City Budget: Economic Recovery Slow, 5 FT Layoffs Proposed

While the recession may be officially over, economic recovery in Glendora is still moving at a glacial speed, according to the newly released proposed city budget.

Between fiscal year 2010 and 2012, the city’s general fund revenue increased by only 1.99 percent, growth characterized by a “lazy L,” according to Finance Director Josh Betta.

To bridge a $102,628 general fund deficit, as well as other policy changes such as the sunset of the city’s redevelopment agency in 2017, the city has prepared a list of proposed reductions, including layoffs of full-time and part-time staff across several departments.

“I sincerely desire that our cost containment strategies, as painful as they have been in the present, will be viewed as reasonable in the larger context, and appropriate with regard to have made us a viable customer service organization,” City Manager Chris Jeffers wrote in the proposal.

Taking into account the eventual sunset of the city’s redevelopment agency in 2017— a $1.9 million loss of administrative support to the general fund— and other budget financial  and labor relations policies, the 2012 budget projects that a $714,000 reduction in expenditures is needed.

However, the two-tier budget includes scenarios of $400,000  and $700,000 in savings. From these scenarios, city officials have created a list of recommended reductions totaling $414,483.

These reductions include layoffs of five full-time positions in the Finance Department, the Police Department and Public Works. Part-time staff in the Community Services Department would also be laid off.

Other reductions include scaling back on its "travel and education budget" in the City Clerk’s Office.

The Police Department had been hit with the most proposed layoffs, with the elimination of three civilian full-time employees, although one would be replaced with part-time staffing. Under the proposal, the department would also eliminate a vacant court community service officer position and contract its crossing guard services.

The Glendora Public Library is facing an elimination of its Assistant Library Director position when its incumbent retires in September, as well as a reduction in hours to 40 hours a week.

The Planning Department would see an $8,000 reduction in its fund, cease publishing the Historic Preservation brochures and reduce contract services for traffic studies and design assistance.

The Community Services Department would no longer print or mail the Senior Times newsletter or provide monitoring services at Louie Pompei Sports Park.

The proposed city budget and the list of recommended reductions can be viewed on the city’s Web site.

The proposed budget will head to City Council for approval during a June 28, 2011 City Council meeting.