The City Of Atlanta Budget deficiency was explained by COO Greg Giornelli during the most recent Financial Executive Committee session on February 11, 2009.. According to news source Christopher King (Channel 46 News) on February 11, 2009 many questions were raised about the budget numbers. http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/18693112/detail.html#- Mr. King (Channel 46 news) stating the Atlanta’s COO Greg Giornelli paints a pretty grim picture of the City of Atlanta Finances, during the Financial and Executive Committee meeting.

Greg Giornelli told the City Finance and Executive committee http://apps.atlantaga.gov/citycouncil/video.htm the projected revenue short fall will be in the 70 to 80 million dollar range. This is approximately 30 Million more than previously projected during the 1st quarter. During the 1st quarter 222 personnel reductions occurred and furloughs began, saving the city 38-48M in personnel cost (per Giornelli). Property tax collection is down more than 15%, he said, however; expense spending is running under budget by 4%, indicating a possible savings of 10.5M in the expense budget (per Giornelli).

Each Department spending is reviewed each quarter; however, some overtures are noted but can be explained and may even out the next quarter to show they are in-fact not over budget. (City Council Meeting video on demand) Greg Giornelli stated the big picture is the budget shortfall is between 25-31M, and his hope is to reduce non-personnel reductions to decrease the shortfall. Mr. Giornelli also stated that a budget shortfall does not mean a budget deficit. Giornelli stated the City Council would need to be approached before any action is decided upon.

City Councilman C.T. Martin can also be seen on the evening news commenting that “cut backs would mean more furloughs and layoffs”(Channel 46 news). Howard Shook is quoted stating, he would not support a property tax increase “If it were to be held tomorrow”. (Channel 46 news). However Greg Giornelli is quoted by the news to say the Mayor will make personnel cuts if absolutely necessary. Mayor Franklin did not respond to news reporter Christopher Kings question if the City of Atlanta “is looking for another round of furloughs and lay offs”. http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/18693112/detail.html#-

PACE would schedule a meet with COO Greg Giornelli to ascertain more information and inform members if more in-depth reviews of this information become necessary. The good news is that the Stimulus Package has pass the Senate and may shortly be on its way to President Obama’s desk, hopefully some relieve will be given to the city directly to help prevent personnel or non-personnel reductions and create more job opportunities. If necessary PACE will ask Mayor Franklin important questions so we may quickly filter the information down to the City of Atlanta employees. Please continue to read the PACE Union website for more information as it becomes available. Union members may also email general question to PACE President and look for the answers on the website under the menu Members Blog