City Staff to Present Budget ‘Wish Lists’

Amid tonight’s discussion of a budget for the coming fiscal year, the City Council will consider the salaries and “wish lists” of city workers.

The council had asked department heads to prepare a list of what they would like to see added to the city budget over the next five years. The so-called wish lists being presented at tonight’s meeting include requests for three more police officers, a “bite suit” for training police dogs, a four-wheel-drive fire engine and upgrades to the city’s computer system.

In addition, City Clerk Verna L. Rollinger is suggesting that the city spend about $4,000 for a “City Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon” to recognize residents who donate time. Municipal Services Director Terry Brandt is making a pitch for an estimated $1 million to repave the streets and rebuild sidewalks, curbs and gutters downtown.

Also tonight, the council will review the salary ranges of city workers and make comparisons of management personnel’s pay with what people in similar jobs earn in cities of comparable size.

The goal is “just to get the salary information out to the public,” Councilman Wayne J. Baglin said Monday. “I don’t probably quibble with the levels of the salaries now, I just believe we have one management position too many. I’m after the elimination of a management position.”

Specifically, Baglin said, he would like to see the Administrative Services and Community Services departments under just one person, a move he said would probably save the city more than $100,000 annually.

The proposed 1997-98 budget was released May 1, followed by a workshop May 3. Tonight’s session will allow residents to give their views of the $32-million spending plan, which calls for no increases in fees or taxes.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. in chambers at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

Information: (714) 497-0705.