Laserfiche WebLink
MAY ® 5 1 q q <br />r <br />eooK 89 FAcC 453 <br />going our separate ways, although the members of the committee <br />believe that is not a viable alternative and would be a step back <br />from where we are presently. The recommendations include short <br />range action and things that will impact us all in the next fiscal <br />year, as well as other objectives and, their respective time frames. <br />There is one area in which every member of the committee is in <br />agreement and that is that it would be to the benefit of the cities <br />and county and all residents if we were able to achieve <br />consolidation of staffs as an initial step in the process. If we <br />accomplish that, the most equitable procedure would be to <br />distribute the expenses and fees on a population basis. <br />Administrator Chandler further explained that the committee is <br />scheduled to meet on Monday, at which time they will refine the <br />figures and costs involved with consolidating the employees, and <br />Acting City Manager Nason will report on the impact to the City's <br />budget and their general fund. The County must address the <br />question of pensions and giving the city employees the option of <br />becoming county employees and what that cost would be to the County <br />versus what dollars will come from the City. Administrator <br />Chandler pointed out that one of the mandates to the committee was <br />to arrive at a recommendation in advance of the budget and they <br />realize they are up against the wall. <br />Acting City Manager Nason confirmed that this would be a very <br />thin transfer, strictly people. The operating budget, which <br />includes everything from paper clips to the travel budget, would <br />remain with the City until the numbers could be reconciled. It is <br />almost at a break even point and there are a few more points that <br />need work before the committee can come up with an answer. The <br />committee is composed of a wide span of people and interests and it <br />is a very, very difficult task. <br />Administrator Chandler emphasized that if the consolidation of <br />staffs is achieved, it would not resolve all the problems that have <br />developed over the years in recreation services. The committee's <br />recommendation carries with it the additional comment that there <br />are still issues which need to be addressed and need to be resolved <br />on some sort of time frame. The consolidation of staffs would not <br />be a total transfer of program costs from the City to the County. <br />Chairman Bird was encouraged and realized it was not an easy <br />assignment. He believed that the committee's efforts are well - <br />guided and heading in the right direction. Whether you are a city <br />resident or a county resident, recreation opportunities are better <br />than they have ever been. People in the county agree we should try <br />to find ways to consolidate and eliminate duplication of staff and <br />effort. If we are all patient we will continue to make progress. <br />0 <br />