I am pleased to submit the fiscal year 08’ operating budget for the City of Lawrence. Although the fiscal 08’ spending plan has many challenges that we will overcome together, it is a budget that reflects forward thinking. This budget continues to move Lawrence in the right direction.
Although the city saw a healthy increase of Chapter 70 aid, level funding of additional state aid has led to most city departments being negatively affected. Working together with the Department of Revenue and the Lawrence City Council, the fiscal 08’ budget will reflect the collection of taxes at the full levy limit and will reflect a record amount of new taxes based on economic growth.
Challenges:
Level funding of state aid has led to most city departments being negatively affected.
Most city departments have been level funded (FY07’ budget) which will lead to cutbacks to personnel and services specifically in the areas of public safety and the Department of Public Works.
· Increased Fixed Costs
o debt payment
The budget includes an additional $223,000 of debt payments due to capital improvement
o Retirement pension plan
This includes an additional $500,000 in the retirement pension plan
o Retirees benefits
This includes an additional $500,000 for teacher retiree benefits
o Charter School/School Choice/Vocational/Essex Agricultural
This budget includes an additional $3,000,000 in education
· Public Safety Reductions
§ Fire Department
Elimination of 8 unfilled Firefighter positions in Fire Suppression
Elimination of 6 filled Firefighter positions in Fire Suppression
Total cost: $984,897.
Elimination of 1 Fire Alarm Electrician’s position
Cost: $50,442.
Elimination of 2 vehicle purchases
Cost: $66,000.
Elimination of City’s share of matching grant funds:
Cost: $ 42,000.
§ Police Department
Administration: $39,144
Reduction of one clerk position, and elimination of overtime.
Police Operations: $965,312
Elimination of Crime Analysis position, leaving the department with only the Director, and reduction of 9 Patrol Officer positions ($468,424) and reduction of Police Operation Overtime ($496,888).
Parking Division $15,000
Elimination of overtime (enforcement of parking bans, storms, etc.)
Crossing Guards: $128,304
Elimination of Crossing Guards at Schools
Department of Public Works
Decreasing the solid waste disposal budget by $400,000
Elimination of 2 laborers, car allotment to total: $99,326
Decreasing Boiler/HVAC budget by $100,000
Decreasing Other Purchased Services by $100,000
FISCAL 08’ BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Lawrence Public Schools
· Opening and maintaining of the new Lawrence High School campus that will consist of six small high schools
· Maintains net school spending throughout the district
· All public schools are operational and staffed at adequate levels based on goals and objectives by Lawrence School Committee
Water Treatment Plant
· Opening and maintaining of the new water treatment plant that will be fully operational within the fiscal year
Community Development/Economic Development/ Park Improvements/Green Space
· The budget includes award of $1M for the reconstruction of two bridges between Canal Street and the Island. This fiscal year we will be implementing the Two-Way Essex Street Plan.
· The budget includes a request for $4.9M for additional funds for the Gateway Project under the State’s new “MORE Jobs” grant program. The funds would be used to add in a new bridge to the Island near Ultimate Window, as well as to close some existing gaps in the budget.
· Redesign the park/plaza/fountain at Stockton Park and look at this commercial intersection and think about how the park, the stores, the traffic, and other elements of public infrastructure could function together to improve the neighborhood.
· Arlington Park
Under construction, in coordination with the Central Softball Field project.
· Misserville/Leonard School (Skate Park)
This is currently going out to bid for construction.
· Mount Vernon Ballpark
Opening and maintaining of this ballpark
· Cronin Park
As part of the CDBG Action Plan/Parks Improvement Project, we are working to re-design Cronin Park.
· Gateway
Continuing to oversee the final renovation and bridge design of the Canal Street interface
Veterans Affairs
· This budget will provide major improvement and outreach to local veterans.
· Will provide for events honoring veterans throughout the year
Recreation Department
· Maintains staffing levels to implement summer programs, etc.
Information Technology
· Continues fiber optic, voice over
· Maintains full operation of new city website
· Consolidating maintenance and operation of all technological equipment
Lawrence Public Library
· Maintains operation of both branches throughout the year
City Clerk
· Funds additional special election for the United States House of Representatives
Inspectional Services
· Maintains staffing to oversee economic development, building permitting, licenses
Foreclosure prevention
The city budget includes funding for a “Foreclosure Prevention Collaborative” working together with Senator Tucker, Lawrence Community Works, Neighborhood Legal Services, Arlington Community Trabajando and others
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