What’s Next After the 2010-2011 Budget Approval

After the approval of the 2010-2011 City of Coral Gables Budget, we might ask what are major tasks the city manager and the city commissioners should undertake to avoid continuing property tax increases.

I would think the city needs the following:

  • Make further cuts in pensions, health benefits and salaries of all employees during the next year, especially for firefighters and police;
  • Reduce the number of firefighters and police, if they do not accept substantial salary and benefit reductions;
  • In light of the city manager’s recent comments about working for the future, the city should develop, discuss and publish a long-term financial plan, approved by the Commission and discussed by taxpayers in an open forum;
  • Continue evaluating senior and middle management and a process of “rightsizing” city government;  and
  • Delay major capital projects for three to five years, depending on the recuperation of the local economy.

What else do you suggest.

About Stephen E. McGaughey
Resident of the City of Coral Gables

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