By Andrew de Souza

City Hall looking internally for cuts

Feb 1, 2011 | 5:22 AM

In an attempt to keep any potential tax increases as low as possible, the city is looking internally to reduce costs.

On Monday, three positions were eliminated from the city’s financial department, city manager’s office and social development division.

The cuts come after city council delayed the budget last month and told city administration to find cost saving measures.

City Manager Robert Cotterill said the cuts were designed to reduce costs within City Hall and were made with specific direction from council.

“There were a number of positions that have been eliminated. Whether it’s layoffs, early retirement or where positions have been vacated, we would not replace those positions,” said Cotterill.

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Coun. Lee Atkinson said city council wanted cuts to be made, but it was completely up to administration as to which positions would be cut.

“There was discussion saying we’ve got to reduce our budget and if staffing cuts are required, (administration) needs to go through and identify where there’s redundancies or where we don’t need staff,” he said.

“In my estimation, there are probably others yet, but discretionary spending also needs to be looked at so we can reduce the demand on our budget.”

City councillor Ted Zurakowski said it’s unfortunate that jobs need to be cut, but it’s a reality if tax hikes are to be kept in check.

“I get more calls about level of service, people want streets swept, snow ploughed, trees cut, yet if we want the same level of service, it’s a 3.7 per cent increase, for inflation costs and salaries,” he said.

“So where else do we look? The public expects us to look at all options including inside City Hall. We can’t expect to pass on a tax increase to the people unless without looking in the mirror.”

A notable position cut was the Social Development manager position.

Community Service director Greg Zeeben said the position is the only cut to the department. He said there are still two staffing positions and the division would operate in the same capacity.

The division recently lost federal funding.

The city also cut a financial services revenue manager position in and an executive assistant in the city manager’s office.

The three positions cut mean a savings of approximately $200,000 in salaries.

The city needs would need to find at least $1.4 million either through taxes or cuts to maintain the current level of service in the city.

adesouza@panow.com