WEST END ATLANTA

Issue Number One:

Water, sewer funds audit

The legislation: An audit of water and sewer funds before the council approves proposed rate increases.

The author: Mary Norwood

Why Franklin vetoed the legislation: "The legislation was introduced and adopted ... without the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the administration, finance department or the law department. ... I found it to be technically flawed and unacceptable."Why Norwood wants to override the veto: "We must be transparent to the rate payers of this city and users of our water system. We are asking them to pay for the multibillion dollar program of improvements and we should be accountable for every penny spent."

Water, sewer funds audit - Override the veto, 15-0 -- there will be an audit of DWM

Issue Number Two:

Compensation committee

The legislation: Abolishing the city's compensation committee, a five-member group of city officials that approved some employee raises and position reclassifications.

The authors: Felicia Moore and H. Lamar Willis

Why Franklin vetoed the legislation: "The compensation committee has functioned effectively, fairly and in a fiscally responsible manner. ... In my opinion, to resort to the former process will be cumbersome and inefficient."Why Moore wants to override the veto: "We don't get that type of information [reviewed by the committee] anymore. Citizens want us to have more oversight. It's more efficient for that to come before the council."

Compensation committee - Override the veto, 14-1, -- oversight of employee raises and position reclassifications will handled by City Council. 

Issue Number Three:

Foot patrols in high-crime zones

The legislation: Putting Police Academy graduates on foot patrols in the city's two highest-crime zones.

The author: Ceasar Mitchell

Why Franklin vetoed the legislation: "The chief of police must be provided the flexibility to deploy staff in accordance with public safety needs as they arise. ... As a matter of fact, the Police Department is currently utilizing foot patrols whenever appropriate and possible. In spite of the mutual desire to have foot patrols, I do not agree with this legislation."Why Mitchell wants to override the veto: "In a time when we continue to struggle with serious police recruitment and retention issues ... it is unfortunate that the mayor does not appear to see any value in making a real commitment to providing foot patrols for residents in our communities at no extra cost to taxpayers."

Foot patrols in high-crime zones - Override the veto, 15-0, -- Police Academy graduates will be placed on foot patrols in the city's two highest-crime zones.