CC MIN 1970 - Laserfiche WebLink

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24� Mayor Bury reviewed for the benefit of those present the areas that had been covered in the first two Budget Study meetings. He explained that the process had been to consider budget requests department by department, with the exception of personnel matters, which properly are taken in Executive Session, under the law. Any formal Council action taken thereafter in regular meetings would then be subject to public discussion. Council noted a report back from City Manager had been requested concerning his recommendations regarding personnel, and felt the matter should be pursued to conclusion. Councilman Henderson moved to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. to Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Keckley, to receive report from City Manager. Motion carried. Adjourned Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:58 p.m., and at the request of Mayor Bury, the City Manager presented a report on matters considered in Executive Session, noting that at the time the budget was submitted, it was pointed out this would be a crucial year as far as availability of funds and ability to budget funds in order to continue to provide adequate services to the community. As indicated in that budget, it might be necessary to effect certain economies in personnel, which it was recommended be accomplished by attrition and reorganization. At the request of Council, additional investigation was made as to other possible economies in personnel. Report and recommendation was subsequently made to Council that in the interest of economy and efficiency, reorganization in the Department of Public Works in certain specific areas be considered. It was estimated reappraisal would represent savings in Direct Salary of $189,000 and fringe benefits of $26,000 for a total saving of approximately $215,900. It was believed the reorganization could occur by restructuring present assignment through transfer between departments of compatible classifications, resulting in maintenance of existing service at or near present degree. The matter has been the subject of considerable discussion and it was his feeling that additional time was needed for refinements and review, and to receive final recommendations of the Department Head concerned. He indicated there were other departments in the City where reductions in personnel are under consideration. Existing staffing had been predicated on valid assumptions of community growth, but there are significant areas of change over which City has no control, and which acted to negate conclusicn s as to staff requirements. He then requested that Council receive recommendations as submitted, and that Staff be directed, if that was the desire, to continue with all possible speed consistent with good practice to report back with final dollar figures and final positions and classifications on which Council could then act as governing body of the City.