So we got all this gloom and doom about the BUDGET CRISIS

Arbitration ahead for police, fire

Last update Jul 22, 2009 @ 05:21 PM

ROCKFORD — Negotiations for new labor agreements with city police and firefighters are headed for arbitration.

MORE STORIES
Police union plans to file for arbitration (07/21/09)
Police talks delayed; fire may face arbitration (02/26/09)
Rockford's budget cut ideas scrutinized (01/24/09)
Police, fire, public works could face cuts (01/08/09)
$7.5M in cuts proposed as deficit worsens (01/10/09)
Back to square one on police, fire deals (01/01/09)

so I got thinking,then I started looking at the 2007 CAFR(most recent available)

And this on page 140 caught my eye...

Expenses 2006 2007


culture and recreation 7,613,866 20,566,355

in ONE YEAR,spending on this vague line item increased $13mill.

and

Program Revenues? $200,290 in 2006 increased to $201,187 after that $13mill. expense increase........

Some return on investment,huh? Great Job,Larry.........