Topeka Council members did not bring a sharp budget ax to the table Tuesday night, but a call for huge cuts was made by Bill Haynes. Before a vote on approving the entire 2008 budget, Haynes floated a motion to enable City Manager Norton Bonaparte to use his discretion for $1.4 million of cuts to city government programs, excluding any reductions in the police and fire departments. Haynes request, aimed at a 'zero mil' general fund budget totalling $70 million dollars, failed.

Lana Kennedy made a small request to chop about $10,000 in allowances for council members' cell phones and travel expenses.. plus a cut of $15,000 for their laptops and computer cards. Kennedy said she floated the proposal to "lead by example" for other city departments facing cuts.

Mayor Bunten called the request "unnecessary" given the salary the council members are paid, and those cuts were not approved..
The council members will keep their allowances in 2008.