Reader poll
On Friday, City Hall reporter Chad Lawhorn reported that school crossing guards, the Prairie Park Nature Center and many social service agencies would bear the brunt of proposed city budget cuts.
The cuts would come if changes included in Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposed budget-balancing legislation did indeed become law.
But the cuts that were revealed Friday — and which will be taken up by the City Commission Tuesday — weren't the only ones city manager David Corliss considered.
All of the proposed cuts are detailed below — the ones that were recommended to the commission are in bold.
What cuts would you have made and which programs are too important to be on the block? You can read more about each of these considered cuts, including in some cases the rationale for why they could be cut, at the city commission's Web site.
Eliminate school crossing guards: $50,000 in savings
Eliminate CPR classes: $30,000
Eliminate fire department's classes in Lawrence schools: $18,000
Eliminate free bike helmet programs, or charge for the helmets: $30,000
Reduce/eliminate fire department employee degree programs: $20,000
Eliminate Human Relations division of legal department: $92,500
Reduce funding to 21 service agencies, including the Boys and Girls Club, Van Go Mobile Arts and many others: $342,292
Eliminate 1/2 of employee longevity bonus: $130,000
Eliminate staff pay increases: $360,000
Eliminate city auditor: $56,000
Eliminate economic development coordinator: $85,000
Eliminate e-gov coordinator: $69,000
Eliminate historic preservation program: $100,000
Eliminate GIS function in city program (both for internal and public): $70-160,000, depending on whether one or two positions are cut
Eliminate long-range planning: $70-150,000, depending on whether one or two positions are cut
Reduce the street maintenance concrete crew: $100,000
Reduce street maintenance expenditures: $500,000
Move school resources officers to the general fund budget: $125,000
Eliminate 50 percent of agency funding from special alcohol fund: $156,075
Reduce by 50 percent budget for agencies funded by special recreation fund: $25,000
Eliminate city band concerts in South Park: $12,000
Close Prairie Park Nature Center: $96,500
Reduce hours at the city pools, including closing the wading pool in South Park: $60,000
Reduce hours at city's recreation centers: $30,000
Perform less downtown beautification: $70,000
Eliminate special events (i.e. Turkey Trot, downtown movies and brown bag concerts): $25-100,000
Eliminate funding for special populations (i.e. sports leagues, swim teams and other specialized classes): $25-100,000
Comments
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Sigmund (anonymous) says…
No name on this article but it does a MUCH better job than Chad Lawhorn did originally spelling out the scope of David Corliss's proposal. In fact, it is actual reporting without the progressive spin which Chad Lawhorn hasn't done since way before his series of Chad Lawhorn tout's new taxes. Overall I think I could support this plan, but I would need one or two questions answered. I thought we were paying additional sales taxes in part to do maintenance on the roads and cutting that by $500,000 doesn't seem to fit with that vote. If we can cut roads we are paying more in taxes for, can't we cut from the empTy as well?
scary_manilow (anonymous) says…
I can't believe ANY of these cuts are being seriously proposed. Why not just eliminate everything that makes this town special? Lawrence is becoming more and more like Topeka every day.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
scary_manilow (Anonymous) says… "I can't believe ANY of these cuts are being seriously proposed."This is being considered because filing for bankruptcy is worse. Of course if we weren't spending several million dollars every year, year after year, running empty buses all over Lawrence for the 1% of this town that uses them, then much of these cuts would not be needed. If the only thing that makes Lawrence different in your eyes is the that taxpayers pay for flowers for downtown (instead of downtown landlords and merchants), or business Czars, or the auditor, or all of the other free programs then by all means move.
Kynsicat (anonymous) says…
It's interesting to note that most of the proposed cuts recommended to the commission will directly affect our city's youth population. Why has Lawrence become so "unfriendly" to youth and families? I seem to remember just recently how a group of kids wrote letters to the editor saying that they wanted more resources/things to do and many readers pointed out things that are on the proposed cut list. Very sad that Lawrence may lose some of these great resources.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Notice that they didn't bother to even suggest the possibility of yanking the funding of the 2 private golf courses in town.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
Ragingbear (Anonymous) says… "Notice that they didn't bother to even suggest the possibility of yanking the funding of the 2 private golf courses in town."What city funding is provided for the two "private golf course" in town?
cowboy (anonymous) says…
Guess we got Coreless's attention. This somewhat pathetic follow-up which only increases the whine factor by targeting more youth programs , understates the cost of the auditor , and simply targets many of the youth programs and community programs. Coreless is simply throwing another emotional hand grenade out there to get you all stirred up and distract you . Notice there are no and I repeat NONE , meaning there ain't one damn operational cost cut in this list. That's evidently because the city is run absolutely perfectly. There are not too many take home cars sucking up capital and operation expenses. There is not too much money being spent on picking up yard clippings , wearing out trash trucks and costing probably 20% of the trash budget. There is not money wasted paying a guy to drive around on saturdays stealing garage sale signs , over time probably to boot.Theres not a ton of money and equipment wasted in forestry planting trees where there is no water and they get covered in salt all winter.how many times do you see the crew of seven staring at holes , I see them alotIf we have enough police to spend their time hiding behind trees on Tennessee with radar guns maybe we have too many police. If the average case in piddly municipal court takes three appearances do we have a cost problem there. did the city truly need 534 acres for the sewer plant they are now not building, why not sell off a few hundred.How much other ground is the city sitting on.Since building permits are tanking whats the savings and personnel reductions in codes and planning.What are the expense reductions , travel , quit filling up my water bill with useless crap , postage , software , computer purchases , new vehicles .Raise the fees on adult sports leagues , raise the fees on golf , make the parks and rec dept a for profit venture. Get some advertising on the T , cut the routes , postpone new buses.Show some expertise in budget management rather than typical govermental budget distraction tactics. Sooooo Transparent !
wyattearp2 (anonymous) says…
Hey if you don't like leave the city.... There are better places to live than Lawrence, like Eudora, Bonner Springs, and Linwood... to name a few.
cowboy (anonymous) says…
Lawrence is a bit special but that is no excuse for the city management failing to perform their duties in professionally managing the city finances and resources.
magnus (anonymous) says…
I believe they meant to say "public golf courses": Eagle Bend golf course and the Orchards golf courses.
Danimal (anonymous) says…
Hey scary, everyone wanted Lawrence to be bigger, well congrats everyone, Lawrence is bigger and now you have to worry about armed robbery at Burger King. Guess what people, times are hard and tough times mean tough decisions. I agree that some of these cuts seem pretty regressive, but I'm sure they've spent a lot more time than any of us pouring over the budget.
somebodynew (anonymous) says…
Well right here is some high dollar staff"Eliminate city auditor: $56,000Eliminate economic development coordinator: $85,000Eliminate e-gov coordinator: $69,000"The city auditor has to ask for ideas of what to audit according to a previous story. There doesn't seem to be any economic developement, so what is to coordinate?? And just WTH is an e-gov coordinator??? Sounds like a fancy name for an IT person.But of course the cuts will come from the "worker class" of employees or punish the average citizen.
TheYetiSpeaks (anonymous) says…
Lawrence is no longer special and has not been for some time.
cheeseburger (anonymous) says…
May I also offer up for sacrifice: traffic humps, traffic bumps, roundabouts, pedestrian islands on Louisiana St., assistant city manager, yard waste pickup routes, Dave Wagner, 2% for art, snowy sidewalk inspectors, unnecessary plantings and their continuing maintenance, city grants for downtown parties, unnecessary traffic signals, and buying up property the city can't afford.
lawrencian (anonymous) says…
I'm sorry, but in this economy city staffers don't need a pay increase. State employees certainly aren't going to be getting one!
free2bme (anonymous) says…
somebodynew (Anonymous) says…And just WTH is an e-gov coordinator??? The person that takes care of the city website and all the online surveys, postings, bill payments, etc. Yes, IT. Don't those salary figures consider the cost of benefits as well?To add to Cheeseburger's list of sacrifice...how about the TWO assistant city managers and the assistant to the city manager-WTH is that anyway, doesn't he have a secretary? Bet they're all making some big bucks. Eliminate the cost of sending all these people to the Leadership Lawrence classes-anyone know how much that costs? Quit paying for perks like the director and up level car allowances. Freeze hiring of new positions like the IT director at a salary range of 77k - 114.5k that's on the website right now. And to even consider giving salary increases while discussing layoffs is fool hardy. Most staff would be happy to stay employed.
xbusguy (chris Ogle) says…
I want to continue to call Lawrence home. Hopefully, we can get things under control so people like myself can afford to live in Lawrence. It's time to bite the bullet, and cut some services. Yes people are going to be upset (probably me also) but it is what it is. It its much harder to take away services, than to start them. Please support our city if they move forward on this. They will need our support.
Yeoman2 (anonymous) says…
Maybe I missed it, but I did not see any of this non-sense about another "sister city" in Greece. With all the possibilities of trips for all the city reps between here and there on the public budget. What about that stuff??
ghostofrealityspeaks (anonymous) says…
holroyd, aka hawkperch, you need to learn you facts before you open that big mouth of yours. A restaurant, really DH? Suggestion, take a long break, get some new material as yours is well worn out and try again in about 6 months!
lucky7brand (anonymous) says…
With all the cuts directed at the youth....sad, sad! The city needs to go ahead and send the money (from these cuts) to the county fund for the junvenille dentention center. there's already limited activities that are positive for kids in lawrence to do. Juvenille crime will go up. How about the city employees (with no proposed impact on their pay) make charitable contributions for something for the youth to do. Also apparently the safety of our children is low on the priority list. Cut Crossing Guards and Helmet Program etc. None of what I see on this list involves employees pay or position cuts. It is all directed to the community. Looks like all you city employees can have an office party with the money taken from the kids celebrating your job security and pay raises. look out jdc here they come.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
lucky7brand (Anonymous) says… "With all the cuts directed at the youth….sad, sad!"Reduce/eliminate fire department employee degree programs: $20,000Eliminate Human Relations division of legal department: $92,500Reduce/eliminate fire department employee degree programs: $20,000Eliminate Human Relations division of legal department: $92,500Eliminate 1/2 of employee longevity bonus: $130,000Eliminate staff pay increases: $360,000Eliminate city auditor: $56,000Eliminate economic development coordinator: $85,000Eliminate e-gov coordinator: $69,000These cuts are not insignificant and not directed at childrens.Eliminate historic preservation program: $100,000Eliminate GIS function in city program (both for internal and public): $70-160,000, depending on whether one or two positions are cutEliminate long-range planning: $70-150,000, depending on whether one or two positions are cutReduce the street maintenance concrete crew: $100,000
workinghard (anonymous) says…
Just something to throw in the mix. The city does not provide crossing guards with insurance or benefits of any kind. While they have listed the salaries that would be saved for positions to be eliminated, they should include the cost of the insurance and benefits plus salary.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
The 32% cuts from the General Fund:(Full Level: $1,069,664, Cuts: $342,292, New Level: $727,372); the 50% cuts from the Special Alcohol Fund: (Full Level: $312,150, Cuts: $156,075, New Level: $156,075);and the 50% from the Special Recreation Fund:(Full Level: $50,500, Cuts: $25,250, New Level: $25,250); all amount to about 3 months of what it costs to run the empTy, something that 70% of Lawrence voted for. Did all those that voted for the additional taxes not understand that this would impact other services and jobs in Lawrence? Put another way, the Full Level for TWO years of ALL those service could be provided for what we pay to run empTy buses all around Lawrence serving 1% of the population for just one year.http://www.lawrenceks.org/web_based_agendas/2009/02-03-09/02-03-09h/cmo_agency_funding.html
gl0ck0wn3r (anonymous) says…
Interesting - the one high dollar service that is absent on either list: the T.
ashmole (anonymous) says…
Where is Eagle Bend golf course on this list? There's an easy cut.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
ashmole (Anonymous) says… "Where is Eagle Bend golf course on this list? There's an easy cut."Agreed as are all the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts.
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
gl0ck0wn3r (Anonymous) says…Interesting - the one high dollar service that is absent on either list: the T._____________________________________________________Maybe that's because a **majority** of voters, on November 4, 2008, voted to keep funding that essential service?You remember the voters, don't you? The voters that you whined to, over the radio, with your campaign of disinformation?Your... "empTy fuss?"The ones that kicked you to the curb?You're excused, Your Holiness... Allah bin Sallah al Labia!Crawl back to your hole!Agnostickagnostick@excite.com
justfornow (anonymous) says…
I say we just defund the whole City of Lawrence, we don't need Police protection, Fire protection, Street repair, Trash pickup, Water and Sewer service. Let's show them City workers we don't need them and just pull the plug.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
Hawk, aren't you the one advocating a whole new Department be created for night time Meter reading? A new Manager, two meter-readers, Health Insurance, KPERS, Vacation time, Sickleave and whatever else the City of Lawrence offers, all paid for with dimes and quarters..... I'm thinking you need to come down from your perch.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
Not sure how you monopolize mass st..... I also heard from city employees that it is only $64 per fire hydrant to paint ,exercise and pressure test each hydrant.
justfornow (anonymous) says…
I thought we were both talking about 2008. what do you mean monopolize mass st? Is parking free on Mass?
Omegatron (anonymous) says…
Eliminate school crossing guards: $50,000 in savingsRaises the risk of a child getting killed. Lawsuits against the city, Good!---------------------------------------------------------Eliminate fire department's classes in Lawrence schools: $18,000Raises the risk that a child might burn down a house. More business for the fire department.With less firemen to fight fires...Reduce/eliminate fire department employee degree programs: $20,000----------------------------------------------------------Eliminate free bike helmet programs, or charge for the helmets: $30,000Eliminate CPR classes: $30,000Who cares if people die or get seriously injured for life? Population control either way.-----------------------------------------------------------Reduce funding to 21 service agencies, including the Boys and Girls Club, Van Go Mobile Arts and many others: $342,292Reduce hours at the city pools, including closing the wading pool in South Park: $60,000Reduce hours at city's recreation centers: $30,000Eliminate all that will keep children off the street! Must do everything possible to increase the crime rate!------------------------------------------------------------Reduce the street maintenance concrete crew: $100,000Reduce street maintenance expenditures: $500,000Why not? They lose the battle with the pot-holes every year anyways...-------------------------------------------------------------Eliminate city band concerts in South Park: $12,000As long as they keep the one for the 4th of July...-------------------------------------------------------------Close Prairie Park Nature Center: $96,500Never been...-------------------------------------------------------------Eliminate special events (i.e. Turkey Trot, downtown movies and brown bag concerts): $25-100,000Must bore the citizens into submission!--------------------------------------------------------------Eliminate funding for special populations (i.e. sports leagues, swim teams and other specialized classes): $25-100,000They always find an excuse to sweep the special people under the rug...
frankenstien (anonymous) says…
Not proposed but considered "Eliminate 1/2 of employee longevity bonus: $130,000". If I understand correctly the longevity bonus is given to employees that have 5 years of service or longer. Only half of it is $130,000 - they should cut all of it. After all it is a BONUS. It seems obvious but Corliss does not have a clue. Maybe that is why he needs two Assistant City Managers and an Assistant to the City Manager when there was only one Assistant City Manager under Wilgen's reign.
WWoftheW (anonymous) says…
The only way to get out from the Eagle Bend bond is to sell Eagle Bend. Why not sell it and the parking garage. Whay not get rid of the two new city assistant managers. Obviously after removing 2/3 of what the city governement is supposed to take care of we don't need them and their salaries alone can save alot of kids.
WWoftheW (anonymous) says…
My question is what is Corliss up to by inciting a riot at city hall tonight? He can't stop the governor's cuts. Lawrence's Mission Statement and a Local Goverment Act of 1993 follow:MissionOur MissionWe are committed to providing excellent city services that enhance the quality of life for the Lawrence community.Our ValuesIn order to fulfill our mission, we have established several guidelines.We are committed to these basic principles:Integrity Courtesy Fairness Honesty How we get the job done is as important as getting the job done.Our interaction with the community will be professional, responsive, direct, personal, caring and appropriate.We will promote teamwork, employee satisfaction, and professional development in order to provide innovative, cost effective, efficient service.We want our citizens, clients and customers to have high expectations of government service, and we will do our best to meet and exceed those expectations.Functions of local government1.Service functionsA wide range of people and property services, for example:1.garbage collection 2.water supply 3.sewerage 4.public toilets 5.drainage 6.roads and street lighting 7.public and environmental health 8.libraries 9.recreation 10.parks 11.community services2.Regulatory functionsControl and administration of laws governing:0.building 1.town planning 2.environmental health 3.subdivision 4.parking 5.noxious weeds 6.animals 7.advertising 8.parks3.Representation functions Local governments have a legal responsibility to their constituents to carry out the obligations placed on them by the Local Government Act 1993 and other legislation, and act in the interests of the community and electors.4.Community planning and coordination functions Local government has an important role in providing a focus for planning and coordinating services and facilities provided by government agencies, voluntary and community groups.5.Participation functionsCouncils provide opportunities for community participation in policies and decisions affecting the local community.
d_prowess (anonymous) says…
Some people here need to remember that the list is of all the cuts that were proposed, but those in bold are the ones that are actually being recommended. So some of the cuts people are saying they are against on these boards aren't even being recommended so don't worry about those.
WWoftheW (anonymous) says…
Unfortunately the bold ones affect the families of this community.
4chewnut (anonymous) says…
City Hall web site says eliminating salary increases and bonuses were not brought forward in order to remain competitive and help with retention. What planet is Corliss on? Who around here is giving salary increases this year? Keep the Nature Center. Eliminate bonuses and salary increases.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
max1 (Anonymous) says… "Just think of the savings from not having to treat all that water they waste on Eagle Bend. If they want to continue wasting water out there, then increase the fees and make the duffers pay for it."http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/apr/24/golf_course_tries/"As it stands right now, the course pays nothing for the water it uses for irrigation."http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/jul/24/rain_takes_pressure_water_usage/Yet another reason why Eagle Bend should NOT be city owned, but sold off. By not having to pay for water there is no incentive for Eagle Bend to conserve or limit their water usage. The same can also be said for the City owned swimming pools, if they too get "free" water.