Written By Caleb Brown (News Director)
The City of Pottsville is facing a $572,000 deficit, and City Councilman Scott Price says it is sending the city down a trajectory that would “cripple us.”
During their monthly meeting held on March 9, Price took time to raise his concerns over the current status of the city budget, which he says would result in a $572,000 deficit, and he wanted to discuss ways to save costs.
“The current trajectory is by no means sustainable,” Price said. “So what I’m calling on my council to do is to attempt to put a stop to this.”
Price then proposed the idea of having a special meeting later this month, which is “properly advertised,” to look at the budget and how much each department takes up. Once that information is known, Price is calling for a specific number that departments can reduce their spending by.
He described the math as “relatively easy,” saying that spending needed to be cut by 5.2 cents off each dollar spent, but would round it to 5 cents. “If one of our departments spends one hundred dollars in order to reach that five seventy-two goal, they need to get that bill for $95…”
Price also said at this proposed meeting that departments should present a list of contractors and third-party vendors they have used within the last 5 years. Then, from a cost standpoint, identify the top 10 vendors in each department. From there, multiple RFPs will be created to rebid all city services to ensure the most effective pricing.
Other proposed actions Price suggested included having budget updates presented by each department head during council meetings, prioritize the hiring of a labor attorney before the hiring of a city administrator, and an immediate hiring freeze for all vacant positions, citing salaries and benefits as the “biggest hits” to the budget but noting exceptions for police and emergency personnel. When questioned by Councilwoman Dorothy Botto, Price confirmed that none of his plans called for reducing current staff levels.
“My concern is that we’re going to turn around and it’s going to be too late.” Price later stated.
Price also raised the point that the city’s contingency fund is currently empty, which Botto confirmed. Botto stated that in past years, the fund would normally hold anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000. Lisa Shuman, the City Clerk and Acting City Administrator, elaborated that the money is budgeted; however, not in the bank.
Councilman Andy Wollyung entered the discussion, where he said he thought, “there was a lot of truth” to what Price was saying; however, he brought up that departments could face a “change of costs.” Using the street department as an example, he cited how last year they did not use as much salt as compared to this year. While also suggesting elements such as more paving or collapses.
“There is a lot of things that happen throughout the year. To say that it’s a nickel to a dollar, it may hopefully will clear out less. Most likely will be more,” Wollyung said.
Wollyung further stated, “I do want to err on the side of caution.” Shortly before commenting, “The best person for the job isn’t always the cheapest, and the best product isn’t always the cheapest…”
Wollyung then proposed to get everyone on the same page, “The most important thing this council could do right now, for the time being, is to do an every two-week work session.” He proposed that details could be worked out during these sessions, and bring their expertise so everyone could be on the same page. Ultimately, no decisions were taken during the meeting.
CC Broadcasting LLC. will continue to update as this story develops.