Tulsa Mayor Delays Council's Amendments To Budget

By Emory Bryan, The News On 6  

TULSA, OK -- In the continuing budget battle at Tulsa's City Hall, Mayor Dewey Bartlett says he's not ready to spend money the city council plugged into the budget over his objection.

Bartlett said Thursday he's going to prioritize the spending first and make sure the money is in place before it's obligated to be spent. He says it's not an effort to avoid doing what the council wants.

"What we're really trying to find out is when the money will be spent or should be spent and how does that compare to when the money will be available," Bartlett said. "And then is there a reason to spend it earlier or later, it's a priority process."

The delay will impact firefighter salaries, but Bartlett is unsure for how long. He said the city was going ahead with plans to turn on highway lighting and buy asphalt for pothole repairs.

7/1/2010 Related Story: Tulsa City Council Overrides Some Of Mayor Bartlett's Budget Vetoes