Council plans to cut $158,000

Cape Girardeau's spring cleanup program would be eliminated and spending reduced on everything from park maintenance to recreation programs under a city council-backed plan that would cut $158,000 in annual spending and add about $61,800 in fee increases. The move comes as the council sets the stage for a June election on a fire sales tax to help fund public safety needs.

The council, which earlier this year decided against putting the tax issue on the April ballot, will consider next Tuesday giving initial approval to an ordinance putting a quarter-cent fire sales tax on the June 8 ballot. The proposed tax would generate an estimated $2 million annually for the fire department and indirectly free up money to help boost pay for an already undermanned police force, city officials said.

At a three-hour study session Thursday night, the council reviewed over $800,000 in staff proposed budget cuts, fund transfers and fee increases. The council settled on over $500,000 in cost-cutting moves, fund transfers and fee increases designed to help the general fund, the city's basic operating fund where revenue is tight. The cuts must still be approved during a regular council session vote.

City finance director John Richbourg said much of the budget savings in the general fund -- over $300,000 -- would involve transferring the storm drainage program to the city's sewer fund.

Richbourg said the budget transfer would reduce the amount of money available for future sewer projects unless sales tax revenue grows.

As part of the budget cuts, the city plans to eliminate its regular newsletters mailed to residents and move its public information office from rented space to city hall. The two moves combined would save about $4,500, officials said.

Proposed fee increases on everything from hanger rentals to parks and recreation fees would generate an estimated $61,800 in added revenue.

The council decided against seeking to charge police service fees for funeral escorts and responding to private property accidents and false burglary alarm calls. But Mayor Jay Knudtson said the council might have to consider imposing such fees if voters turn down a fire sales tax.

Council members rejected plans to close the aging Emerald Street fire station, saying it could increase response time to fires in the northeast part of the city and result in increased insurance costs for property owners.

The council also said no to closing Capaha Pool, one of the city's two swimming pools. The council approved plans to reduce operating hours for boths pools as well as the Osage Community Centre.

Cutting out the spring cleanup program, in which city crews haul off household junk set by the curb, will save an estimated $52,000, officials said.

Some council members wanted to eliminate the fall leaf pickup program, which would save an estimated $62,000.

"It is just not an essential service," said Councilman Jay Purcell.

But council members Evelyn Boardman and Matt Hopkins argued successfully against eliminating the service.

Without the curbside pickup of leaves by city crews, Hopkins said more residents would be forced to burn their leaves.

The council voted to cut at least one Municipal Band concert, but Knudtson and other council members suggested they might cut the band's budget even more.

The city pays $1,500 for each of the 14 weekly summer band concerts. The money provides stipends for band members.

Knudtson said he was troubled with the city paying band members while at the same time cutting a service like spring cleanup.

"I think we could cut it all out," Purcell suggested.

Knudtson suggested cutting out funding for half of the concerts and asking the band to find private sponsors to help pay the band members.

"Until we make cuts, they won't go out and seek sponsorships," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

BUDGET CUTS LIST

A tentative list of planned budget cuts, fee increases and estimated net savings based on the Cape Girardeau City Council's Thursday study session. Not included is a plan to pay storm drainage expenses of over $300,000 out of the city's sewer fund instead of the city's general fund. The fee increases do not require voter approval.Spending cuts

Cut some part-time positions and reduce general maintenance and portable bathrooms in the parks, $10,910

Reduce hours that Old Lorimier Cemetery is open to the public, $3,654

Cut all part-time facility maintenance positions, $4,886

Lay off some part-time staff at A.C. Brase Arena Building, $1,691

Reduce hours of operation at Capaha and Central pools, $16,222

Reduce hours of operation at Osage Community Centre, $4,173

Eliminate one Municipal Band concert and spending for supplies, $1,500

Eliminate a musical (non-Municipal Band) concert at the park, reduce recreation programs and some part-time recreation staffing, $9,531

Reduce part-time staff and expenses for Shawnee Park sports complex, $5,057

Reduce street maintenance, $27,900.

Decrease mowing of detention basins and nuisance abatement properties, $17,900

Move public information office to city hall, eliminating $1,080 in rent

Eliminate city newsletter and mayor's Missourian Junior newspaper column, $4,100

Reduce the budget for the Vision 2020 civic group, $500

Reduce emergency management spending on restocking supplies, $1,000

Cut airport spending including reducing winter hours for fuel service, $6,491

Reduce Historic Preservation Commission budget, $1,000

Eliminate spring cleanup program, $52,000

Eliminate household hazardous waste collection day unless funded with a grant, $25,000

Eliminate fall free dumping program at transfer station, $16,000

Change to postcard utility bills, $8,400

Planned fee changes, net gain

Increase city engineering/planning services overhead charges fees, $24,000

Raise parks and recreation fees 5 percent, $20,000

Increase monthly hangar rental charges from $150 to $165, $1,800

Raise fuel charges by about a nickel a gallon, $16,000

Source: City of Cape Girardeau.