That approach, brought on by the current recession economy and its effect on revenues, coupled with the continuing effect on water restrictions, is going to have a telling effect if it continues, according to Public Utilities Director Kelly Randall.
"We have vehicles that are getting older, we have a lot of equipment that is getting older, we haven't given our staff a raise in two years; we can't keep this up too terribly long," Randall said. "Please realize we have cut this budget to the quick, this is not business as usual."
Randall said his $48.5-million 2010 budget overall is two and a half percent smaller than FY 2009 without asking for an increase.
Community Service Center Director Phillippa Lewis Moss presented a budget that was 12 percent less than last year's with most of the money coming from state and federal sources.
Moss made a strong pitch for expanding Hall Transit, saying the city will lose much more than gain by not funding it.
"If you decide this is not the right time, what you'll be able to do is walk away with $61,000," Moss said. "For not contributing $61,000 you will lose $698,785 in federal funds; if you don't put up the match you don't get their contribution."
"That's a lot of money to leave on table."
Moss told council members $2.2-million of her $3.9-million 2010 budget comes from state and federal funds; she's asking Gainesville for $496,000 and wants $746,437 from Hall County.
NOT ENOUGH TRANFER FUNDS?
City Councilman Bob Hamrick said he wants a close look at how much money the city is transferring to city and non-profit agencies.
Hamrick with revenues below projections, he's not sure if the city can meet full commitments for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009 or 2010.
"We need to look to see if we can fund 100 percent of what we promised," Hamrick said, adding that he would prefer to cut transfer funding than lay off a city employee.
City Manager Kip Padgett said he would present a list of agencies receiving transfer funds.
Randall said his $48.5-million 2010 budget overall is two and a half percent smaller than FY 2009 without asking for an increase
Moss made a strong pitch for expanding Hall Transit, saying the city will lose much more than gain by not funding it
City Councilman Bob Hamrick said he wants a close look at how much money the city is transferring to city and non-profit agencies
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/4/220046