A couple weeks ago Scott Walker proudly released Milwaukee County's budget numbers, which showed the county with a surplus, after a deficit had been projected at the beginning of the year.
Not to be beaten (unless there's a metal pipe around) Tom Barrett released the city of Milwaukee's numbers today:
Milwaukee's city government finished 2009 with a $20 million surplus, Mayor Tom Barrett announced Wednesday.
Barrett credited the surplus to his administration's efforts to hold down spending by imposing employee furloughs, holding positions vacant, raising the snow-and-ice fee and limiting overtime, as well as lower energy prices. He praised the Common Council and city employee unions for cooperating in those moves, which were driven by the need to contribute $49 million to the city pension fund, as a result of stock market losses in late 2008.
Good talking point for Barrett. Even though the city has had surpluses for the last 18 years, maintaining one during a recession is tough.
