uninsured and live in Davison County, we're happy to sign you up." "You're general health is extremely important and doesn't need to wait for better economic times," said Dr. Cranfield. "You've got to make sure that you do keep up with your routine healthcare."

Seven Nashville schools to shed uniforms

Most in Metro will relax standards By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • May 7, 2009 Nearly every Metro school next year will relax the district's "standard school attire" policy to include more clothing options for students, and seven schools are scrapping it altogether. In 2007, the board adopted a detailed uniform policy that outlined dos and don'ts for students, including making sure belts weren't too long. After two years, schools would be given the chance to drop the policy or make changes. This week, school officials announced that all but about 10 schools were granted permission to modify the uniform policy starting next school year. Seven schools will drop the policy completely and revert to the district's original dress code. All requests to opt out were granted, said Ralph Thompson, assistant superintendent of student services. More requests may be considered next year. "Each school was asked to consult staff, students, parents and the community and from that make the determination," he said. "Many schools did feel it made a difference, which was the reason wewanted to leave it up to schools." The policy requires all students to wear solid-colored shirts with collars. Slacks or long shorts or skirts of appropriate length can be worn in khaki, navy or black. Advocates for the policy said it would make schools safer, while opponents complained it created discipline problems out of otherwise good students. Most elementary schools asked that more colors be included on the list of acceptable shirts, Thompson said. Other schools wanted to allow school spirit attire. Seth McCammon, a sophomore at Hume-Fogg Magnet High, which opted to drop the entire policy, said uniforms were not needed because discipline problems at his school are rare. "I hate SSA, and I think that having to dress in a specific way is a waste of time and money," McCammon said. The 15-year-old said he couldn't wait to go back to wearing T-shirts. Metro Schools also is dropping the punitive portion of the uniform policy, which required students to serve one day of in-school suspension after the second violation. After the third offense, a student could be suspended out of school. Now, schools will be able to decide how and if students should be punished for violating the dress code, Thompson said.

Volunteer List for May

Tennessee won't require restaurants to list calories; Nashville still on track

Phil Bredesen's proposal to require calorie counts on menus at chain restaurants in Tennessee has failed for the year. The proposal carried by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Old Hickory was sent to a summer study committee by the Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee on Tuesday. The move means Davidson County's menu labeling ordinance, adopted in March, remains on track to go into effect March 31, 2010. A state law would have pre-empted a local law. Metro's menu labeling law requires calorie counts to be next to food items on menus or display boards. It applies to chains with 15 or more outlets nationwide, not mom-and-pop eateries or local restaurants. It also exempts institutions such as schools, entertainment venues such as movie theaters and lodging. Calories don't have to be posted for wine and alcoholic drinks. A bill was introduced in the Metro Council challenging the health board's authority to make a menu labeling rule. It was deferred in April. Several House subcommittee members raised concerns about whether the calorie counts would be an effective tool to fight obesity and diabetes. "It seems to me to be a little obvious that Big Macs make you fat," said Republican Rep. Vance Dennis of Savannah. State Health Commissioner Susan Cooper said the proposal would have followed similar laws in New York City and California. "This isn't about a Big Mac in particular, it's about how many calories exist in a meal, which is very deceptive," she said. "Is it to tell people what to eat? No. It's to arm them with the data to make the best decisions." The menu requirements were aimed at chains with more than 20 restaurants nationwide. But members of the committee expressed concerns about the costs to business owners. "Before we issue a mandate for all these businesses in Tennessee to do this, we need to get a little more solid numbers and feedback as to whether this actually works," said Dennis. Democratic Rep. Jeanne Richardson of Memphis said she was wary of imposing the menu requirements on businesses when the same rules aren't in place for schools, where many children acquire eating habits they keep later in life. Richardson also jokingly asked whether the administration had chosen the hulking Turner to carry the bill for any specific reason. "I want you to know the fast food industry did this to me," Turner joked back. Another Democrat, Rep. Sherry Jones of Nashville, made the motion to study the proposal before giving it another shot next year. That motion passed on a voice vote, to the apparent disappointment of the panel's chairman, Rep. Joey Hensley, a Hohenwald Republican and a physician. "I wanted to vote it down," he said after the vote prevailed.

And the Winners Are..................................

Congratulations to well deserving teachers and principals selected for 2010 Teacher of the Year and 2010 Principal of the Year. There are no losers, all of our hardworking teachers and principals are all winners! Thank you for helping us to help our children aspire to the top of their potential. Vivian. Nashville, Tenn. (May 4, 2009) - Monday, May 4, aboard the General Jackson, MNPS announced its 2010 Teachers of the Year and 2010 Principals of the Year. This annual program seeks to recognize outstanding educators and administrators. The 2010 Teachers of the Year will go on to represent the district in the state competition for their division. 2010 Teacher of the Year The annual Teacher of the Year program seeks to recognize teachers from each school who have been selected by their peers as among the best. A panel of judges reviewed materials submitted by each school-level teacher of the year and narrowed the field to nine finalists-three each representing elementary, middle, and high schools. John M. Shuler, reading specialist at Jones Elementary Paideia Magnet School, was awarded Elementary School Teacher of the Year. For the past 15 years, Shuler has worked with students grades K-4, helping them hone their reading skills. Nancy Stewart, third grade teacher at Hattie Cotton Elementary, and Sara-Ann Bryant, Pre-K teacher at Tusculum Elementary, were finalists in the elementary school division. Renita J. Cobb, language arts and reading teacher at West End Middle, was named this year's Middle School Teacher of the Year. Cobb teaches 7th grade and has served the district for 36 years. Other finalists in this division were Angela Deel, language arts and reading teacher at DuPont Hadley Middle, and Gary Hughes, MIP Conduct instructor at Two Rivers Middle. Stacey Hinchman, AP English literature and composition teacher at McGavock High, was awarded High School Teacher of the Year. Hinchman has been teaching at McGavock for 17 years. Lt. Col Barry Sprouse, Army JROTC instructor at Hunters Lane High, and Kathryn Lee, science teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet High, were the other finalists in the high school division. Also recognized at the ceremony was each individual school's teacher of the year. A complete list can be found at http://www.mnps.org/ <http://www.mnps.org/> . Principal of the Year Each year, MNPS also recognizes a Principal of the Year from each tier - elementary, middle and high. Principals are nominated and voted on by the other principals in their tier. This year, the Elementary School Principal of the Year is Brenda Steele of Alex Greene Elementary; the Middle School Principal of the Year is Bill Moody of Two Rivers Middle; and the High School Principal of the Year is Fran Stewart of East Literature Magnet High School. "These teachers and administrators are the district's front line," said Dr. Jesse Register, Director of Schools. "They work one-on-one with our students and their families every day; they deserve to be recognized for their excellence and dedication to our students and community." The ceremony was held on board the General Jackson Showboat. Guests enjoyed dinner and live entertainment provided by The Howard Fine Band. Special guest Vicki Yates, News Channel 5 Anchor, was on hand to help present the awards. Metro Nashville Public Schools provide a range of educational opportunities to more than 75,000 students in Nashville and Davidson County. The governing body for MNPS is the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Board of Public Education, a nine-member group elected by residents of Metropolitan Nashville. For more information, please visit http://www.mnps.org/.

Wilhoite sets Presentation on Proposed Music City Center (Meeting Reminder)

District 29 residents and surrounding neighbors will be given the opportunity to attend a presentation on the proposed building of the Music City Center, a state of the arts convention center facility that will help make Nashville be more competitive in getting large convention conferences to have their meetings in Nashville. Councilmember Vivian Wihoite has invited the staff of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Administration to provide the same presentation that was recently provided to the councilmembers. "Conducting this meeting so that area residents can learn more about the proposed Music City Center is a good thing," says Councilmember Wilhoite. "It is good for the constituents of District 29 to know as much as possible about this proposal. I want to listen to their concerns and give them an opportunity to get an immediate response to their questions where possible." The meeting is set for May 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Lakeview Design/Elementary, 455 Rural Hill Road. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria. To contact Vivian please call 589-2003 or at www.vivian-29.blogspot.com.

Fire damages Arby's restaurant in south Nashville

WKRN News Channel 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - An Arby's restaurant in south Nashville was nearly destroyed by fire early Monday morning.

Crews were called to the restaurant, located at 1212 Murfreesboro Pike, near Briley Parkway, around 3 a.m.

They arrived to the scene to find a lot of smoke and flames coming out of the roof. Murfreesboro Road was shut down for about two hours as firefighters battled the blaze. Firefighters busted out windows to get inside the restaurant and make sure no one was inside. They tried to fight the fire from the inside but had to pull the firefighters out because conditions became too hot and too dangerous, according to fire officials.

"We had to actually bring firefighters out one time," said Lee Bergeron, assistant fire chief of the Nashville Fire Department. "We thought the building might collapse."

He said the design of the building didn't help in the situation.

"This type of building really is sort of known as a firefighter killer because of the nature of the construction. You have heavy fire loading at the rear of the building, and then you have a void where the patrons actually dine."

Officials said the building suffered significant damage, but it is not a total loss.

They said they did their best to save the building, in light of the damage last month's tornado caused to other businesses in that area, such as the McDonald's restaurant across the street. Officials said that because of the status of the economy and the importance of jobs, "it was worth some risk" to save the building.

It is believed the fire started in the back of the building.

No one was injured in the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but officials said it is not suspicious.

Nashville homeowners skeptical of new property values

Metro reappraisals buck real estate downturn By Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • May 4, 2009 Property in Nashville's core is hot — dangerously hot for some. "Maybe some people are glad their property values have gone up so much," said Green Hills resident Connie Cowan. "I just don't like to pay a lot of taxes." Cowan was one of about 80 West Nashville residents who showed up Tuesday to hear Davidson County's property assessor talk about the most recent countywide reappraisal, which will result in higher taxes for many people. The assessor, George Rooker Jr., and his staff determined that values are up an average of 16 percent since the last reappraisal in 2005. The numbers startled many property owners, who say their homes can't possibly be worth so much in a recession that has eroded the housing market over the past year. "No way could I sell my house for that!" said Carol Armes, a Realtor whose Whitland Avenue home was appraised at $918,900, up 19 percent from its previous value of $771,500. The people whose values are up the most are generally concentrated in and around the center of the city, not on the suburban edges. Data provided by Rooker's office show the highest average increases are in ZIP codes covering East Nashville, MetroCenter, Hillsboro Village, Berry Hill, Belle Meade and a few other areas. "It reflects the fact that we have a vibrant downtown and vibrant neighborhoods surrounding downtown," Mayor Karl Dean said. "That's a good thing." But the news is not all rosy. "Unfortunately, most of you are going to pay more," Metro Councilman Carter Todd, who represents parts of Green Hills and Oak Hill, told residents during Tuesday's meeting at Julia Green Elementary School. Kenny Byrd, president of the Historic Edgefield neighborhood association a few blocks east of the Cumberland River, said he's pleased if the reappraisal represents recognition that "everybody wants to live in East Nashville." He said he doesn't plan to appeal his new appraisal. "But I do want to make sure that East Nashville is being treated fairly by Metro in how it's appraised," Byrd said. Owners can ask for a review Property owners whose values increased 16 percent or more generally will pay higher taxes later this year, while those with smaller increases generally will pay less, redistributing the tax burden. Dean said last week that he wouldn't ask the council to raise the certified tax rate back up after the state lowers it this year, as it's required to do to ensure the reappraisal itself doesn't bring in more revenue. Rooker said he expects the tax rate to drop from $4.69 per $100 of assessed value to about $4.13 in Metro's Urban Services District, while the rate in the General Services District should decline from $4.04 to about $3.56. Assessed value is 25 percent of appraised value for residential property and 40 percent of appraised value for commercial property. Property owners can ask the assessor's office for an informal review if they think their appraisals are unrealistic. Historically, values have gone down after about half of the reviews, Rooker said. Some property values skyrocket Rooker said his office gave extra weight to home sales in 2008 to reflect the downturn in the housing market. But a booming market in 2005, 2006 and most of 2007 more than made up for the recent troubles. "The market out there has just been really strong," he said. The latest appraisals reflect the assessor's office's determination of fair market value — what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller — as of Jan. 1. Rooker said the county's appraisers are simply trying to estimate market value, and they don't think in terms of increases in property values, since they can't generate more revenue for the county. But that comment didn't go over well with some in the audience at Julia Green, who said they expect the city to raise the tax rate in a year or two, hitting their pocketbooks again. "You may not consider it," Cowan told Rooker, "but we're the taxpayers." Richard Exton, a property appraiser with his own business, said the county's average increase seems reasonable, based on market trends since 2005. But he was less impressed with the reappraisal of his own Green Hills home, which shot from $260,600 to $480,500 — an 84 percent spike. "I'll be in line with everybody else, waiting for a review," Exton said Wednesday. The assessor's office raised the value of Exton's land by more than $240,000 while reducing the value of his house. Some people at the community meeting Tuesday, like Jim Thompson, voiced a similar concern. Thompson's land was appraised at $265,000, nearly 66 percent above its 2005 value of $160,000. He lives near Montgomery Bell Academy off West End Avenue. Rooker said some parts of the city have seen buyers tearing down houses and building new homes, sometimes called "McMansions." He said that essentially turns the transaction into a land sale, jacking up values. "Suddenly that land value is just so high," he said. Gwen Adams' Fatherland Street home in East Nashville was reappraised at $495,600, more than 55 percent higher than its $318,800 value in 2005. The land alone jumped from $40,000 to $100,000, a 150 percent increase. "I'd like to be optimistic and think it would bring that much money," Adams said. "But it won't." Cities move back toward the core Councilman Mike Jameson, whose district stretches from East Nashville to downtown, said the good news is that the center of the city is growing. "Cities are now moving back toward the core," Jameson said. "The Planning Department wants to prevent urban sprawl. This is a testament to their success. But that doesn't make it more palatable when you get your assessment." Rooker, who lives in Inglewood east of downtown, said the growth of property values in the core reflects recent market dynamics. In Germantown, just north of downtown, lots were appraised for $10,000 a few years ago, "and people couldn't give them away," he said. "Now, if you can buy one for $60,000 or $70,000, you're doing great." Councilman Jason Holleman represents Sylvan Park a few miles west of downtown but grew up in South Nashville. He said reappraisals followed the opposite pattern when he was younger: The edges of the city were hot, while the core was cool. "The value of the heart of the city of Nashville is growing," Holleman said, "which probably hadn't happened until five or six years ago in the past 30 years."

Metro Prepares for Flu Outbreak -John Dunn

Fox TV Nashville leaders are warning people not to panic. New plans are being put in place that they hope will keep you and your family safe. It's a clear sign that people are worried about a flu outbreak. "Started on Monday. A few people came in and it got worse, and today's been really bad," says Julie Blake with Metro Medical. Metro Medical is one of many local businesses that are completely out of surgical masks. The discovery of H1N1 in Nashville has city leaders taking action. "The local presence of this strain of flu was not unexpected," says Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. Metro has not activated its Emergency Operations Center. Health officials, emergency workers, and school nurses are now sharing information as the threat of flu rises. "We do expect to find additional cases, and would be very surprised not to see more of this virus in this community," says Metro Health Director Dr. Bill Paul. Metro's ambulance service is also changing its medical protocols to help control the spread of virus. Metro's paramedics are now wearing surgical masks when they are treating a patient who has flu-like symptoms. While Metro Government has a plan if this situation gets worse, they are now focusing on prevention. "If you are sick, stay home, cover your mouth, keep your hands clean, do not touch your face, says Dr. Paul. Information signs can now be found in schools, businesses, and other government buildings. They remind you to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently. "We are making sure that all of our restrooms have hot water, and hand soap, and hand sanitizer," says Metro Schools Director Dr. Jesse Register. Metro leaders hope by limiting the spread of germs, they will be able to stop this flu. "Do everything we can of a preventative nature and are prepared if incidents of illness pick up," says Dr. Register. Nevertheless, they are now making sure they are prepared. "We're hoping for the best and we're preparing for the worst," says Metro Medical Director Dr. Corey Slovis. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean says he will continue to get daily updates on the H1N1 flu until the virus passes, or is brought under control.

Metro budget calls for layoffs

Revenues, down $27M, see first decline in years By Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • May 2, 2009 Metro government would lay off at least 100 employees and reduce many departments' spending by 10 percent to deal with an unprecedented $27 million decline in revenues under the budget Mayor Karl Dean proposed Friday. Essential city services would be preserved, though the downtown library would be closed on Mondays, and no facilities would shut down permanently, officials said. Metro's revenues have increased every year in recent memory. Even in the current fiscal year, when many departments took hits, the overall budget grew slightly. Steep declines in sales tax revenue over the past year, however, will force the city to cut its budget by 2.24 percent in 2009-10, Finance Director Rich Riebeling told the Metro Council on Friday morning. Dean said last week that he wouldn't ask for a property tax increase for the fiscal year starting July 1. "This government will have significantly less money to operate on," Riebeling said. Councilman Erik Cole said the drop from about $1.57 billion to $1.542 billion is "unprecedented," though not unexpected during a recession. "There was no way it was going to be pretty," said Cole, who was chairman of the council's Budget and Finance Committee a year ago. "Usually, we would be looking at increased revenue. The first time you have to reduce it, it's dramatic." Riebeling said the city also needs to come up with about $10 million to pay for unavoidable increases in fixed costs, like health insurance and utilities. That makes the financial hole even deeper. To find the needed savings, Dean is recommending that the city make several substantial cuts, including laying off 100 to 125 employees and eliminating 160 to 180 vacant positions across Metro government. Riebeling said the administration considered furloughs and other scenarios that would affect more workers' hours, but it decided instead to try to minimize layoffs and postpone employee raises. The city also would suspendlongevity bonuses and perfect attendance bonuses for a year. Councilman Jerry Maynard said he disagreed with the administration's strategy. "My No. 1 priority is to protect Metro employees," Maynard said. "These are families we're talking about. If it's the wrong time to raise property taxes, it's the wrong time to lay people off." The Fraternal Order of Police also responded sharply, saying in a news release that it was stunned by Dean's plan to save $7.5 million by suspending longevity pay and increment raises, which some employees regularly receive as they move through a pay grade. "We knew this was a tight budget year," said Sgt. Robert Weaver, the FOP's Nashville president. "We also thought open, concrete dialogue could take place with the employee representative groups, and that did not happen." Riebeling said the police department would not lose any sworn officers as part of a $1.15 million cut, which amounts to less than 1 percent of its budget. Travel to be reduced Under the proposal, Metro also would reduce its 4,000-vehicle fleet by 10 percent or more and use fuel-hedging agreements to lock in gas prices at less than $2 a gallon for 24 months. "We've got too many vehicles," Riebeling said. Dean also is recommending that departments reduce travel expenses greatly. Their budgets would have no money for conference registrations or tuition, out-of-town travel or air fare. Deputy Finance Director Gene Nolan would serve as the government's "travel czar," reviewing any requests for travel a department believes to be essential. Riebeling said the public wouldn't see many reductions in direct services. However, the Nashville Public Library on Church Street would close every Monday, its least used day, library spokeswoman Deanna Larson said. The five area libraries — Bordeaux, Edmondson Pike, Green Hills, Hermitage and Madison — would open 30 minutes later Monday through Thursday and an hour later on Saturdays, Larson said. Smaller branch libraries would not be affected. Also, some community centers at Metro parks wouldn't open in the mornings, when their traffic is light, and the grass at some parks wouldn't be mowed as often. Metro Public Works would drop three maintenance crews. The Metro Hospital Authority, which runs Nashville General Hospital at Meharry and two other facilities, would see its operating subsidy cut by 10 percent, or $4.7 million. But Riebeling said a couple of proposed changes would spare the facility from any impact to its clinics or other services. Dean plans to ask the council to forgive a $32 million line of credit from Metro to the hospital authority, which would save more than $600,000 a year on interest payments. Even so, the Hospital Authority said it would be left with a $2 million deficit. "We are now in the process of reviewing our options," the authority said in a statement released Friday. The administration also plans to shift $885,000 in hospital security costs to the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, which will start guarding the facilities. The news wasn't bad for everyone Friday. The administration said the city should give the Metro Transit Authority a $2.3 million increase so it can maintain current services. MTA also would start a bus rapid transit line on Gallatin Road and a downtown circulator bus, which might be free to riders. Riebeling said it's important to preserve mass transit at a time when more people are using it and the city is encouraging it for economic and environmental reasons. "It's important not to go backwards," he said. School budget funded The mayor also proposed fully funding Metro Nashville Public Schools' $620.7 million budget request. That would keep the school district's funding at the current year's level, though it also could be seen as a cut, since district officials say they would need an extra $15 million to keep up with increased costs like employee benefits and implementation of a controversial rezoning plan. The school district plans to cut 209 jobs to achieve that savings. And getting to $620.7 million would require moving some money from debt service accounts into the district's operating budget. Still, finance chief Chris Henson said he wasn't complaining after the mayor recommended giving the school board everything it asked for. "How can you not be pleased?" he said. Riebeling also said the city needs to know more about the school district's plans for using millions of dollars of federal stimulus money and moving 225 employees out of the central office. The council will start holding departmental budget hearings the week of May 11.