QUESTION
What is the reason behind eliminating and not restoring funding for community composting programs in New York City?
0:41:22
·
120 sec
The administration did not allocate funding to restore the city's community composting programs in the executive budget plan, despite restoration in other areas. The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner cannot speak to internal budgeting decisions made as part of the plan.
- Council Member Abreu questions why community composting was not prioritized for funding restoration
- DSNY Commissioner Tisch defers to the budget director regarding budgeting decisions
- Abreu asks if DSNY requested full restoration of community composting funding from the budget office
- Tisch maintains she cannot discuss internal conversations or budgeting decisions
Shaun Abreu
0:41:22
I'm gonna go right into community composting, mayor Adam's favorite topic.
0:41:28
In November, in the November plan, DSNY eliminated funding for the city's community composting programs in the PAG.
0:41:36
Since that time, we have heard from numerous community groups and constituents as to what I believe is a a short sided decision by the administration.
0:41:46
In both the preliminary and executive plan, a number of pegs were restored, but community composting has still not been restored.
0:41:54
Can you please explain why the administration chose not to allocate savings from asylum seekers spending and underspending and snow removal towards restoring funding for community composting initiatives in the executive plan.
Jessica Tisch
0:42:06
I cannot speak to budgeting decisions made in the executive plan, and I have to defer to the budget director for a response.
Shaun Abreu
0:42:19
I believe that there's certainly some some I think more than just some wiggle room for OMB to make make this important decision.
0:42:28
Did DSNY specifically put in a request to have community composting restored fully?
0:42:34
In its engagement with OMB.
Jessica Tisch
0:42:37
So you know from our discussions and my prior testimony and q and a response, that I understand very well.
0:42:46
The value of community composting in New York City I hope you'll also understand that per the answer to the last question, I cannot speak to internal conversations or budgeting decisions made as part of any plan.
Shaun Abreu
0:43:06
Before the admin put in the peg in the fall.
0:43:09
This was before any budget decisions were made.
0:43:13
Did DSNY put in a request to OMB to have committed composting restored fully?
Jessica Tisch
0:43:18
Same answer as the previous.
Shaun Abreu
0:43:20
Alright.
0:43:20
So I'll take that as not answering.