Local News
Ashtabula city officials trying to come up with money
ASHTABULA — Short of planning a car wash and breaking a piggy bank, Ashtabula’s city officials are trying to think up ways to raise money for the cash-starved city.
All city employees were told at Monday night’s work session that they may have to take off a furlough day or two a month, without pay. The Municipal Court employees were informed they may have to give up their clothing allowance.
City Manager Anthony Cantagallo also talked about how the bill for city streetlights continues to rise. He has talked with the Illuminating Co. and worked out a deal to save $80,000 but noted: “We may have to go to the citizens and ask them to pay for part of it.”
Cantagallo said the Ohio Revised Code requires cities to illuminate only intersections, but the city’s lighting is linked so the streetlights cannot be shut down in sections like that.
He also mentioned the recent sewer agreement with Ashtabula County but noted money from the agreement will not flow into the city coffers until the end of the year.
City Auditor Michael Zullo distributed the proposed 2010 budget changes Monday. The city manager said he believes the furlough days would help balance the 2010 budget in the wake of a projected $862,000 deficit.
In many cases, such as with safety forces, Cantagallo said he expects the department heads to figure out how to implement the furlough days and still preserve operations.
These are not the first cost-saving measures that city officials are trying. Mindful of the high cost of fuel, many department supervisors cut travel. The city manager and city solicitor gave up their city cars to the police department to use.
Community Development Director Jason Strong gave up his city cell phone, saving the city about $1,400 a year.
Ward 5 Councilman James Trisket and Ward 4 Councilwoman Julie Lattimer no longer accept their pay.
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