At the November 25, Special Meeting of the Burlington City Council, City Manager Harold Owen presented Council with cost saving measures being executed by the City. With the strong chance of reduced revenues in Fiscal Year 08-09, the City is taking the following measures to reduce spending.
- Only selected hiring for vacant positions approved by City Manager based on critical needs;
- Delaying the of purchase or implementation of selected capital items and projects prioritized on need. Potential projects where City labor force may be utilized will be considered;
- A reduction of travel expenses both out-of-state and in-state;
- A reduction of utility costs by a minimum of 5% by maintaining consistent temperatures in all buildings;
- A reduction of vehicle operations cost by a minimum of 5%;
- Reallocating staff time to share staff between departments (i.e.Engineering to Inspections to Minimum Housing, Recreation & Parks to Building Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance, Street Division to Grounds Maintenance thereby reducing the over-time payment for leaf collection);
- reducing contract staffing (i.e. the City performs is own custodial services and will reduce professional services);
- reducing overtime assignments for Police and Fire for public/private events;
- reducing City Works publication from six times a year to four times a year;
- and several other proposed measures...
To see slides from the presentation, including all proposed spending cuts, click here.
To view the meeting, click on "Video" next to the 11/25 meeting at