CONNEAUT — City health officials will be invited to help City Council find ways to cut costs for 2010, Council President James Jones said Tuesday.
Council began studying the tentative budget prepared by City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr. and Finance Director John Williams, at a Monday night work session. More sessions are ahead, Council President James Jones said Tuesday.
“It’s about the same as last year’s budget,” he said.
The numbers anticipate no employee layoffs, as long as figures play out as anticipated, Jones said. “It’s going to be tough, especially if a few things don’t come through,” he said.
Council plans to sit down with the city health board to discuss cost-cutting ideas, Jones said. A similar invitation may be extended to Conneaut Municipal Court, he said.
Administrators have submitted a tentative $16.7 million budget for council’s consideration. Last year, members enacted a $19 million budget.
Declining revenues and rising operating costs continue to pose threats to the city’s finances. Of special concern is the city’s sewer fund, which is running in the red, officials have said. The tentative budget includes a sewer-rate increase of around 20 percent.
Contract talks have begun with some of the city’s four employee unions. The city already has said it will ask the unions to accept a new medical benefits plan. Wage freezes also may be an issue.
Spending will be examined carefully during the coming year. New equipment for the Public Works Department, authorized at Monday’s meeting, reflects that sentiment. Administrators initially submitted a wish list of vehicles and equipment that approached $900,000. When council balked, the items were prioritized, resulting in a purchase closer to $460,000. The trucks and equipment will replace gear that is worn out and, in some cases, unsafe to operate.
At Monday’s meeting, council voted 6-1 to issue and sell bonds to help pay for the purchase. Opposed was Ward 3 Councilman Greg Mooney, who wanted the city to consider purchasing used equipment.
Ward 2 Councilman Charles Lewis, who sponsored the legislation, said he approved the purchase with mixed emotions.
“I hope we can find the revenue to service the debt,” he said.
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