School Board Approves Redistricting Plan

A partisan tone once again reared its head Tuesday when the Wake County Board of Education voted 5-3 to approve a new redistricting plan. At a public work session before the official meeting, the board also voted 5-3 not to ask for additional plan options from Shanahan Law Group (SLG), as requested by the community groups Great Schools in Wake and the League of Women Voters.

Taxi Drivers Threaten Strike, Request City Commission

Raleigh taxi drivers are threatening to strike if the city does not correct issues forcing cab drivers to work for less than minimum wage. Carrying posters and American flags, members of the North Carolina Taxi Workers Alliance (NCTWA) urged the Raleigh City Council Tuesday to move forward with recommendations presented at their April 5 meeting.

City Proposal Cuts Budget, Avoids Layoffs and Tax Increases

City Manager Russell Allen’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year is $635 million, a 2.5 percent increase from this year. Although there were no layoffs, the budget proposal eliminates positions. It also features cuts and reductions for the third consecutive year, reducing employee pay increases and benefits, cutting operational expenses, altering the maintenance schedule, delaying equipment purchases and minimizing pay-as-you-go capital investment.

Banners Selected for Empty “L” Downtown

Banners advertising Wake County libraries will soon add a splash of color to the concrete facade of the downtown county parking deck. Wake County Commissioners approved a design Monday for 15 colorful banners, which will be hung on the sides of the parking deck on McDowell and Davie streets.

Cuts Still Part of (Slightly) Larger Wake Budget

Wake County’s budget will increase next year — but not by much. Many county departments could see cuts next year in a budget proposal presented Monday. The recommended $951.5 million Fiscal Year 2012 budget is only $300,000 more than this year’s spending plan. The proposal maintains the current property tax rate of 53.4 cents.

One Month Out: Getting Tornado Cleanup Help

A month after the EF3 tornado touched down in Raleigh, the city is still cleaning up. FEMA, Baptist Men, SBA Loans, debris removal and permit waivers are just a few of the disaster recovery resources available to tornado survivors. Learning what you are eligible for, where to apply and when can get confusing, so Raleigh Public Record created this guide for Raleigh and Wake County residents.