|
 |
> Special Sections > Special Features > Cities prepare as Deval sharpens axe
Cities prepare as Deval sharpens axe |
|
|
| |
|
Original illustration by Leo Pilares
|
By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
The crippling of the national and state economies and Gov. Deval Patrick's second round of 9C cuts have prompted municipalities throughout the Commonwealth to prepare for an economic fallout this fiscal year.
Town officials in Agawam, Southwick, Westfield and West Springfield are instituting money saving measures wherever possible in order to increase their stabilization accounts and ensure that services are maintained in the event that Patrick cuts local aid.
West Springfield Mayor Edward Gibson told Reminder Publications that he instructed department heads to prepare two budget scenarios, which include 3.5 and 7 percent cuts to state aid.
He added that these reductions in the budget could involve personnel cuts.
"I hope that we don't have to implement them [these cuts] this fiscal year," Gibson said. "Even if we [avoid cuts] this fiscal year, it is a good planning exercise for the fiscal year 2010."
He explained that he is also considering other cost saving measures such as a four-day workweek and energy saving measures that will be determined once the town's energy audit is completed early next year. Gibson noted that the town has already implemented standards to reduce operation costs such as allowing night meetings Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
"Cross our fingers we don't get hit [with cuts] this year," he said.
Westfield Mayor Michael Boulanger said he has implemented a spending and hiring freeze and is also reviewing daily purchase orders as cost saving measures.
"We want to conserve as much money as we can in preparation for possible cuts," he said. "I'm certainly trying to prepare this city for [having] less."
Boulanger said he is also exploring how much money a four-day workweek would save the city, adding that measure would have to be explored during union contract negotiations.
Boulanger explained that in spite of his direction to promote conservative spending he is still receiving purchase orders from departments for "nice to have items" as opposed to those that are essential for the successful operation of the workplace.
"It's sad that they [some city employees] don't understand the concept of saving money," he said.
Agawam Mayor Susan Dawson explained that she has instructed her department heads to submit three budget scenarios, which include two, five and seven percent cuts to state aid.
Southwick's Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said department heads are in the preliminary stages of reviewing their budgets for possible cuts.
"Up to this point the [Board of] Selectmen have not taken significant action but we are monitoring expenses," he said. "We have shared with department heads that this [mid-year budget cuts] may occur and we're beginning the process of finding out what types of programs, items or activities that can be delayed."
Stinehart said he believes that if mid-year cuts are not made, cuts will be eminent next fiscal year. He noted that the town is exploring five and 10 percent reductions in state aid for fiscal year 2010.
Stinehart said personnel cuts would be "a last resort," adding that the town's staff is their "greatest asset."
Boulanger said that in speaking with state officials, he was told to expect the governor's 9C cuts next January.
|
Comments From Our Readers:
|
|
|
|
