Councilman recommends governing body do with less
Cost-cutting measures that go “far beyond a symbolic but fairly ineffective 10 per cent salary cut” for the city’s five elected officials will be proposed by John Anderson at an upcoming meeting to show City Council “leadership…in budget-difficult times.”
The councilman’s proposal includes “no more city-purchased meals or beverages” before council meetings, no more free business cards and city pins for council members and “no more travel or conference reimbursement absent prior council approval and urgent need.”
Anderson estimates his suggestions would pare $1,473 monthly from council expenses, totaling $17,676 per year. With a 10 percent cut in the $500 per month salary and $30 per meeting Redevelopment Agency pay, potential annual savings could total $21,036.
Interim City Manager Bill Kelly already has implemented one reduction in the cost of feeding 20 council and staff members before the twice-monthly regular and occasional special meetings.
Previously, meals cost $441 per regular meeting and $200 for special meetings or $1,082 monthly, with beverages adding $45 each month, according to Anderson. Kelly’s switch to “boxed lunches” reduces meal costs to $200 per meeting, Anderson notes.
Anderson also proposes members pay for their own breakfasts and lunches: “I was very surprised to see the city picking up the council’s breakfast…and lunch tabs” at Chamber of Commerce events, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and League of Cities functions.
And Anderson wants to limit council travel “during these difficult economic times.” Eliminating all travel and business expenses could save $3,972 annually, he notes.
According to data prepared for Anderson by Finance Director Susan Hartman, travel and meeting expenses December 2006 through February 2009 were $25 each for Anderson and former member Allen Castellano, $512 for Jim Winder, $1,302 for former member Hank Wedaa and $6,241 for Jan Horton.
The city would save $183 annually by eliminating council’s business cards ($63 per order) and free city logo pins ($120 per 50), Anderson suggests.
Anderson notes, “I honestly haven’t reached a firm conclusion on council member benefits,” which totaled $68,420 in the most recent fiscal year, including health and retirement payments, workers’ compensation and auto and phone allowances.
“I suppose any member who wanted to, could decline the benefits. I have been told that we cannot by law officially reduce (or increase) them for our current terms but could for future councils,” he adds.
Anderson has served on the city’s audit committee since his 2006 election. He and Mayor Mark Schwing review city expenditures in brief meetings before the regular council sessions.
The councilman’s proposal includes “no more city-purchased meals or beverages” before council meetings, no more free business cards and city pins for council members and “no more travel or conference reimbursement absent prior council approval and urgent need.”
Anderson estimates his suggestions would pare $1,473 monthly from council expenses, totaling $17,676 per year. With a 10 percent cut in the $500 per month salary and $30 per meeting Redevelopment Agency pay, potential annual savings could total $21,036.
Interim City Manager Bill Kelly already has implemented one reduction in the cost of feeding 20 council and staff members before the twice-monthly regular and occasional special meetings.
Previously, meals cost $441 per regular meeting and $200 for special meetings or $1,082 monthly, with beverages adding $45 each month, according to Anderson. Kelly’s switch to “boxed lunches” reduces meal costs to $200 per meeting, Anderson notes.
Anderson also proposes members pay for their own breakfasts and lunches: “I was very surprised to see the city picking up the council’s breakfast…and lunch tabs” at Chamber of Commerce events, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and League of Cities functions.
And Anderson wants to limit council travel “during these difficult economic times.” Eliminating all travel and business expenses could save $3,972 annually, he notes.
According to data prepared for Anderson by Finance Director Susan Hartman, travel and meeting expenses December 2006 through February 2009 were $25 each for Anderson and former member Allen Castellano, $512 for Jim Winder, $1,302 for former member Hank Wedaa and $6,241 for Jan Horton.
The city would save $183 annually by eliminating council’s business cards ($63 per order) and free city logo pins ($120 per 50), Anderson suggests.
Anderson notes, “I honestly haven’t reached a firm conclusion on council member benefits,” which totaled $68,420 in the most recent fiscal year, including health and retirement payments, workers’ compensation and auto and phone allowances.
“I suppose any member who wanted to, could decline the benefits. I have been told that we cannot by law officially reduce (or increase) them for our current terms but could for future councils,” he adds.
Anderson has served on the city’s audit committee since his 2006 election. He and Mayor Mark Schwing review city expenditures in brief meetings before the regular council sessions.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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