From the Call in todays editorial section, and very well said!
Please take a look at the editorial (click on the header) for a very true statement by Mr. Burke Wasson. Our friends on this board feel we must have a TAX INCREASE in order to do anything in Crestwood, I say we need to make some CUT'S!
In fact, I have sent a list of proposed cuts to three Aldermen for their edification, and two of them seem to agree with some (not all) of the proposed CUT'S.
After some soul searching I have decided to list the proposals here to get your input. Now remember, we cannot have everything, as our revenue stream is down, but I do believe these proposed CUT'S will be the least traumatic to our employees, and us.
Well, here goes.
We do not require new sources of revenue but a strong BOA that is prepared to make unpopular decisions and get the job done.
I ask the mayor and BOA to join me to make the unpopular decisions to:
Shutter Sappington House ( Foundation could accept the financial responsibility)$24k
Eliminate Animal Control $50k
Eliminate the security cost for the BOA meetings $11k
Reduce labor hour weeks in order to preserve jobs. $80k
Combine the two code enforcement officers duties under one person $46K
Determine the legal possibilities of considering an appropriate tax/special assessment for the citizens in Affton Fire districts which would eliminate the contribution required from the general fund. $330k
Restructure the police department to more closely reflect the cost other communities experience. $100k
Reduce/eliminate capital spending $300k
Freeze salaries at 2008 levels $100k.
Change the health insurance policies to reflect a greater contribution from the employee. $50k
Budget on a cash basis instead of an accrual basis.
Close the pool $70k
Charge rent for the Sappington House Manager $10K
Eliminate the $100 Sappington house Manager stipend $1200
Eliminate the 2009 raises $100k
Combine Executive Secretaries $100k
The one important benchmark we have yet to receive from either of the two city administrators is the revenue required to run this city at minimum level.
This will cover the "short fall" with minimal changes, and we WILL make it till 2010 without the need to tax our seniors on a fixed income!
Well, there you have it, and with the bark on! Now the question is do we have the right people in place (or will we) to make these type's of decision's, or will we see the same old TAX INCREASE saw?
Tom Ford
NO. 592
In fact, I have sent a list of proposed cuts to three Aldermen for their edification, and two of them seem to agree with some (not all) of the proposed CUT'S.
After some soul searching I have decided to list the proposals here to get your input. Now remember, we cannot have everything, as our revenue stream is down, but I do believe these proposed CUT'S will be the least traumatic to our employees, and us.
Well, here goes.
We do not require new sources of revenue but a strong BOA that is prepared to make unpopular decisions and get the job done.
I ask the mayor and BOA to join me to make the unpopular decisions to:
Shutter Sappington House ( Foundation could accept the financial responsibility)$24k
Eliminate Animal Control $50k
Eliminate the security cost for the BOA meetings $11k
Reduce labor hour weeks in order to preserve jobs. $80k
Combine the two code enforcement officers duties under one person $46K
Determine the legal possibilities of considering an appropriate tax/special assessment for the citizens in Affton Fire districts which would eliminate the contribution required from the general fund. $330k
Restructure the police department to more closely reflect the cost other communities experience. $100k
Reduce/eliminate capital spending $300k
Freeze salaries at 2008 levels $100k.
Change the health insurance policies to reflect a greater contribution from the employee. $50k
Budget on a cash basis instead of an accrual basis.
Close the pool $70k
Charge rent for the Sappington House Manager $10K
Eliminate the $100 Sappington house Manager stipend $1200
Eliminate the 2009 raises $100k
Combine Executive Secretaries $100k
The one important benchmark we have yet to receive from either of the two city administrators is the revenue required to run this city at minimum level.
This will cover the "short fall" with minimal changes, and we WILL make it till 2010 without the need to tax our seniors on a fixed income!
Well, there you have it, and with the bark on! Now the question is do we have the right people in place (or will we) to make these type's of decision's, or will we see the same old TAX INCREASE saw?
Tom Ford
NO. 592
posted by Crestwood Independent at 18:42
17 Comments:
I like the cuts to the Sappington House and animal control. Both are unnecessary. In tough times, you've got to cut back. I don't see how they can pull back those employees raises though seeing how they've already been given. That would look worse than it did giving those.
The key here is show me. We live in Missouri. Show me. Our city leaders need to show me they can be trusted. The Call's editorial was right on the money. Most of us don't trust our leaders and with good reason. They haven't done with our tax money what they said they would do with it. I certainly would like a chance to decide for myself if my Prop S tax dollars will go to things besides debt! Chances are, I won't get that chance.
Likewise, they won't get my trust. When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn that if they keep breaking promises, they'll NEVER EVER EVER get a tax increase passed. Making some cuts and asking us how to handle Prop S is a fine start!
I very much agree with the Sappington House cuts. The place should find a way to sustain itself - charge more for admission, develop a business plan, something.
Animal control too - most neighboring munis use county. Why can't we?
Kiosk - why is that needed? The city survived without one for many years.
Across the board raises were already approved. I agree with previous blogger - it would be difficult and rough to withdraw raise. They should have never been given in the first place, not that city employees don't deserve raises, they do. But I would much rather keep the city employees we have with careful budgeting and spending.
Like the idea of voting again on Prop S.
I think it is a great idea to close Whitecliff pool for the summer. Fantastic. That will really be a boost to our community. Really, who cares about the kids on the swim team. Shut that sucker down. No one really uses the pool anyone. It is never crowded in the summer. We should also stop cutting grass in the parks all summer.
I also don't like the idea of closing any of the pools. Our community should be proud of those and proud we give our kids something to do.
But close the Sappington House. The last time I ate there, the rolls were cold. All that place is open for is old farts sitting around. Is that worth funding? I don't think so.
And let us vote on the Prop S issue. Now that circumstances have changed and it turns out we're paying for things we never thought we would, I'd like to decide for myself. It's my money. I voted for Prop S thinking it only goes to this debt. That's what the city told us. Then the city turns out to be wrong. I can't trust them right now. If they let us vote on keeping Prop S or not then that would help. If they don't let us vote on that, then they're scared of us. If that's the case, should they really be asking us for a tax INCREASE? We'd vote it down. Like the earlier blogger said, show me. Show me I can trust our city fathers again. Have some respect for us and let us vote on keeping Prop S or not. You might be surprised that most of us want to see the city succeed and we'd probably vote to keep the Prop S tax. But give us some respect. They sure didn't give us any when they told us one thing in 2006 to get Prop S passed and then did another.
RESPECT! You must be out of your mind, the Mayor said he has a plan and respect for you and me is not a part of it.
I like cutting the entire city and taking our chances with St. Louis County Police and the Affton fire Dept.
Mr. Ford,
Many of your recommendations have already been discussed and are still on the table from what I have been told.
But I must ask your rationalization behind closing the pool. If we owe about $1Mil dollars a year till 2012, how much money will we take in to offset our expense if we close it? Let me put it in simple terms.
You buy a building for $500,000 from which you want to sell widgets and you purchase 25000 widgets for $5.00 ea. If you never opened your store, how would you ever recoup the money you spent for the building and widgets? And how or who would pay for the upkeep and maintenance of your building?
I hope this makes sense.
The people at City Hall will find ways to get around lay offs and job classification merges.
I heard a rumor that some of the secretaries are being "cross trained" so they came keep their jobs. That way their department heads can tell the public that "they are too valuable to the City".
So...when you hear this from a department head...you better think twice.
Remember, it's all "smoke, mirors and checkers".
'Many of your recommendations have already been discussed and are still on the table from what I have been told.'
If I may ask, who told you that.
To whomever
wrote about NOT wanting to "Close the Pools ...& lose the
money they would take in " we DO NOT have pools.....we have
one -1- & the money taken in has not even covered the maintenance
& water & pumps etc....let alone any money left to pay down
the $1.2 million due per year !
4:19 PM blogger: Perhaps I should be a bit more clear. IF the pool can pay for itself in revenue, then leave it open.
That said, the administration building at White cliff ( near the pool) has not, nor will it ever at the rates they charge to use it.
Would you agree that the park, and the building are not A NECESSITY to maintain services in Crestwood?
Great amenities? you bet they are, but given the state of the City, I think they can be "shuttered" before Police, fire, and streets.
Please do not misunderstand me here, I am not suggesting we close it permanently, but rather to "moth ball" it until 2010 when we pray we shall be in better shape.
Sappington House, and the animal control officer are extremely superfluous now as we already pay for animal control in the form of tax to the county,and The Sappington house isn't going anywhere even if the County takes it over!
TAX INCREASE to our senior citizens who can least afford it, or a common sense approach to reducing costs?
Tom Ford
"But close the Sappington House. The last time I ate there, the rolls were cold. All that place is open for is old farts sitting around. Is that worth funding? I don't think so."
Now that could be a country and western song, "Old farts and cold rolls!"
Now who to record it, and give 40% royalties to Crestwood!
Suggested in a E-mail to me.
Tom Ford
4:32 PM blogger: yes they will, and I WILL find a way to block any tax increase they propose!
"No cut's, no money!"
By the way, this list of "suggested cuts" will be available after next Tuesdays Board meeting, and it will be in the "public record."
Tom Ford
Tom,
Do we have more than three swimming pools in the City of Crestwood?
We know of these three:
1. Crestwood Swim Club Private club owned by Rosebrook Real Estate stockholders
by the City Hall
2. Whitecliff Park - Crestwood Aquatic Center
3. Lindbergh High School swimming pool (We support this school by our Real Estate Tax dollars.)
2:45 PM blogger: There well may be more (in back yards) but the ones you mention are the main ones.
Now if we HAD to close the City pool, well here are my suggestions for a place to swim.
1. Crestwood swim club: no waiting list that I know of, and it's like new with a brand new retaining wall to boot!
2. Kirkwood YMCA: family membership inexpensive, and facilities are very nice.
3. Fenton Water Park, again inexpensive, but there are some drawbacks (family wise,) as they permit alcohol, (Oh wait so does the swim club, well forget that "drawback")
4. Lindbergh High School: Well good luck there unless your a member of their swim team.
So there you have it, there are places to go should the City Pool have to be shuttered for this season, and they are rather nice.
Tom Ford
Catherine Barrett is going to love those loud crowds up at crestwood swim club with all the new members. Did you run your brilliant idea past her?
3:46 PM blogger: I think Ms. Barrett should join the pool (I think she already owns some stock,) and join in on the fun!
I know there is no discrimination at that club, so I'm sure a single woman will be welcomed with open arms!
Close, convent, and problem solving! What more could you want!
Tom Ford
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