The city entered into budget hearings this week with some good
news. Apparently, the city budget isn’t in as terrible shape as
originally thought.
The city entered into budget hearings this week with some good news. Apparently, the city budget isn’t in as terrible shape as originally thought.
Last week, the city unveiled an independent auditor’s report saying there is about $8 million in city reserves. That’s a significant jump over the original estimate of $6.5 million. The report by the Harvey Rose Accountancy Corp. also recommended the city loosen its grip on reserve spending in a financial crisis and made recommendations to increase revenue.
That prompted at least one union leader to say there is no longer a need for layoffs. The city approved laying off 36 workers late last year, and 20 of those already have left the city. Sixteen city employees still are slated to lose their jobs by the end of the month.
Some might be able to stay because of the improved fiscal outlook. Still, we ask the City Council to be cautious when considering whether to keep employees. Weigh the urge to retain people against the long-term fiscal needs of the city. It would not do anyone any good to save all the jobs only to face the same issue next year.
Mayor Tony Bruscia was cautious about some of the findings and recommendations in the report. Given the city has a $4 million deficit, and at one point lost track of the fact San Benito Foods owed Hollister $1.5 million, skepticism is a good approach to dealing with the budget.
We don’t want to see anyone lose their job, but the fact is the city is in bad shape financially. The City Council will have to struggle with balancing a deficit while ensuring it can provide basic city services. The way to do that is to be conservative. Don’t count too heavily on projected future income. Do consider raising fees like water rates that haven’t been raised in 17 years. And don’t harbor any sacred cows.
Last month, Bruscia raised the possibility of studying whether the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection can provide fire protection to Hollister for less money than the local department. He was quick to say Hollister’s firefighters would have to be hired by CDF to preserve their jobs if such a deal ever were to happen.
The majority of the Council, and retiring Fire Chief Bill Garringer, balked at the idea. But Council members were willing to have a task force look at creating a county-wide fire district and a possible sales tax to support fire service for the November ballot. We urged the Council to study all the options and compare the savings.
Now, we urge the Council to take the same approach during its budget hearings. Just because it appears there is more money in the budget than originally thought, does not mean the city should cancel the entire layoff list. The Council should get as much information about the budget and the city’s options as is possible. It must look at the needs of the city as a whole and make a priority list of positions to fund. Public safety should be at the top of that list.
If jobs can be saved after ensuring the safety of Hollister residents, the Council should do so in a well-reasoned fashion.
Following a clear priority list that best serves the public should avoid any finger pointing and accusations of favoritism in layoffs. It also will help the Council make the case that it did everything it could to meet residents’ needs should the city ask voters to shore up services through some sort of tax measure in November.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
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