Seriously, folks. Considering raising taxes and cutting
services, while handing out raises the next four years that will
total more than $1.2 million is not only a bad idea, but fiscally
irresponsible.
Unions should consider renegotiating contracts, giving up scheduled raises
Seriously, folks. Considering raising taxes and cutting services, while handing out raises the next four years that will total more than $1.2 million is not only a bad idea, but fiscally irresponsible.
It is understood that the raises were previously negotiated and cannot be taken away without approval from the city’s three unions, which thus far have refused to budge. And, it should be noted that the three groups – the Police Officers Association, the Community Service Officers Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 101 – conceded to giving up some of their raises in March for an annual savings of $400,000.
Meanwhile, the city’s managers set a good example and have foregone raises the past two years, saving another $240,000. That is laudable. But, as has been repeatedly stated on this page, we are in a brave new world, where jobs-for-life and automatic raises are no longer a reality.
Another tax would hurt residents who can’t stomach more bad news
The city faces a $775,000 shortfall next fiscal year, and the city council is considering what it terms a “new local source of revenue.” Just call it what it is – a new tax.
“We can’t maintain the current level of service. We’re still vulnerable to outside sources. We’re going to continue to have that vulnerability as long as we don’t have any reliable revenue sources. Which isn’t to say everything would go away (with a new tax) and we would be fine. But I think it’s important to raise that as an issue,” Councilman Greg Sellers told reporter Natalie Everett.
But what is forgotten in that argument is the economic harm that does to residents, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed, have already taken a pay cut, forced to take a furlough and can’t stomach a tax increase.
City council needs to manage the problem, send out pink slips
And, cutting essential services is not an option. No turning off street lights or letting park lawns die, as was previously considered.
As Councilman Larry Carr said, with raises still contracted, the council must seriously consider layoffs. Carr put it this way: if the per unit cost doesn’t go down, then the number of units must go down instead.
It’s time for the council to set a deadline with the unions.
All three must renegotiate contracts or pink slips will go out. If they don’t want to come to the table and be a part of the solution, then it’s time the council manages the problem.
