Budget Impasse Persists
Budget Impasse Persists
Lakewood City Council met on March 6, 2006. The body first met at 6:15 P.M. as the committee of the whole and then transferred into a regular council meeting at 7:41. This article will report on both, since the first meeting is integral to the proceedings of the second.
The Ohio Revised Code 5705.38 mandates that a municipality shall have a budget no later than March 31 of each year.
Council has been meeting as a committee of the whole holding budget hearings since the end of January to develop this year's budget. This year the hearings have been more difficult and the meetings more numerous than in past years. This is because of the decision on the part of council and the administration not to seek a tax increase at this time. This has brought a tight budget into sharper focus than would have otherwise been the situation with added revenues. Add to the mix two new council members who are creating their own knowledge base of the budget and a longer than usual process is the result.
Council president Seelie had hoped to vote on a budget agreement at this meeting. Out of an overall budget of $130 million and an operating budget of $35 million only $40,000 remained in contention. The kernel of the issue is the desire on the part of council members Kevin Butler (ward one) and Edward Fitzgerald (at large) to establish an economic development fund, which was recommended in last year's Grow Lakewood Committee report. They have scoured the budget for cuts or savings which could be used to set up the fund. Having essentially agreed to the rest of the budget only two areas remained where they thought cuts could be made.
The first was the Office of Recycling and Litter Prevention in the Parks Department. Because that office had been identified by Fitzgerald at an earlier meeting, volunteers who give their time to many of the city's beatification efforts felt that their programs were threatened. Over a dozen of the volunteers in the Adopt a Spot program were in the audience. Gail Higgins, who runs that office, explained the programs which she supervises or coordinates. Apparently, some council members were unaware that Higgins was the necessary interface between the volunteers and the city that made the Adopt a Spot program work. If that office were cut then that program which maintains over fifty locations throughout the city would have to be eliminated.
In corridor comments (an exclusive Observer feature) Public Works Director Tony Beno indicated that if the Adopt a Spots were no longer maintained, the city would have to rip out the flowers and shrubs and if needed pave over the site to maintain safety. The cost could average about $2,000 per site for a total of $100,000 according to Beno's estimates.
Higgins pointed out that the educational newsletter which residents receive periodically also serves as a necessary instructional tool which explains recycling programs. It also allows other worthy programs such as the recent letter from the president of the Lakewood Animal Shelter to piggyback on the handout.
No consensus from council emerged to eliminate that office.
Another position was targeted. The position in the cross hairs is a part time slot in the Human Resources Department. The current employee is part time and receives no benefits. The salary is $29,000 a year. The responsibilities will include training and writing manuals to comply with new state and federal laws.
In corridor comments, Human Resources Director Terry Novak was asked how much it would cost to outsource those tasks to private attorneys or consultants. Novak estimated the cost at over $98,000.
Mayor Thomas George indicated that the administration supported establishing an economic development fund. Budget Analyst Paul Novelli indicated that a transfer of $40,000 could be made from the license plate revenues to the general fund because the general fund had loaned money to the street paving fund in prior years. Council member Michael Dever (at large) said he would rather see that money be spent on additional crack sealing.
Fitzgerald queried the administration about any other cuts it could make. Answering on behalf of the administration, Planning Director Thomas Jordan replied that there would by no further changes put forward by the administration.
Seelie looked around at council members and informally asked if there was a desire to vote on the budget. No member made a motion. Council member Mary Louise Madigan (ward four) gave voice to the common sentiment saying "we aren't ready to vote on this now."
Clearly frustrated Seelie stated, "while this makes for great political theater and everyone wants their fingerprint on this budget we can't come to an agreement because of $40,000 out of $130 million." That ended the committee of the whole meeting.
Council then moved into its regular meeting.
Mayor Thomas George and council recognized Geraldine Murphy who retired after 30 years of service to Lakewood, primarily in the Community Development Department. George pointed out that she volunteered many hours to organize events for her fellow employees. As her family gathered around for her picture accepting the resolution, Seelie commented that as she drove through the city she could be proud of the results of her work in storefront and home renovations.
Seelie then reviewed the agenda. Since most of the items were for expenditures he indicated that was impossible because council failed to pass a budget earlier and therefore could not spend money. He moved to defer most items.
Council approved a new contract with the Lakewood Paramedics Association and there was constructive dialogue during a briefing provided by Assistant Law Director Thomas Corrigan about certain legal problems involving the Lakewood Park improvements.
Seelie then adjourned the meeting.
Reported by Stan Austin, Lakewood Observer City Council Reporter
Lakewood City Council met on March 6, 2006. The body first met at 6:15 P.M. as the committee of the whole and then transferred into a regular council meeting at 7:41. This article will report on both, since the first meeting is integral to the proceedings of the second.
The Ohio Revised Code 5705.38 mandates that a municipality shall have a budget no later than March 31 of each year.
Council has been meeting as a committee of the whole holding budget hearings since the end of January to develop this year's budget. This year the hearings have been more difficult and the meetings more numerous than in past years. This is because of the decision on the part of council and the administration not to seek a tax increase at this time. This has brought a tight budget into sharper focus than would have otherwise been the situation with added revenues. Add to the mix two new council members who are creating their own knowledge base of the budget and a longer than usual process is the result.
Council president Seelie had hoped to vote on a budget agreement at this meeting. Out of an overall budget of $130 million and an operating budget of $35 million only $40,000 remained in contention. The kernel of the issue is the desire on the part of council members Kevin Butler (ward one) and Edward Fitzgerald (at large) to establish an economic development fund, which was recommended in last year's Grow Lakewood Committee report. They have scoured the budget for cuts or savings which could be used to set up the fund. Having essentially agreed to the rest of the budget only two areas remained where they thought cuts could be made.
The first was the Office of Recycling and Litter Prevention in the Parks Department. Because that office had been identified by Fitzgerald at an earlier meeting, volunteers who give their time to many of the city's beatification efforts felt that their programs were threatened. Over a dozen of the volunteers in the Adopt a Spot program were in the audience. Gail Higgins, who runs that office, explained the programs which she supervises or coordinates. Apparently, some council members were unaware that Higgins was the necessary interface between the volunteers and the city that made the Adopt a Spot program work. If that office were cut then that program which maintains over fifty locations throughout the city would have to be eliminated.
In corridor comments (an exclusive Observer feature) Public Works Director Tony Beno indicated that if the Adopt a Spots were no longer maintained, the city would have to rip out the flowers and shrubs and if needed pave over the site to maintain safety. The cost could average about $2,000 per site for a total of $100,000 according to Beno's estimates.
Higgins pointed out that the educational newsletter which residents receive periodically also serves as a necessary instructional tool which explains recycling programs. It also allows other worthy programs such as the recent letter from the president of the Lakewood Animal Shelter to piggyback on the handout.
No consensus from council emerged to eliminate that office.
Another position was targeted. The position in the cross hairs is a part time slot in the Human Resources Department. The current employee is part time and receives no benefits. The salary is $29,000 a year. The responsibilities will include training and writing manuals to comply with new state and federal laws.
In corridor comments, Human Resources Director Terry Novak was asked how much it would cost to outsource those tasks to private attorneys or consultants. Novak estimated the cost at over $98,000.
Mayor Thomas George indicated that the administration supported establishing an economic development fund. Budget Analyst Paul Novelli indicated that a transfer of $40,000 could be made from the license plate revenues to the general fund because the general fund had loaned money to the street paving fund in prior years. Council member Michael Dever (at large) said he would rather see that money be spent on additional crack sealing.
Fitzgerald queried the administration about any other cuts it could make. Answering on behalf of the administration, Planning Director Thomas Jordan replied that there would by no further changes put forward by the administration.
Seelie looked around at council members and informally asked if there was a desire to vote on the budget. No member made a motion. Council member Mary Louise Madigan (ward four) gave voice to the common sentiment saying "we aren't ready to vote on this now."
Clearly frustrated Seelie stated, "while this makes for great political theater and everyone wants their fingerprint on this budget we can't come to an agreement because of $40,000 out of $130 million." That ended the committee of the whole meeting.
Council then moved into its regular meeting.
Mayor Thomas George and council recognized Geraldine Murphy who retired after 30 years of service to Lakewood, primarily in the Community Development Department. George pointed out that she volunteered many hours to organize events for her fellow employees. As her family gathered around for her picture accepting the resolution, Seelie commented that as she drove through the city she could be proud of the results of her work in storefront and home renovations.
Seelie then reviewed the agenda. Since most of the items were for expenditures he indicated that was impossible because council failed to pass a budget earlier and therefore could not spend money. He moved to defer most items.
Council approved a new contract with the Lakewood Paramedics Association and there was constructive dialogue during a briefing provided by Assistant Law Director Thomas Corrigan about certain legal problems involving the Lakewood Park improvements.
Seelie then adjourned the meeting.
Reported by Stan Austin, Lakewood Observer City Council Reporter
Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 9:09 AM, 03.11.06