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10 <br /> <br />reorganize. <br /> <br /> Mr. O~Connell explained that the proposed plan saves <br />more than is required to balance the budget and staff <br />recommends that the reserve be used to offset projected <br />future retirements costs, with the remainder proposed to be <br />used for one time expenses related to either future <br />rightsizing, cost savings, or in providing better customer <br />service, such as providing funds to allow the Treasurer's <br />office to buy equipment to go to the use of bar codes on City <br />bills. Mr. O'Connell added that in addition to the <br />positions proposed to be eliminated to reduce personnel costs <br />by $500,000, eleven non-General Fund positions are also <br />proposed to be eliminated. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell summarized the staff's recommendations as <br />follows: 1) eliminate the 37 positions as outlined which <br />includes 23 full-time and 3 part-time positions in the <br />General Fund, and 6 full-time and 5-part-time positions in <br />non-General Fund departments; 2) approve the use of a reserve <br />to be used for some one time capital expenses ($80,000)~ and <br />3) approve a reserve for future retirement cost increases <br />projects with the next year's budget ($30,000). <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Waters regarding the <br />process for using the excess money, Mr. O'Connell stated that <br />staff could return to Council with a proposed process. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards raised a question about the position <br />funded by Community Development Block Grant funds and Mr. <br />O'Connell replied that the plan presented at this time does <br />not proposed that position be eliminated, adding that staff <br />are continuing discussions about ways to reorganize or job <br />share involving that position. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever questioned whether a soft freeze policy <br />and evaluation on vacancies will continue and Mr. O'Connell <br />replied that the City Manager's office will continue to look <br />at each vacancy. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that he would hate to lose the <br />street cleaners. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters stated that she felt Council might~have to <br />look at and possibly reconsider the proposed service <br />reductions once the real effects are known. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell agreed with Ms. Waters, and added that <br />staff may need to return to Council if the plan does not work <br />out as hoped. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked how much the City's work force has <br />been or is proposed to be reduced and the percentage of <br />supervisory/administrative positions reduced. Mr. O'Connell <br />replied that approximately 7 or 8% of the total workforce, or <br />10% of the General Fund will have been reduced but he did not <br />know the percentage reduction of supervisory positions. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that staff should look at the extent <br />to which positions proposed to be eliminated can leverage <br />other, non-City funds. <br /> <br />STAFF REPORT: SOCIAL SERVICES - STATE FUNDING SHORTFALL <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert Cox, Director of Social Services, explained <br />that the state provides funding for benefit programs and <br />for staff and operating costs, but the state's portion has <br />reduced from 80% of the total cost to approximately 65%. Mr. <br />Cox projected a $90,000 shortfall in state funding in the <br />current fiscal year, which would need to be made up by <br />appropriating local funds or by reducing services, adding <br />that if services are reduced, the following areas would be <br />recommended: freezing general relief and cutting out the <br /> <br /> <br />