Mayor Kasim Reed handed over his administrations FY2011 Budget Proposal to the City Council at 9am, Friday, April 30 (per Fox5 News Report). The Mayor and his administration want to increase Atlanta Police Officer's Employment, offer current Police Officer's raises, as well, open several closed recreation centers. Union President Gina Pagnotta spoke to News reporter Morse Diggs reflecting concerns of Union Members and City Employees, regarding FY2011 Budget Proposal which Mayor Kasim Reed proposed to Lay-Offs more city employees. PACE President Pagnotta stated, the Mayor and his Administration must explain the Who, When, Where and How. Mayor Reed's proposal, to cut employees would drastically reduce services (Gina Pagnotta) both internal and external. According to Morse Diggs Fox 5 News, Mayor Reed wants to make good on his Campaign promises to hirer more police Officers.
Gina Pagnotta stated, "the City does need more Police officers, and they do deserve a raise, however the Administration should balance the budget and find the funds to give all employees raises." Some City Council members are also wondering why the Mayor only wanted to give Police Officer's raises, and questioned the fairness in his decision not to consider all City Employees (Fox 5 Morse Diggs). The Mayor’s Budget proposal is based on projects that are proposed and not yet officially enacted or funds are not apart of the budget the Mayor proposed yet. (Morse Diggs) There are questions about funds for a new recreational facility to be built, (Fox 5 News) that was added by the Mayor in the FY2011 proposed Budget. The funding for this new facility would cause the eliminate of current City Of Atlanta Employee Positions.
Union President Pagnotta is seeking information on who would be targeted for layoffs. What department are expected to fall shorter than they are already? When will the proposed job cuts begin? Or where the budget cuts are coming from? During Mayor Franklin's administration the city’s reduction in force (RIF) left the city employee status at bare minimum in the General Funds arena, and PACE believe another round of cuts would impair the city services at a time when they are needed by the citizens of Atlanta the most. Mayor Reed has already reduced the Pension plan funding and increase the time frame from 10 years to 15 years to be fully vested for new employees and those under 10 years of service currently. The City of Atlanta already has one of the Largest Airports in the United States and Atlanta is growing steadily. Until the Mayor reviews other means of balancing the budget Police Officers raises should not be implemented at this time to prevent leaving out other City Of Atlanta Employees, and placing a greater deficit on the budget in the General Funds area.