The City of Butler has again rejected a revised plan that would sell a portion of the parking in the downtown area.
By a 3-2 margin, City Council rejected an updated term sheet with a company called Transportation Services Consultants towards an agreement that would have sold the Tier Garage and “a management interest in the City’s other Assigned Parking Assets” for $3.5 million.
Councilman Kenny Bonus voted against taking the next step in the process of selling the assets.
“I think a transaction like this, we don’t have a plan for any type of money. And to sell assets that generate us money, in my mind, doesn’t seem to be a prudent thing,” Bonus said. “The sell of that is a one time thing, and if we do it that’s fine, and I think it’s our responsibility to take care of the City’s assets instead of selling it for a one-time gain.”
As was the case earlier this month, Bonus was joined by Council members Mike Walter and Bob Dandoy in opposition while Mayor Ben Smith and Councilman Jeff Smith voted in agreement with the motion.
Councilman Smith expressed frustration with a group he sees as pulling strings behind the scenes.
“Butler City unfortunately is run by this secret group. Because you notice, no names ever get mentioned. It’s this little cabal of friends who are controlling the City,” Smith said. “This is a sad day for the City of Butler, because the cabal is continuing to rule.”
Although this proposal was again defeated, the city is could explore other possibilities to increase revenue while maintaining parking assets.
