Not in the budget go-round we were not. And the reason, I believe -- and I won't speak for the administration -- but I think it was pretty obvious, is that even though we don't do the taxes -- it's not up to us -- we are obviously a part of the revenue raising function of the City of Philadelphia, to a certain degree. And even more so was, in the past, Councilwoman, we had pared down from the early '90s up until the current period of time, actually up until about the year 2002. We had pared down about 35 percent of the staff we had, beginning in the early '90s. So we had done what I would consider yoeman's work beforehand, and we haven't been asked to 67 do that again this year.
Thank you. I just wanted to go on record as well as to compliment Mr. Glancey. There hasn't been a time where I haven't been over the Board where he has shown his politeness, his generosity to an extent -- I don't always agree with him. But he was always there. And any time I would call him on the phone, he'd pick up that phone and get right on there. And since everyone else is giving their accolades, I'd like to just say one thing: My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, and I thank you.
And I think if you stay here long enough, there may be those who feel that $10,000 is not enough for an increase. So, maybe... Now, this ordinance will take effect retroactively; will it not? 68
Yeah. The reason the date of July 1st is there, as Counselwoman Blackwell stated, this was prepared to be introduced prior to the end of the spring session. So it was the beginning of that particular fiscal year, so that's why we have the date of July 1st.
That's fine. Any other questiones or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, this will conclude our public hearing. 69 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on November 22, 2004, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)