By Stefanie Scott
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUWATOSA, Wis. — The Common Council approved its 2011 operating budget, but only after two hours of debate that included whether to eliminate positions in the Fire and Economic Development departments.
Typically, the council doesn’t take action on the budget the same night as the hearing — the break gives aldermen time to digest comments and allows for people watching the meeting on television to provide feedback. This year, much time was taken going over each department’s financial request by city executives and the Budget Committee, Mayor Jill Didier said. In addition, putting off the vote would delay tax bills.
The council suspended the rules Tuesday and approved the budget, 14-2. The city’s budget will increase 2.03 percent, and the average homeowner is looking at paying nearly $1,700 for the city portion of the tax bill. Aldermen Michael Walsh and Jacqueline Jay wanted to see less of an increase, so they voted in opposition.
“I thought the sleeves were rolled up real high,” said Alderman Brian Ewerdt, head of the Budget Committee. “There was thorough discussion, and we provided opportunities for public input. Everything got a close look.” Even though Alderman Craig Wilson voted in support of suspending the rules, he said there should have been better planning to prevent such a time crunch. “I’m disappointed we’re in this situation with this big a decision,” Wilson said. “I just hope we can do better in the future.” Fight for firefighters Wilson was among the aldermen who wanted to amend the budget. He wanted to see three vacant firefighter positions funded, at least for a year, while the city looks into recommendations for operational changes to the Fire Department made by an outside consultant.
Wilson said eliminating the positions now, as called for in the budget, is irresponsible and that the taxpayers in his district thought adding back in the $170,000 to fund the posts was worth it.
Several residents voiced concern during the hearings that reductions to Fire Department staffing have put the safety of residents in the northern portion of Wauwatosa at risk. For much of 2010, an ambulance has been shut down at Fire Station 2. That is no longer the case, Ewerdt said. The committee gave the Fire Department a directive to make the ambulance a priority last month. Since then staffing reductions have come from a fire engine, and that’s the plan to continue next year, Fire Chief Dean Redman said, noting that less staffing will still mean service reductions.
Didier said she regularly meets with the chief and he’s never claimed that calls weren’t being responded to or mentioned being dangerously understaffed during the past year, during which the positions were unfilled.
“This is an emotional appeal right now,” she said.
Wilson rebutted by saying, “The emotions of the taxpayer ranks higher than a political agenda to hold the line on taxes.” Still the council voted down Wilson’s amendment, 11-5.
Too much administration? Resident Ed Stech didn’t want to see any reductions in emergency service personnel regardless of staffing concessions, saying he was “happy to pay to have them ready, willing and able to serve him when he needed them.” He suggested looking at combining the mayor and city administrator positions and reducing the number of council members.
“It seems to be top heavy with administrators and aldermen,” Stech said.
Walsh tended to agree and opposed adding a business services specialist to the Economic Development Department.
“Much to my chagrin we’re looking to add headcount to this department,” he said.
The budget allocated $40,000, which could mean hiring a part-time person for the entire year or a full-time employee at mid-year. Alderwoman Jill Organ said approving this position just means a larger expense in 2012 when the person is working full-time for the entire year. After removing positions from the Fire Department, she didn’t see enlarging another area as a good move.
Walsh’s amendment also was defeated, this time on a vote of 9-7. Council members in favor said the business services specialist is part of a larger economic development plan that has been in the works for more than two years.
“To keep the tax levy low, we need to bolster development,” Alderwoman Linda Nikcevich said.
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