HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 04 14 Other Reports Handout by Commissioner Krebs Date: April 14, 2008
The attached statement was read by
Commissioner Krebs during "Reports" at the
April 14, 2008 City Commission Regular
Meeting.
The Primary responsibility of our local government is clear and has been the same since Winter Springs was
incorporated in 1959:
Infrastructure_ Public works, roads, water
Public Safety. Police and Fire Services
Prior to this commission's review of agenda item 500 I would like to share my thoughts for your consideration.
Regardless of the outcome of this vote, I feel our fiduciary responsibility is clear. This commission needs to take a
comprehensive look at our expenses; line item by line item, job by job, expense by expense. This is the same gut
wrenching overhaul that every person, family and business is being forced to employ in these difficult financial
times. This is the least we can do before this commission even remotely considers reaching deeper into our Winter
Spring's citizen's pockets.
We should lead by example, perhaps beginning with a 10% cut in our monthly stipend.
Our special events do not meet the standards of essential services. They are in addition to our parks, our green
space and our recreational programs. The annual cost to our citizens amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars
including the overtime that we pay police, fire and parks employees. Although these events have been a source of
pride for our city, we can no longer afford to fund them in the current fashion.
We need to understand the actual TOTAL cost, including labor of each these events. We should look into totally
funding them with corporate sponsorships. We have to consider having attendees pay entrance fees, similar to
those being charged by our neighboring cities. If everyone pays to attend the event, Winter Springs citizens aren't
burdened paying for the celebrations of non - Winter Springs citizens.
Nothing should be off limits.
If we cannot continue this current pension plan and have to offer new employees a less expensive plan, We should
consider it!
If we need to look at corporate retirement plans that allow each employee to manage their own benefits, We should
consider it!
If we can perform studies in house, rather that using expensive consultants, We should consider it!
If we need to look at consolidating the responsibilities of some employees, We should consider it!
We must fully fund our fire department. All equipment must be kept at highe standard to ensure the
continued safety of our Winter Springs citizens. No one should have to worry, when they need assistance; that a
fire truck won't start.
We may need to tap into our reserves to accomplish this, however when we begin this next budget review process,
the commission must prioritize essential services first, and consider replenishing Reserves at that time. We will
adjust the millage with confidence that our budget is as lean and as efficient as possible attending to the health,
welfare and safety of our Winter Springs family.
Please consider this statement in the spirit in which it is intended.