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Burlingame
City Council
Community faces tough budget decisions
DeAun Michael
Special to The Herald-Chronicle
BURLINGAME—In today’s struggling economy, many are experiencing
budget concerns – the Burlingame City Council is no exception.
It was the primary subject of discussion at the Aug. 18 council
meeting,
Several citizens spoke during the public budget hearing, expressing
concern about the potential of a nearly 3 mill increase.
“I’d like to just know how you can justify raising the
mill three,” Burlingame resident Roberta Bailey said. “Plus
you’re going to go up on the gas, you’re going to go
up on the electric, you’re going to go up on the water. How
do you think people are going to handle all that and what is the
county and everybody else doing about their mills? They’re
all going to be going up, too.”
Her concerns were shared among several others in the group and council
members.
“I just want to make sure we pass something that’s going
to work,” said councilman Kevin Fry during council discussion
of the 2009 budget.
“We spent five or six hours in this room on this budget first
off,” councilwoman Carolyn Strohm said, “and then at
the last meeting, we made a motion and we published it in the paper,
and quite frankly I don’t see how we can back up now.”
“Are we being fair to the people that we are supposed to be
representing when we are sitting here with no money to pay the bills
and no money to give them the services they deserve?” Strohm
asked.
“I don’t want people to pack up and leave, that’s
just my problem,” said councilman Dustin Swander.
After lengthy debate about the budget, a motion was made to approve
the 2009 budget as published with no changes. The motion carried
with a 3-2 vote. Voting against the budget approval were council
members Vikki DeMars and Norman Bloomquist.
A motion to adopt Ordinance 2133, approving the mill levy increase
was also approved with the same 3-2 split.
During review of the July 2008 financial statement, several budget-trimming
options were offered for discussion. Mayor Brenda Dorr indicated,
“the city needs to tighten its belt,” with one suggestion
being a reduction in overtime for city employees.
City Clerk Patti Gilbert responded that two operators at the power
plant average five hours of overtime per pay period; however, the
overage is required to meet the power plant needs.
Other financial considerations discussed were the need for purchase
of additional weed killer, raising shut off and disconnect fees,
various postage options, and other items that could save the city
money. No action was taken on the cost-saving measures. After additional
discussion of the July 2008 financial statement, claims ordinances
were approved to pay the city expenditures.
In other business, the council:
• heard from Gay Friedli regarding an incident involving Officer
Dudley. The council was unable to provide additional information
to her since there is an ongoing investigation with the county at
this time.
• considered a request from Ring of Fire Entertainment regarding
a donation for a 50s and 60s dance to be held in late September,
in Burlingame. The matter was tabled for later consideration.
• reviewed a request from Marilyn Zelinski to reconsider the
amount offered by the city’s insurance company for damage
to her home and personal property. Total cost for these items and
repairs are $8,061 and the city’s insurance has made an offer
of $6,913.55. A motion to pay the difference with a signed release
of liability for any additional amounts was approved on a 3-2 vote.
• discussed a construction contract for Phase II of the water
line replacement project. A decision was made to sign the contract,
with several contingencies to be settled. This will enable construction
to begin soon.
• accepted a 50/50 matching grant from the Bureau of Waste
Management to purchase rubber mulch for the Sumner Park playground
and one picnic table.
• held an executive session to consider six-month reviews
of non-elected personnel. |
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