KBIA Local
(2010-06-02)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
In one word, the Columbia City Manager is describing the state of the city government as stable. Bill Watkins today delivered his annual state of the city address where he outlined his priorities for the upcoming year. KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer reports.
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City manager Bill Watkins says adding staff and other city programs is likely not going to happen in the upcoming year. He says the future doesn't look bad it's certainly not like 2008 when serious declines were expected. In his words, budgeting is likely to remain a zero sum game.
"And if council wants to add things or if I need to add things or recommending adding things then I have to tell you where to cut."
Watkins says his priorities are replacing positions that were cut last year - including four firefighters . It's possible he's says other positions such as building inspectors will be replaced too if construction starts picking up.
One thing that hit residents the most last year was fee increases in a number of areas. Watkins says additional increases are unlikely this year Now one thing he does assure will continue is asking employees to continue to do more with less and look critically at how every dollar is spent - making sure that it is indeed a wise investment. He says that does mean possibly considering some service cuts.
The full city council will meet this weekend for its annual retreat and discuss the city manager's priorities.
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