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Proposed employee increase debated

The city's budget plan would add 32 new workers. One City Council member has reservations, but the city manager says the increase is necessary.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published August 24, 2005

CLEARWATER - City Council leaders continued to spar Tuesday over budget proposals that would add 32 new city employees, a second large work force expansion in as many years that atleast one council member worries the city cannot afford.

The new employees would address Fire Department staffing shortages, better shepherd the city's increased redevelopment and double the police presence at Clearwater's high schools, among other things.

But council member Bill Jonson said that before committing to additional employees, the city should identify jobs it could eliminate. Overall, the new hires would grow the city's 1,900-person work force by 1.7 percent.

"As needs change in the business, and this is a business, we need to provide new functions," said Jonson, adding that he understood many of the positions are justified. "The tough thing in a business is to identify things that have less direct ties to the organization. Of the things you're doing, which ones have less support from customers."

Of the $3-million increase in the Fire Department's proposed budget, $2.5-million would offset personnel costs. Personnel costs in the city's development services division are driving its budget up 7 percent.

In the Planning Department, personnel costs are budgeted to rise 23 percent.

The additions are necessary, said City Manager Bill Horne.

The increased redevelopment has created staffing needs, as has a new fire union contract. Council members asked for additional police officers at city high schools as well as a senior services staffer.

"We're concerned at the size of government," Horne said. "Believe me, if you see a request from us, there's been a lot of pain in how we got there. We know you're going to take us through the mud."

Though the city has recently opened two new recreation facilities, the Ross Norton Complex and North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Complex, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said his department only requested one additional employee to staff those facilities.

The department transferred existing employees to backfill the remaining openings.

Last year the city added 21 employees, after adding five in 2003. During a budget work session Tuesday, other council members said the increases were appropriate. They also supported the proposed hires for the upcoming budget year.

"All department heads are challenged to reduce their budgets," said council member Carlen Petersen. "Every (new position) that comes to us is so well-vetted, people have gone over it over and over and over again.

"That's why I'm so comfortable with it," she said.

Council member Hoyt Hamilton said the budget, a total of $364-million, is reasonable.

"As far as a budget, I think we've done a very thorough job," Hamilton said. "I'm comfortable moving forward."

Council members have already set a tentative millage rate for next year that would not include a rate increase.

Public hearings and votes are set for Sept. 1 and Sept. 15. The budget goes into effect Oct. 1.

"Right now my greatest concern is we are in a time of plenty," said Mayor Frank Hibbard. "We shouldn't be confident this trend is going to continue in the future."

Aaron Sharockman can be reached at 727 445-4160 or asharockman@sptimes.com

$850,000 Fire Department ladder truck.

$900,000 promenade to replace old Memorial Causeway ridge.

$330,000 renovation of existing National Guard Armory building into a Parks and Recreation

Senior services representative.

2 additional police resource officers.

Full-time emergency management director.

Fourth consecutive year at that rate.

$1,006.78 in city taxes on a $200,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption.

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 01:15:20]