Bethlehem’s budget discussions got off to a rocky start even before they officially started. Normally, routine first reading approval of bills simply means that they are authorized to be on the agenda at a future meeting where serious discussion takes place after a motion is made and seconded to approve them. Then there is a period of discussion before the vote. That’s when the bills usually get closely examined by lawmakers who offer amendments or argue for or against final passage.

But 11 bills constituting the proposed 2022 budget were pulled from Nov. 16’s agenda upon approval of a motion from Councilmember and mayor-elect William Reynolds to move them to another meeting. It will be Reynolds’ budget since he takes up his mayoral duties in Jan. 2022.

Why the unusual move? It started when Councilmember Bryan Callahan began asked Business Manager Eric Evans about a new position for the Community and Economic Development office that Callahan said he had been hearing about.

“I’m going to be voting ‘no’ on this until we get some more information,” said Callahan.

When Evans declined to discuss Callahan’s concerns, saying it “was not on tonight’s agenda,” Callahan said he had been hearing a lot of rumors and that he was shocked by the lack of transparency by the administration in its budget process.

Councilmember Grace Crampsie Smith echoed Callahan’s concerns, saying she wanted to see transparency even if the budget is procedural, “I just don’t feel comfortable voting on budget issues until I have all the specifics on the budget.”

“There is no transparency,” repeated Callahan. “I don’t see why it [the new position being budgeted] can’t be talked about out in the public right now. What’s so hard about just talking about it now?”

Councilmembers Dr. Paige Van Wirt and Adam Waldron absent, the two “no” votes would delay or threaten the budget process.

Council solicitor Jack Spirk said the budget process is designed to give council an opportunity to go over each aspect of the budget and propose amendments. He said the delay could be accommodated and still meet state deadlines.

When it became clear that acting President Michael Colon was going to call for a vote on the resolution to delay the budget vote, Callahan expressed his frustration. “Pick the carpet up and sweep it under. I’m done.”

Colon said, “Postponing the vote until the next meeting gives us the opportunity of having it voted on by our full complement of council.” Colon called for the vote on the motion which had been seconded by Councilmember Olga Negrón.

Reynold’s motion to delay the first reading vote to a later meeting passed 3-2. Van Wirt and Waldron were absent. The first reading has been deferred to the next council meeting Dec. 7.