Archive for June 1st, 2009

I want to update you on our progress as we draw close to adopting a budget.  Here are some of the measures that we have taken:

●       Cut City Departments 7.1% (held Public Safety cuts to 2.5%);
●       Eliminated more than 400 city staff positions;
●       Transferred $28 million in one-time revenues to cover core public services;
●       Required five unpaid furlough days for city employees that will reduce average salaries 1.9% (public safety employees excluded);
●       Required city staff to contribute more to their pension andbenefits;
●       Cut City Council’s budget by 50 percent (eliminated federalgrants, community support funds and youth employment funds along with7.1% cut in office budget);
●       Reduced Parks and Recreation Center hours and staff.

Our City is facing complex challenges that are not easily addressed by
simple solutions.  Mayor and Council must make difficult decisions to
balance the budget.  We have to cut departmental budgets, reduce
services, and we also have to increase fees and new revenue.