Business
(2009-07-30)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Next fiscal year's budget for Columbia includes cuts, preservations, and goals for the city. City Manager Bill Watkins presented it Thursday. KBIA's Maureen McCollum has more on what's included in the proposed plan.
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Walking into the presentation, it was apparent one way the city was saving money the 570 page budget was put on CDs and not printed out like usual.
It's no secret the economic situation has been tough lately. City Manager Bill Watkins says he can't recall another time in his 21 years with the city when the budget was less than the previous year's...Fiscal year 2010's total budgeted expenses are more than 3.5% less than this year's.
Watkins says Columbia's doing better than many cities, but it's still not in a comfortable financial position.
Therefore, some jobs will be eliminated, fees will increase, and departments will be reorganized. He says this is to preserve the city's core needs and plan for the future.
So what jobs could be cut? Two positions from the parks and recreation department, four from public works, among others. Some temporary positions in those departments could also be eliminated, which Watkins says would save the city $470,000.
"It will take us longer to fix pot holes, and we won't sweep streets or mow grassy areas as frequently."
Watkins also recommends the Parks department plant fewer trees and cutback on event sponsorships.
Some city fees and user charges could increase or be created within the health department, planning department, and recreation services. For example, it would cost more for a vaccine and a game of volleyball.
"In some cases I think the options are to eliminate the programs. But rather than do that, the extra dollar or whatever it takes for registration to cover those costs is a good, reasonable alternative."
There would also be utility rate increases for water and sewer, and Watkins estimates it would cost the average household about $9 more per month. He says prices are increasing because of voter approved capital improvements and rising energy costs.
There are also proposals to restructure city departments, and Watkins cites efficiency and sustainability as the reasoning for the moves. The Fire Department's Station 9 is approaching completion, but the city manager says there isn't money to man it in the budget. So, instead of adding four positions, they'll reassign firefighters to the station. Watkins says this will save a significant amount of money.
"Now we've got the same number of firefighters serving the area, but they'll now be doing it out of nine stations, instead of eight."
Watkins also says there will be a significant restructuring of the police department. A new Office of Neighborhood Services could be created to address nuisance issues and oversee rental housing programs. Existing city employees would be placed in the office and one temporary position would be added.
Watkins says he expects criticism for some decisions and welcomes public comment. The City Council still needs to approve the budget. Listening sessions begin at Monday's meeting.
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