Politics & Government

Florissant City Council Makes Cuts, Additions to 2012 Budget

Members vote to slash overtime budgets and add money for health department management.

Update as of Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

The voted on two changes to the in its final budget public work session.

The council approved—by narrow margins—a $3,250 increase for two foremen in the health department. Members approved a 50 percent cut to most departments' overtime.

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Two heads instead of one

Mayor Tom Schneider brought to the council’s attention at the beginning of the meeting that the $3,250 would be used to promote the two foremen to co-foremen who would assist in managing the health department.

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There’s no health department superintendent; the position was vacated approximately one year ago, Schneider said. Since then Street Superintendent Gary Meyer has overseen health and streets.

Schneider said the department would continue to go without a full-time superintendent; instead, he wanted to divide the responsibilities between two deserving workers in the department.

The council approved the request and the addition by a vote of 5-4.

Out with overtime

On one of the last topics for the meeting, Ward 1 Councilman Tim Lee proposed a way to cut down overtime across departments.

The proposal included cutting overtime by 50 percent for most departments requesting overtime money. Each employee in the city would receive a $400 one-time salary adjustment toward the end of the year.

Council members amended the proposal, so that the parks department would receive additional funds for overtime. Council President Keith English explained that the department would be doing all of the grass-cutting for the city, which was originally contracted work.

He said he felt it was necessary to add to that budget.

Therefore, the council amended the proposal:

  • The parks department would receive $35,000 for overtime, as opposed to the $25,000 proposed by Councilman Lee. 
  • In exchange, the sewer lateral fund would receive $10,000 for overtime, as opposed to the proposed $15,000.

The new proposed overtime for each department looks like this:

                            Overtime Budget Cuts Department Proposed Overtime Amended Overtime Health Department $20,000 $10,000 Public Works $90,000 $45,000 Police $250,000 $150,000 Parks Department $50,000 $35,000 Sewer Lateral Fund $30,000 $10,000

Lee said the cuts provide $75,000 in net savings for the city. The council approved the motion 5-4. Schneider expressed his displeasure at the council’s approved cut.

“They’re spending $130,000 for bonuses, but won’t spend it for the overtime that I asked for,” he said after the meeting. “Last year, it was difficult to provide services, and we never got a chance to fully pay for overtime. Many had to take comp time.”

The mayor said he would return to council in the new fiscal year to ask for more overtime money.

Council still must vote and approve the full budget. It would go into effect Dec. 1.

Editorial Correction: The article previously stated the City Council approved the measure by a vote of 6-3. 


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