Dear Editor, I recently attended the city discussion on how to
keep Morgan Hill out of the red and setting priorities for the
future.
Dear Editor,
I recently attended the city discussion on how to keep Morgan Hill out of the red and setting priorities for the future. I commend the Council on going out to the local citizens for our input. It’s a sign of good democracy in action.
There were some suggestions made at our event that have not made it to the papers and I wanted to add these to the discussion:
- The police is $ 8 million of the total, by far the largest chunk of change.
The fire department is half that, and the recreation division less than a million.
Some of us recommended a 10 percent cut on police services, at least until revenues increase in the future. We felt they are doing a great service, but for every new staff hired here, we could be looking at 20-30 years of future retirement and medical pay, so the department needs to help out too. We all need to share the pain.
- The fire department is essential and still affordable, status quo.
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Recommend a 10 percent cut on administration and legal cuts. We can think smarter here.
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Keep the recreation department spending and maintenance at its current level. It’s a minor portion of the total budget, and for every dollar cut there will be a 2-3 dollar increase somewhere else in the future. We need to remember that the recreation division serves and protects the youth, seniors and citizens like you and me on a daily basis too! The out of town cost for recreation users should double from what we have now. It’s the true cost of doing business, and with our brand new facilities, they will still come.
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Request the city manager do more to recoup the funds taken from Morgan Hill citizens from the State of California. This effort will bring in more income if done with a smart and strong hand. I’m sure John Laird can assist with this also.
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The city needs to use a more efficient business-like model of money management. We all know this.
The citizens will be more accepting of a moderate tax increase if they see the city acting more wisely in its management.
Again, thanks to Mayor Kennedy and all out great Council members for their hard work and dedication!
Daniel Kennedy, Morgan Hill
