At the end of his budget speech to the city council this afternoon, Mayor Mike McGinn implored the council not to cut him out of budget discussions over the next two months. The mayor presents the budget to the council, which is responsible for making any changes and passing it by Thanksgiving.

"I welcome vigorous discussion of the budget choices, even argument around the choices I made and the choices you will make [but] if you consider changes, talk to us," McGinn said. "Our budget director, our staff, and our department heads will be available to you so that you can fully consider the pros and cons of the decisions I've made before determining a path."

Elements of the budget that might prove controversial include a five-percent increase to the city's commercial parking tax; higher utility costs; significantly higher downtown parking meter rates; major cuts to the parks and libraries departments; and a four-year postponement to the hiring of 62 police officers necessary to fully implement the city's neighborhood policing plan.

In a statement after McGinn gave his speech, council budget chair Jean Godden said, "Count on me to do whatever I can do to preserve police, fire and direct human services. ... Stimulating the economy by growing jobs and opportunities is paramount. We must create conditions so as to not stall transportation and economic development projects that move us forward.”

Then, after criticizing a deal the city negotiated with the Museum of History and Industry to bring in several million dollars in one-time funding for city programs, McGinn took two digs at the council.

First, he said that in light of all the "looming budget issues"---future budget obligations like fixing Seattle's streets and bridges, an upcoming audit of the city's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the need to replenish reserves like the Rainy Day Fund---"you can understand why I'm concerned about cost overruns on the deep-bore tunnel." (Yes, that again).

Second, McGinn referred obliquely to council president Richard Conlin's decision to sign off on a supplemental draft environmental impact statement for the deep-bore tunnel, which McGinn maintains is a violation of the city charter.

"I know we've been at odds on issues, most recently ... the city charter, but I'll always reach out to resolve our differences," McGinn said. "I believe we can and should engage in debates regarding policy [but] that our debates should be rooted in public interest and public interest only, and that's my commitment to you."

The city council meeting is still ongoing (and still packed). I'll have an update once the council reconvenes after public comment.