One of the toughest things the mayor faces in setting a new budget is not knowing how great the state's reduction in municipal support will be. Even before the budget ax swings in Columbus, projections are that Cleveland's shortfall could reach 28 million dollars.
Talking with reporters at City Hall, Jackson candidly said the city will implement a half-dozen ways of saving money, including no worker raises, asking for concessions in collective bargaining, imposing major contributions from employees for their health plans, and the use of some one-time revenues.
But he says more cuts could be needed.
MAYOR FRANK JACKSON:
"This is going to be a pivotal year - and those who are not prepared to deal with it, will have a very difficult time. And those of us who think we are prepared; will have a difficult time."
The revelations came as Jackson announced another cost-saving effort – merging five city departments into two: Public Works and Capital Projects. It’s part of the mayor’s continuing effort to streamline operations and reduce the city staff - already 25% less than the number of workers Jackson inherited when he took office.
Regional Development head Chris Warren says the consolidations save money - AND make sense.
CHRIS WARREN:
"They're both intended to improve our efforts to - as the mayor says - push back against the tide. The tide has been the effect on our city of historic levels of foreclosure, and abandonment, and need for rebuilding neighborhoods."
Heading up the new departments will be longtime city workers Michael Cox for Public Works, and Jomarie Wasik for Capital Projects.
The mayor is also working with the state to find ways to sell city services to suburban neighbors, which could further reduce the budget hole.
