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Largo sweats out a list of budget cuts

A group gets down to specific hard choices to trim back spending to accommodate a tax rate cut.

By SHANNON TAN
Published September 8, 2005

LARGO - Does the city need a receptionist at City Hall to answer phones and greet walk-in visitors?

How about two domestic violence intervention specialists, one who recently won a prestigious Governor's Peace at Home Award?

These positions could be on the chopping block, thanks to a recent City Commission decision to lower the proposed property tax rate, trimming $1.66-million in revenue from the city budget for 2005-06.

Tuesday, a week after city commissioners narrowly voted to reduce the proposed property tax rate, the city's Finance Advisory Board sat down to discuss a four-page list of possible budget cuts.

Commissioners will consider the cuts at a work session Tuesday before taking a final vote on the property tax rate Sept. 15.

Commissioners voted to reduce the rate from $4.75 to $4.2758 in city taxes for every $1,000 of taxable value. Now state law prevents them from raising it again when they adopt the final budget.

"In three weeks, somebody's life could be total chaos because of a decision we have to make," finance board chair Gigi Arntzen said.

Commissioners could choose to take the $1.66-million out of the $9-million balance that the city expects to have in its general fund at the end of the current fiscal year. But a disaster such as a hurricane could then put the city's savings in jeopardy.

That would mean it might have no choice but to get rid of jobs or city services.

Finance board vice chair John Atanasio complained about the last-minute scramble to come up with $1.66-million in cuts. He advised officials to put off any terminations for several months.

"There's no question in my mind the city has put itself in a position. It has almost shot its foot to satisfy a few," Atanasio said. "Ridiculous."

The victim's advocate might have to go. Forget about filling three vacant police officer positions. Construction of Datsko Park might have to be delayed.

Getting rid of holiday decorations and special events is also an option. Ditto the outreach and before- and after-school child care programs. The city could lease its golf course to rake in some money.

"I have absolutely not a clue as to how we're going to dig out of this," said Vice Mayor Gay Gentry, who voted against the rolled back rate. "I know one thing: We will all pay for this."

In what he called an act of "political suicide," police Chief Lester Aradi told board members about the turmoil in his department.

Two years ago, budget cuts did away with his volunteer coordinator and public information officer. Last week, Aradi said he had the task of sitting down with employees to let them know their jobs were being considered for elimination.

"I think somebody needs to stand up and say we're telling our employees twice now in a two-year period: . . . "The work you've committed yourself to is expendable,' " Aradi said.

Aradi said he could live without three extra police officers, but he would probably have to reassign an officer working on cleaning up the Clearwater-Largo Road corridor and another officer making DUI arrests at night.

Aradi's tactic worked. As finance board members went down the list of possible reductions, they voted to recommend keeping all the positions in the Police Department.

They did decide to recommend deleting a vacant assistant to city manager position and a development specialist for the Greater Largo Library Foundation, to delay construction of Datsko Park and to put off replacing city vehicles for a year.

Their recommended changes totaled $667,000 in savings. Commissioners could follow their recommendations or make additional cuts.

"There's a lot of tough decisions," said Commissioner Harriet Crozier. Mayor Bob Jackson said he's not in favor of getting rid of people's jobs.

Already, people are calling and e-mailing to oppose trimming the domestic violence and victim advocate positions.

Said one resident Tuesday night: "I think you weakened the city for $43 (in savings on his tax bill). It's sickening."

Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.

Three police officers - $196,800.

Two domestic violence intervention specialists - $138,600.

Victim's advocate - $51,100.

Holiday decorations - $73,000.

Before- and after-school child care program - $109,400.

Special events like Heart of Largo - $400,000.

[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:49:23]