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Politics

Budget proposal trims $4.4M

Deep cuts are suggested for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

By MIKE DONILA
Published April 26, 2007

Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne on Wednesday proposed cutting almost 50 city jobs next year in an effort to balance the city's budget while providing property tax breaks.

Still, because of increases in other city revenue streams, Horne's plan would increase the city's overall spending 2.8 percent next year, even as it cuts $4.4-million in what would be needed to continue current services.

Under the plan, to be discussed Friday at a City Council workshop, Horne anticipates rolling back the city's property tax rate at least 6 percent to keep the tax collections flat. The rollback would save homesteaded property owners money since their taxable value can't increase more than 3 percent annually.

However, commercial and investment property owners would see a tax break only if the taxable value of their property increases by less than 6 percent.

"This is a first step to getting tax relief to the citizens, but obviously this won't complete the process depending on what (the state lawmakers) will do," Mayor Frank Hibbard said. "But we need to start having these discussions and giving citizens ideas of what type of changes will be coming."

The city manager's recommendations come at a time when residents are clamoring for relief from high property taxes and insurance rates. But they do not reflect proposals before the Florida Legislature, which could decide as early as next week to dramatically curtail local governments' ability to collect property taxes.

"We aren't reacting until the state gives us something to react to," said Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback.

Horne was out of town Wednesday and couldn't be reached for comment.

But Brumback stressed that Horne's recommendations aren't necessarily an endorsement as much as a reaction to political reality. "We don't believe the cuts are in the best interest of the quality of life. I think there will be a noticeable difference," he said.

If the City Council approves Horne's plan, the city's operating fund for the upcoming fiscal year would stand at $125.3-million, a 2.8 percent increase from the current budget. The increased spending reflects rising insurance, pension and fuel costs, officials said.

By contrast, Horne's proposed cuts target training, operating hours and contracting services.

Some are minor, like a $3,000 cut for travel. Others have major savings, like saving $680,000 by turning the North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex over to the Boys & Girls Club.

The proposals cut jobs in almost every major department.

But the biggest bull's-eye is painted on the Parks and Recreation Department to the tune of $1.4-million, more than 6 percent of its overall budget. The proposals include closing the Morningside Recreation Center and consolidating the beach library with the beach recreation center.

"Obviously, we're going to have to talk an awful lot about some of this stuff and we're going to have to make some tough choices," Vice Mayor John Doran said.

He added that "there will be quite a bit of discussion" about what to do with some of the recreation facilities.

Council member Paul Gibson said he's opposed to a proposal to cut hours at the "well-utilized" Countryside Library, saying the city could likely find savings elsewhere. He added that the city should also look to outsource more positions, particularly arborists.

The City Council in recent months has asked Horne to recommend ways to reduce costs and the property tax rate.

Horne also drafted a second list of cuts, should the council wish or need to cut further. That list cuts another 51 jobs and $4.1-million; it includes deep cuts to landscape maintenance and an end to the Jolley Trolley, the beach shuttle service. The list also cuts funding for school resource officers and for a seven-member firefighting squad.

The city accounts for about 25 percent of the average homeowner's property tax bill. Property taxes account for about 41 percent of the city's current operating budget, which is $121.9-million. Clearwater now has 1,280 full-time employees.

Fast Facts:

Ways to reduce the city budget

City Manager Bill Horne's proposal will be the topic of a City Council workshop at 8:30 a.m. Friday at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is open, though no public comment will be taken.

Among the highlights:

- Consolidate the beach library with the beach recreation center: save $100,000

- Reduce library hours at North Greenwood, East and Countryside branches: $105,000

- Reduce contributions to Ruth Eckerd Hall: $77,600

- Close Morningside Recreation Center: $216,700

- Turn North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex over to the Boys & Girls Club: $680,000

- Cut four Engineering Department positions: $243,800

- Cut four Police Department positions: $228,000

- Cut one Fire Department position: $49,400

- Cut two administrative positions: $158,600

To learn more

A full copy of Horne's proposals can be found at links.tampabay.com.

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 06:57:27]