2010 FINANCES: Council Considers Adjustments

BUDGET HEARINGS YIELD NEW ANIMAL SHELTER CARETAKER

By Steve Caraway

Posted: November 10, 2009 at 4:33 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — The City Council started fine-tuning Springdale’s 2010 finances Monday at a budget hearing, discussing adding or subtracting positions from departments.

The only action agreed by the council resulted in an addition to the agenda of today’s council meeting, for an additional caretaker for the animal shelter. The group also discussed adding an additional animal control officer in the future and eliminating an open position in the building department from the budget.

Monday’s meeting covered eleven departments, with several drawing few questions from the council. Budget cuts made during 2009 carried over to the 2010 budget, leaving few surprises.

“We went through the shock early,” said Marcia Ransom, library director.

Earlier in the year, Mayor Doug Sprouse asked department heads to reduce their 2009 budgets by an average of 6 percent.

The proposed budget estimates income and expenses of about $27.3 million. The 2009 budget, adjusted during the year, projected an increase in the general fund of about $700,000.

The projected actual figures, however, show an increase in the general fund of $1.6 million by the end of 2009.

Several departments, including the district court and the city attorney’s office, noted cuts were tough when 94 percent to 97 percent of the cost is personnel. Jeff Harper, city attorney, cut the car allowances for his staff, he said.

The cuts, along with a step increase in city salaries, would leave Harper’ staff attorneys about the same in pay, with Harper earning less, he said.

Noting other employees would receive a raise, Alderman Jeff Watson asked if that was equitable.

“What’s unfair about taking money from a lawyer?” joked Alderman Mike Overton. Watson also is an attorney.

Department heads noted the airport and planing budgets were reduced by one position in 2009, with the library converting two full-time positions into part-time.

Parks and Recreation lost one full-time and two part-time positions, Rick McWhorter said.

The council plans to wrap up its budget workshops next Monday after reviewing the administration department.

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