More than 10 Department of Public Works employees could lose their jobs and some recreational programs could stop this year if the City Council implements suggestions from top administrators.
Significant changes to the city’s cost structure are needed to prevent future tax increases, administrators said.
Although $230 million more was added to the city’s total tax base this year, lessening the tax burden on the average homeowner, that figure will drop by more than half next year and in 2010.
Therefore, city officials said they have to prepare for the future, when expenses will continue to rise and revenues drop.
To reduce the city’s day to day costs, interim City Manager Robert Casey proposed changing the operations of the Public Works and Recreation departments.
Casey and Recreation Department Director Merle Simons proposed about $300,000 in cuts. Those cuts include stopping a $64,000 summer youth program, reducing playground costs by eliminating sites, closing a pool and concession stands.
Simons said if the Council accepts her proposal for a fee-based recreation program she can raise roughly $117,000 by charging $20 to $40 per week for programs.
None of the four employees working in recreation will be laid off.
However, layoffs were proposed in the Public Works Department, that might save the city an estimated $360,000 this year and an estimated $600,000 in 2009 if 11 sanitation employees are let go.
Casey and DPW Director Clyde Sweatt proposed eliminating positions after DPW operations are modified.
Manpower can be reduced by eight if rear yard garbage pickup is stopped and garbage is picked up only one day a week as opposed to the current two.
Officials said the new garbage pickup plan would equalize the amount of garbage picked up all fours day in all four wards of the city, allowing the city to do more with less manpower.
The city’s garbage transfer station would be eliminated, cutting another three employees.
With the 11 cuts to the current staff of 68, the DPW would be able to do in-house grass cutting and tree maintenance, officials said.
The Council will decide on the proposed cost-cutting measures. Members’ opinions are split on the issues.
Councilman Scott Reddin and Councilwoman Charlotte Schoen publicly said they opposed layoffs.
Councilman Jack Drakeford said cuts were needed in personnel but not before the Council understands how reduced manpower will affect how the individual department functions.
"This is more than just about cutting money. You have to see where it can be taken out while maintaining the efficiency of the department," Drakeford said. "The philosophy of the city’s operation needs to be addressed. You are dictating to Casey what is and what is not of interest to you."
Councilman Gordon Johnson said there is one significant way to save money.
"You have to reduce personnel," he said.
Councilman Ken Rosenzweig asked that the public come to meetings to answer some questions on his mind and on the minds of his fellow council people: Can residents afford to pay for their kids to play? Do residents want their garbage picked up once a week?
Officials plan to introduce their 2008 budget this week.
E-mail: kumka@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6705
