Mayor Franklin budget letter to President Lisa Boarders and Member Council on May 5, 2008 can be viewed in its entirety at:Mayor Franklin's Letter FY2009

 

Mayor Franklin made several projections in her letter concerning balancing the budget, she includes what departments were downsized and commented on movement of more personnel. The Letter indicated that her budget proposed eliminating 788 positions (removed) from the cities budget; 441 reductions in force (RIF) with 347 vacant positions abolished. She wrote of transferring 616 positions out of the general funds of which 383 are considered in the Solid Waste Service positions and 166 in the newly created E911.

 

The letter indicated this is the lowest per capita work force in Atlanta since 2002, where 1100 personnel were downsized, however 200 public safety personnel were added during this same period. The letter stated in FY2009 the budget is saving funds by eliminating non-core functions and increasing efficiency in support functions.

 

PACE wanted to reveal parts of the FY2009 budget proposal to the union members to show our concerns for the City of Atlanta employees and hopefully give some answers to questions asked since the RIF Action the first week in May 2008. Mayor Franklin letter indicated the City wanted to limit reductions in service delivery as much as possible. The following are a list of the initiatives handed down in the budget proposal.

 

¨ -Reduction of 135 personnel in support departments

¨ -Reduce the City Contribution to Employee Health Care Plans from 77% to 70%

¨ -Elimination of 59 positions in Solid Waste Services

¨ -Consolidate the Office of the Solicitor with the Department of Law

¨ -Close 11 Recreational Centers for repair and completely close two centers permanently

¨ -Eliminate the City Shuttle Service

¨ -Reduce the number of operating courtrooms in the Municipal Court from nine to seven

 

The proposals still must be voted on by President Boarders and Member Council, and passed by 30 June to go into effect 1 July 2008 for FY2009.

 

PACE welcomes your comments on the Mayors Budget Letter, now is a good time to join the union, one voice, one body, so everyone’s concerns can be heard.