The new city manager, Tom Haglund, and the City Council have
only just begun to tackle the yawning city budget deficit. It’s
more than $6 million and, unfortunately, likely to grow.
1. Consider that 10.5 positions in the police department are now open
The new city manager, Tom Haglund, and the City Council have only just begun to tackle the yawning city budget deficit. It’s more than $6 million and, unfortunately, likely to grow.
The current plan is to close the budget gap entirely in three to five years by using reserves, reducing expenses and freezing open positions.
Currently, for example, there are 10.5 open positions in the Gilroy Police Department that are not being filled.
No layoffs are in the offing, though Mayor Al Pinheiro acknowledged in a Tuesday meeting with the editorial board that if the economy does not improve, jobs will likely be on the line.
2. Hopefully, the unions will recognize the need to come to the table now
It’s a wise course for the city manager and Council to assess the city’s position carefully. And while that’s being done it’s also an opportune time for the city to open discussions with the respective unions. Everything – emphasis on EVERY – should be on the table.
Consider this: Pay and benefits for Gilroy Firefighters have risen 36.5% since 2000. That’s a staggering number, and the meteoric rise is simply unsustainable.
It’s time to start talking to the unions about a two-tier system, wherein new employees receive different levels of pay and benefits from those in the “old system.”
3. The power of binding arbitration is a huge roadblock to budget health
Something has to be done or cities are simply going to become fire and police departments, or maybe just police departments with county contracts for fire protection.
The power to invoke binding arbitration, given to the fire and police departments by the citizens via a ballot proposition, should be returned to the ballot and revoked. It has rapidly accelerated our costs and relegated meaningful labor negotiations to the backseat.
The Council should carefully assess the budget situation, but it also should be prepared to act swiftly should the need for additional cuts become apparent.
City salaries online: â– View a list of all city salaries by department online at:
