Atlanta Mayor Draws Criticism for Business Incentive Add-Ons Late in Budget Process | WABE 90.1 FM

Atlanta’s City Council approved a new budget Monday, but Mayor Kasim Reed is still drawing criticism for a last-minute budget amendment that set aside millions to cover extra costs associated with luring businesses to the city.

The Reed-backed $2.3 million amendment was submitted just hours before the final budget vote.

Councilwoman Felicia Moore, chair of the council’s finance committee, said details were majorly lacking, beyond a basic idea that Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, would use the funds as a perk for relocating businesses.

“This amendment came out of nowhere, without even a heads-up,” said Moore.

A majority of council members eventually approved the funds, but not before Moore offered a protest amendment aimed at channeling the $2.3 million to employee pay raises. Moore’s amendment ultimately failed.

via Atlanta Mayor Draws Criticism for Business Incentive Add-Ons Late in Budget Process | WABE 90.1 FM.