View Full Version : budgetcuts
FYi this whole "crisis" on the budget is manufactured by the Florida League of Cities...
true you are down 9 mil
but the "crisis" is being blown out of porportions to get you to kunckle under....
do not accept a pay decrease they will not lay cops off... no agency has laid cops off yet here....
check the other depts the same shat is going on too
politicians get unelected if they lay off cops and firefighters fyi
1/3 of Fire Dept. gets six-figure salaries
By Sebastian del Marmol
sdelmarmol@cggazette.com
While City Manager Pat Salerno scrambles to cut costs, personnel and increase taxes and fees to make up for budget deficits in the millions, one area that seems to be draining city coffers as much, if not more, than ever, is wages of the city’s top administrators.
In total, 84 city employees, or more than 10 percent of the projected 827 employee workforce, will have a starting salary of more than $100,000. At a time when the city is preaching fiscal conservancy and watchful spending, employees in virtually every department are still making out like bandits.
Six-figure city salaries
Despite the financial crisis the city confronts, Coral Gables plans to pay $100,000-plus salaries, exclusive of pension and healthcare benefits, to 10 percent of its workforce. Here is the ranking for all municipal employees who will garner a six-figure salary in the proposed budget:
1. City Manager Patrick Salerno $195,708
2. City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez $194,192
3. Asst. City Manager Maria Jimenez $160,785*
4. Asst. City Manager Dona Spain $160,785*
5. Police Chief Richard Naue $155,239
6. Fire Chief Walter Reed $154,970
7. Finance Director Don Nelson $154,957
8. Public Works Director Alberto Delgado $140,547
9. Public Service Director Dan Keys $140,547
10. Asst. Police Chief (currently vacant) $134,143
11. Deputy Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg $133,853
12. Planning Director Eric Riel $131,449
13. Police Major (Professional Standards) Joseph McNichol $128,932
14. Police Major (Investigations) Mark Ginn $128,771
15. Fire Captain Paul Boutin $123,413*
16. Fire Captain John Curry $123,413*
17. Fire Captain James Dunn $123,413*
18. Fire Captain Franklin Ogden $123,413*
19. Fire Captain David Albury $123,413*
20. Fire Captain Joseph Hamilton $123,413*
21. Fire Captain Tony Jedlinski $123,413*
22. Fire Captain David Wiesinger $123,413*
23. Fire Captain Peter Portu $123,413*
24. Fire Captain George Valladares $123,413*
25. Fire Captain Sean Nolan $123,413*
26. Fire Captain Eric Sheeder $123,413*
27. Fire Captain Alejandro Garces $123,413*
28. Fire Captain Gilberto Hernandez $123,413*
29. Fire Captain (currently vacant) $123,413*
30. Fire Captain (currently vacant) $123,413*
31. Fire Captain (currently vacant $123,413*
32. Human Resouces Director Marjorie Adler $121,410
33. Chief Information Officer Gee Ming Chow $121,410
34. Economic Sustainability Director (currently vacant) $120,000
35. Parking Director Kevin Kinney $117,062
36. Police Major (Technical Services) Raul Pedroso $116,117
37. Parks & Recreation Director Fred Couceyro $113,580
38. Building & Zoning Director Edward Weller $113,188
39. City Clerk Walter Foeman $111,336
40. Asst. Finance Director Adolfo Sansores $110,135
41. Asst. Planning Director Walter Carlson $110,131
42. Police Major (Patrol) Edward Hudak $109,137
43. Zoning Official Martha Salazar-Blanco $108,483
44. Fire Division Chief Robert Lowman $108,471*
45. Fire Division Chief Hope Gibbs $108,471*
46. Fire Division Chief Dave Martin $108,471*
47. Police Lt. (Professional Standards) Rene Tastet $107,671
48. Structural Engineer Peter Iglesias $107,286*
49. Structural Engineer Dariusz Reczek $107,286*
50. Fire Lt. Steven Bush $105,943*
51. Fire Lt. Edward Dunn $105,943*
52. Fire Lt. Jack Kerns $105,943*
53. Fire Lt. Donald Griffiths $105,943*
54. Fire Lt. Jeffrey Fabyan $105,943*
55. Fire Lt. James Dolan $105,943*
56. Fire Lt. Glenn Fortunato $105,943*
57. Fire Lt. Thomas Zelenak $105,943*
58. Fire Lt. Michael Jennings $105,943*
59. Fire Lt. Wayne Sibley $105,943*
60. Fire Lt. Jerome Leslie $105,943*
61. Fire Lt. James Dean $105,943*
62. Fire Lt. John Stewart $105,943*
63. Fire Lt. Gerald Maxson $105,943*
64. Fire Lt. Jeffrey Stone $105,943*
65. Fire Lt. Jesus Acevedo $105,943*
66. Fire Lt. Victor Alpizar $105,943*
67. Fire Lt. Kenneth Anderson $105,943*
68. Fire Lt. Harold Louis $105,943*
69. Fire Lt. Thaddeus Ovcarich $105,943*
70. Fire Lt. John Perrotti $105,943*
71. Fire Lt. Alain Rouzeau
$105,943*
72. Fire Lt. Troy Easley $105,943*
73. Fire Lt. Brian Shaw $105,943*
74. Asst. Public Works Director Ernesto Pino $105,916
75. Police Lt. (Administration) Theresa Silverio-Molina $105,670*
76. Police Lt. (Admininistration) Alexander Roffe $105,670*
77. Police Major (Specialized Enforcement) Scott Masington $103,726
78. Police Lt. (Investigations) Cordell Atherley $102,049*
79. Police Lt. (Investigations) Brian Lawrence $102,049*
80. Police Lt. (Patrol) Paul Pitts $101,838*
81. Police Lt. (Patrol) Paul Miyares $101,838*
82. Police Lt. (Patrol) Edward Claughton $101,838*
83. Police Lt. (Patrol) Bart Barta $101,838*
84. Police Lt. (Technical Services) Michael Frevola $101,141
*Averages because the budget lumps similar jobs together as one cost.
The salaries are particularly egregious when one considers that the figures do not include pension or healthcare costs, and don’t contemplate any possible overtime payments (although the budget has targeted overtime for reduction in the upcoming fiscal year).
The top of the salary food chain is no surprise with Salerno and City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez both earning over $190,000. Afterward, there is a drop of about $30,000 before the assistant city manager (average $160,000) and Police Chief Richard Naue ($155,239) and Fire Chief Walter Reed ($154,000) come into play, with Finance Director Don Nelson (despite a recently released scathing audit of operations in his department) also in the second tier of the city’s highest paid.
Directors of city departments and high ranking police and fire officials comprise most of the third tier of highest paid officials (anywhere from $140,000 to $130,000) but perhaps the most interesting or costly part of the six figure list comes in the fourth tier.
The list includes another 45 firefighters (31 percent of the department). Deputy Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg will earn $133,853, 17 fire captains will average $123,000 a year, 3 fire division chiefs will average $108,000 and 24 fire lieutenants will get average salaries of almost $106,000.
Combined with the fire chief’s salary, the top paid firefighters are costing the city over $8 million a year, including benefits and overtime.
With so much money already being earned its little surprise that the city’s fire union already agreed to take a 5 percent wage cut, and reduction in merit increases, to assure that no employee positions would be cut in the upcoming fiscal year.
The situation is only slightly less troubling in the police department where 5 police majors take in anywhere from $128,000 to $103,000 and 9 lieutenants take in between $105,000 and $101,000.
While the fire union has already agreed to take a salary hit, the cops have not yet and Salerno already made it known that he required a 5 percent pension contribution or 5 percent wage reduction and merit increase reductions, or the department would face at least 12 personnel reductions.
General employees are also part of the largesse as two structural engineers, a zoning administrator and assistant department directors also take home well over $100,000 a year.
Salerno said that the general employees, now represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, would have to take similar measures to the fire if they didn’t want to face an additional 24 employee cuts, on top of the more than 40 already contemplated in the budget.
but the Marlins stadium...they found two billion dollars to build that but no money for the police and fire
TWO BILLION thats over five hundred thousand fold the numbers from the previous post
http://tenninetyseven.homestead.com/fil ... nfinal.gif (http://tenninetyseven.homestead.com/files/gametoonfinal.gif)
Getting rid of the 4-10 should save a bundle.
Getting rid of the 4-10 should save a bundle.
Thanks Ana. That seems like a no brainer to me..
Ego outweighs the cost of the 4-10's. When you have a couple of guys running the deaprtment and the leader of the FOP being related to the Chief, you are beating your head against the wall trying to make things right. All we can do is wait this out. It will eventually change.
Ego outweighs the cost of the 4-10's. When you have a couple of guys running the deaprtment and the leader of the FOP being related to the Chief, you are beating your head against the wall trying to make things right. All we can do is wait this out. It will eventually change.
This is very true
4-10's have nothing to do with the downturn in the economy and as police costs go most of CGPD's over time is minimal and planned into the budget. every so often a rise happens but the OT is not out of line to ploice standards. Find a new drum to beat beacuse the 4-10's are not the reason
4-10's have nothing to do with the downturn in the economy and as police costs go most of CGPD's over time is minimal and planned into the budget. every so often a rise happens but the OT is not out of line to ploice standards. Find a new drum to beat beacuse the 4-10's are not the reason
We have to save dollars everywhere we can. Let's start with 4-10 and then move on to other cost savings initiatives.
Cost saving initiatives----try YRU, SIS before you try Patrol
I usaually dont get into it with my brothers in bule, but there is rumor about the 4-10's and that affects me (i am totally for it). When you guys talk about saving money; here I go....... Bike patrol>>>> they are given three different types of transportation ex: 1 police car, 1 bike, and a segway....com'on guys 3..... They are [u]BIKE PATROL[u], not segway patrol. Next are the big spenders,,, the 3rd floor... CID>>> wow talk about money spenders, between their 3 hour breakfest and their 4 lunches no wonder they have to be on OT to get some work done!! (they totaly need more accountability for their time spent on the clock) SIS>>> have those guys ever made a 39 that initiated here in the CITY BEAUTIFUL? Maybe once a year. or something like that. All I have to say is look at their paychecks, the average Patrol officer salary is about 15,000-25,000 less than an officer in SIS... do the math... Guys there are perks to every unit. Bikes> shorts andchicks :wink: , cid and sis > the OT. motors> the court. come on guys patrol just has the 4-10's . THATS ALL FOR RIGHT NOW, UNTIL NEXT TIME TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES, AND EACH OTHER. LATERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :devil:
Cost saving initiatives----try YRU, SIS before you try Patrol
TRUE, nuff said :cop:
Third floor needs a complete redo. Patrol is not the issue...elitism is and it is on the 3rd floor
The manager asked for the cost savings on disbanding the 4-10. Does anybody know who is conducting the study?
The city is saying they have no money but try this leave the departments and the units alone and cut from other city departments.. lets see has anyone been on the trolleys lately 3 flat screen Tv's in each one for no reason getting new trolleys left and right...also i can say that the department getting money and using it for new radios why the old ones work perfectly and why give them all to the fire department how many calls a day do they respond to 2 maybe 3 if lucky atleast the police department uses its resources. come on now
have the city manager cut his own salary! he wants to save some $, but he gets the most of the pie! 2 faced SOB. cant wait to find him dui or messing u on the street! :evil:
Separating Fact from Fiction
FROM YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT
Tough times. Difficult choices. Significant needs. A challenge no doubt. But it is a challenge the City of Coral Gables can meet if financial common sense and responsibility prevail. Make no mistake, Coral Gables, like virtually every city in the United States, is coping with financial problems caused by the dramatic downturn in the economy, among other factors. This year is probably the most challenging for cities in a generation. The unpredictable and ever-changing economy has taken a toll on residents and, in turn, Coral Gables has suffered with revenues plummeting. Several steps were taken to cut costs this year. The City laid off employees, implemented a hiring freeze, and instituted a freeze on discretionary spending and capital purchases, but more was needed. Until recently, Coral Gables had approximately $9 million in reserves to handle emergency situations such as hurricanes and other unexpected events that can burden the City financially. In order to make it through this fiscal year, the City has had to utilize nearly all its reserves to balance the current budget, all but eliminating the general operating fund safety net.
The proposed budget mirrors the belt-tightening that citizens are making in their daily lives and they should expect the same from their government. There are many factors affecting next fiscal year’s budget (October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) and as such, a multi--pronged approach is being utilized to steer the City through these extremely challenging times. The solution must be balanced to preserve the high standards, quality of life and beauty that make Coral Gables a special place and helps support our property values. The City Commission and staff have not lost sight of their role as stewards of the public interest. In doing so, we will ensure that all options remain on the table as we pilot city government through these uncertain times.
Recently some community publications and groups have made statements that are simply not true. Misinformation is never valuable to residents, the Commission or the future of this City. Here at Straight Talk, we feel it is important to address misinformation and provide residents with the facts.
Fiction: The City is proposing a 27% property tax hike.
FACT: The current millage rate is 5.250 per $1,000 of taxable value and the preliminary rate is 6.243, a 1 mill increase. This does not mean the City Commission will adopt that millage rate in September at the Budget Hearings, but it does establish the maximum rate which can only be reduced. Because of an overall decline in property values, the millage rate necessary to generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the current fiscal year is 5.537. The difference between 5.537 and the preliminary rate of 6.243 is .70 mills, a 13% increase. It is the City’s goal to hold any millage rate increase to a minimum. Most cities in the County including Miami and Miami Beach have increased their preliminary millage rate for next year. Out of the total amount of property taxes you pay to the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, 38% is directed to the Miami-Dade County Public School System, 32% is directed to Miami-Dade County, 27% goes to the City of Coral Gables and the balance is sent to the state.
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Fiction: 40 low-salaried or part-time employees are being cut.
FACT: A total of 64 positions are being cut. It should be noted that 20% of the full-time positions proposed for elimination come from management, professional and technical employees, yet this group makes up only 15% of the total workforce. Among the high-ranking positions proposed to be eliminated are an Assistant Chief of Police and an Assistant Public Works Director, both second in command in their respective departments.
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Fiction: City expenses are out of control.
FACT: The City’s proposed budget slashes expenditures by approximately $9 million. The budget calls for a 5% cut in salaries for all employees and a significant reduction in benefits, an unprecedented move in the City’s history. We are unaware of another community in South Florida cutting salaries more. It is worth noting that employees in management positions have not received a cost of living adjustment since 2007. Despite the significant reductions in expenses and necessary fee increases, the City may have to lay off more employees, including police officers. Currently, 55 cents out of every dollar spent from the City’s general operating fund goes toward public safety (Police and Fire Departments). The proposed budget calls for a total of 828 employees, that’s fewer employees than the City had a decade ago.
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Fiction: It is much more financially sensible to tier salary reductions: Cut salaries by 5% for employees making more than $35,000; 10% for those making more than $80,000 but less than $130,000; and 15% for employees making more than $130,000.
FACT: A tiered salary approach would create inequities in the City’s pay plan. This suggestion reduces the differential between higher-ranking and longer-term employees and those they supervise. Increasing the percentage of reduction for higher paid employees wrecks havoc with a sensible pay plan designed to reward experience, expertise and responsibility. For example, under the aforementioned tiered concept, a supervisor making $80,000 would now be paid $72,000 and a subordinate with a salary of $78,000 would make $74,100; that’s more than the supervisor they work under. Likewise, under this problematic approach, employees with seniority could be paid less than those with fewer years of service to the City. This is one of the reasons no other city in Florida, that we are aware of, is pursuing tiered salary reductions. Approximately 85% of City employees are represented by unions with collective bargaining agreements in which case the City does not have the ability to simply make unilateral changes in salaries.
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Fiction: The City is cutting part-time employees. This measure is not economical because these employees do not receive benefits.
FACT: The City is reducing the number of employees in a prudent manner. For example, as part of the proposed budget, the City is cutting six full-time sanitation workers with benefits and adding one part-time sanitation worker without benefits. Remaining employees will work harder and smarter to get the job done.
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Fiction: The proposed fire fee will cost homeowners $96 a week.
FACT: The fire assessment fee is proposed as a flat $50 annual fee per residence. The fee would be dedicated to fire protection services. The City is working on developing a hardship exemption for seniors with limited incomes.
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Almost every municipality in the country is struggling with the same issues affecting Coral Gables. This City must strike a balance of continuing to provide vital services to the community while keeping costs down. Unlike businesses that cut costs by providing self-service features, Coral Gables should not become a self-service city. Among the vital services the City provides are Police and Fire protection. All City departments have slashed their budgets and many dedicated employees will be laid off. The proposed budget goes right to the root of the problem and provides solutions. The decisions are difficult but they must be made to ensure that Coral Gables emerges from this national economic crisis with a foundation for a better future.
In a nutshell, the City is faced with the predicament of significantly diminishing revenues, rising expenses and a fiduciary responsibility that this City must not back down from: meeting the needs of citizens, all the citizens of Coral Gables — no matter where you live, no matter what your income is, and no matter the particular circumstances of your lives.
The City is committed to making the community proud of how our continued dedication to the heritage and tradition of Coral Gables adds value to our citizens; to being an organization that residents can trust and believe in and one that you can admire for the good we do and the future direction towards which we steer.
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Forward this information to a friend or ask them to subscribe at e-news@coralgables.com.
To unsubscribe, e-mail us at e-news@coralgables.com.
Please visit the City of Coral Gables website at www.coralgables.com (http://www.coralgables.com)
or call the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
Blow me
bunch of fags...........blow the city manager, im sure he will enjoy it. :cop:
I detect the distinct flavor that many are starting to agree that its time to say Screw You to the community until you get your money.
Let me start by saying that I am not happy with the current challenges that we are facing. Despite everything that is occurring, however, we need to remain true to the oath of office we hold. At the end of the day we are all taxpayers whether we live in Miami-Dade, Broward, or any other municipality. I don't think that any of us would expect nothing, but the best service from what ever agency patrols our individual communities.
Let me start by saying that I am not happy with the current challenges that we are facing. Despite everything that is occurring, however, we need to remain true to the oath of office we hold. At the end of the day we are all taxpayers whether we live in Miami-Dade, Broward, or any other municipality. I don't think that any of us would expect nothing, but the best service from what ever agency patrols our individual communities.
go screw yourself, we put our lives on the line for the city everyday, this is the ONE job that never gets paid enough! To put you life on the line for a city that wants to reduce you $ and benefits............... I dont think so! I say no pay--- no work! screw the city and it whinning residents! If the city wants to pay min salaries and benefits then we give them min work! The oath never said (take it in the butt) :evil:
To the above, you are the reason the phrase "we are our own worst enemy" exists.
like the other guy said.....................BLOW ME
Coral Gables city employees asked to take 7.5 percent pay cut
Coral Gables unionized employees are being asked to take a 7.5 percent pay cut, 2.5 percentage points higher than initially discussed by city leaders.
Similar stories:•City layoffs, wage cuts, higher tax bills likely in store for Gables
City layoffs, wage cuts, higher tax bills likely in store for GablesThe budget presentation made last week to Coral Gables commissioners -- which called for the layoff of 40 employees, including seven positions in the police department -- could worsen if negotiations with two of the city's three unions do not go well, the city manager said last week.
City Manager Pat Salerno, addressing an approximate $10-$13 million shortfall in the budget next year, said he was ready to cut 12 to 15 sworn police officers from the department if the city and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 could not find common ground.
''I'm prepared to recommend a reduction in police staffing of a minimum of 12 sworn positions. It is in that sort of range, 12 to 15,'' Salerno said.
•Hollywood commissioners likely to approve firefighters' pay contract
Hollywood commissioners likely to approve firefighters' pay contractAs Hollywood commissioners weigh shutting parks, delivering pink slips and hiking the tax rate to close a $22 million budget gap, they are poised to approve a union contract ensuring steady pay raises and solid pension benefits to city firefighters.
The proposed contract, set for a vote Wednesday, would give firefighters a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment each year for the next three years -- on top of raises they already received for promotions and long-term service. A separate pension agreement guarantees a minimum rate of return to employees, regardless of how well the market does.
Critics say the contract, even with its generally modest increases, comes at a time the city cannot afford it and puts a spotlight on escalating government pension costs.
•Coral Gables votes to increase tax rate
Coral Gables votes to increase tax rateCoral Gables property owners likely will pay more taxes next year -- up to more than $500 for an average-priced home -- to help offset an approximate $10-million shortfall in the city's budget.
City Manager Pat Salerno proposed three different tax increases at a budget workshop Wednesday, ranging from $5.65 to $6.245 per $1,000 of taxable property. The current tax rate is $5.25.
Commissioners voted on publishing the $6.25 figure. It doesn't mean they will go that high when they set the final tax rate in September, but since they cannot go higher than the published rate, they wanted room to maneuver.
•Miami Beach seeks unions' help in cutting budget
Miami Beach seeks unions' help in cutting budgetMiami Beach's five workers unions pose the biggest obstacle for city leaders who need to pare down a nearly $20 million budget shortfall, objecting to proposals to freeze wages and require higher contributions to employee pension plans.
The union contracts are up heading into the 2009-10 budget year, which takes effect Oct. 1, and contract negotiations must be complete by then.
Officials say they've ruled out raising city property taxes and service fees -- leaving cuts to employee costs as a key element in efforts to trim the budget. But union heads must agree.
•North Miami Beach grapples with police, fire pension crisis
North Miami Beach grapples with police, fire pension crisisCome next fiscal year, North Miami Beach likely will have to spend $7.5 million to make its police and fire pension fund financially sound, according to City Manager Kelvin Baker.
A recent report from the company that monitors the city pension fund warned that the city will have to kick in $3 million more in the upcoming fiscal year, which starts in October. The current annual budget for the city's pension contribution is $4.5 million.
The news comes as city officials are bracing for what is expected to be tough budget process -- thanks to plummeting property values, a drop in state and federal funds and decreased revenue from sources such as building permits.
By ELAINE DE VALLE
edevalle@gmail.com
City employees in Coral Gables are being asked to take a bigger pay cut than they first anticipated.
The city manager has proposed a 7.5 percent salary decrease for members of the police and general employees union -- more than the 5 percent first proposed. About 85 percent of the city's approximately 800 employees belong to the police, fire fighters or general employees unions.
Labor attorney Jim Crosland presented the offer Aug. 5 to the Teamsters local that represents the general employees. The offer proposes either a 7.5 percent cut in wages or an additional 7.5 percent contribution to the pension.
The general employees already contribute 5 percent to the pension. The 7.5 percent cut would be additional.
The firefighters union also contributes 5 percent to the pension, but is not being asked for additional cuts because it voluntarily took a 5 percent wage cut in a contract signed this summer. The police union has not contributed to the pension; it is being asked for a 7.5 percent wage cut or pension contribution.
``We won't agree to a 7.5 percent pay cut,'' said Mike Scott, president of the Teamsters Local 769, which represents the general employees.
``Their budget documents refer to a 5 percent cut and I don't even know if that will see the light of day,'' he said, adding that his union will present its economic proposal at a meeting next week.
Part of the reason for the sudden additional wage cuts could be an additional $2 million pension liability that had not been identified at the budget workshop last month.
Instead of $800,000, as commissioners had been told they would have to pay this year, the city will have to contribute $2.8 million to the pension fund to keep it in the black.
``Bad news comes in clumps,'' Mayor Don Slesnick said.
``The actuary working with [Finance Director] Don Nelson projected around $800,000 and that's what we were working on increasing our contribution this year,'' Slesnick said. ``The increase was decreasing. It was still an increase, but it was decreasing.
``Now all of a sudden, the figures most recently given put the increase at $2.8 million, which is a total shock,'' the mayor said, adding that the commission had ``begged the pension board'' to seek a new agreement with a new attorney and new actuary.
``We haven't gotten the full story, but this is the same actuary who has given me a hard time on a number of issues,'' Slesnick said.
Slesnick said he was not sure whether the salary cuts were related to the pension news.
The 7.5 percent salary cut will save the city $2.75 million -- just enough to cover that $2 million extra hole and have some wiggle room, said City Manager Pat Salerno.
``It's a combination of things. It's what we need to do to put ourselves on a path to being able to sustain our pension plan,'' Salerno said.
City commissioners cannot impose an additional pension contribution, but they can impose wage cuts, Salerno said.
``If we don't reach an agreement, they can impose a 7.5 percent wage decrease,'' Salerno said.
``Either way, the payroll check to the employee is going to go down 7.5 percent, whether it's a wage reduction or a pension contribution,'' Salerno said.
The firefighters union, which had already agreed to a 5 percent salary cut, will not be asked to make any further sacrifices, Salerno said.
``They have a contract.''
Other details of the contract proposed by the city for the general employees include a cut in future merit increases and loyalty payments given after 10, 15 and 20 years of service from 5 percent of one's compensation to 2.5 percent.
Additionally, employees who were compensated an extra 7 percent in pay rate because they worked from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will now get a 2.5 percent additional compensation. And the city will fund 70 percent, rather than 100 percent, of health insurance.
The proposed contract also gives the city authority to change to the Florida State Pension system, something that has been discussed for years as the city's pension payments have ballooned to more than $20 million a year. Any new employees would be entered into that pension.
Battalion Chief Dan Thornhill, secretary and treasurer of the Coral Gables Firefighters Association, said he did not think the city would go back to his unit to ask for more concessions.
``We're kind of proud as employees of what we've done,'' Thornhill said of the fire department. ``It's something pretty significant that's never been done in the history of our city. We went back and sharpened our pencils and did what we could and it saved them $2 million.
``Now the police and general employees,'' represented now by the Teamsters Local 769 ``are going to have to do their part,'' Thornhill said.
Leaders at the police union, which has an impasse meeting Aug. 31, could not be reached last week. But the Teamsters' president, who has a meeting scheduled this week with Salerno, said employees could not be asked to bear so much of the burden.
``Obviously there has to be some give from employees and we recognize that. But we need to see what management is going to contribute,'' Scott said.
``Now the police and general employees,'' represented now by the Teamsters Local 769 ``are going to have to do their part,'' Thornhill said
thornhill is a backstabbing rat
you got that right my brother..............he will try to show how the fire dept is the citys friend and we are the bad guys!
I know why one major is not upset about looming pay cuts. His wife makes $258k a year with an $18k expense account. Kinda hard to be one of the troops when your household income is neary $400k.
a hint of a name? Would it be eh?
Would he be married to a high ranking member of the County government?
He was working here way before he met and married his wife. His current life outside of work as well as his marriage is of no business to anyone. To say he is unaffected by any changes due to his marriage is wrong and clearly unfair. Separate 05 from the rest of life when looking to cast stones.
He was working here way before he met and married his wife. His current life outside of work as well as his marriage is of no business to anyone. To say he is unaffected by any changes due to his marriage is wrong and clearly unfair. Separate 05 from the rest of life when looking to cast stones.
bite me :devil:
Leave private lives private.
In response to the ludicrous idea that the city is out of money is absurd. First off let's go back in time and remember how Jack Eads and David Brown ripped this city off. Numerous chances to get rid of both but as usual they all look out for each other at city hall. The Police departmant is just like the Titanic, as long as Naue is steering this ship we are all but doomed. If anyone expects him to back you up on anything PLEASE WAKE UP!!!!!! The one thing lacking, as usual, common sense. As dumb as Skinner was he tried to make the 4-10 work in anyway he could but even he realized it wasn't feasibal. If they needed cuts made they didn't need to hire Salernooooooooo for 200K, I would have done it for 99K. At least I wouldn't be on that dumb ass list
Wow, I can't believe what your new city manager is already doing to you guys. When he (city Manager) worked in the City of Sunrise, he really screwed the officers with their pensions by refusing to pay the cities share of pension contributions. A Sunrise police officer pays almost 15% into their pension and high medical cost, not to mention many other benefits they lost along the way. A Sunrise police officer never saw a raise in his or her check because of all the cost they paid for the above benefits. Give the Sunrise FOP president a call and he will confirm what I'm saying.
In 2004, approximately 30 officers left for other departments because of all the b.s. they had to put up with from the city manager and some of the commissioners. The officers got tired of all the nonsense and decided to go to other departments. Only recently when new commissioners were elected and a new chief of police hired did things change for the better. But of course it was a little too late, the damage was already done.
All I can tell you is keep fighting the city manager and he will eventually give in to you. Just remember, he is the one pulling the strings and telling the Coral Gables Commissioners what they should do. He is the one controlling them. As long as you don't agree to the new terms of the contract, you will be ok. However, if you accept the new cuts, you will never get the benefits back and you will pay for it for a very long time.
The city manager is a snake and he will bite you if you let him. Just check into his background and you will see. Stay strong and never give up!
Wow, I can't believe what your new city manager is already doing to you guys. When he (city Manager) worked in the City of Sunrise, he really screwed the officers with their pensions by refusing to pay the cities share of pension contributions. A Sunrise police officer pays almost 15% into their pension and high medical cost, not to mention many other benefits they lost along the way. A Sunrise police officer never saw a raise in his or her check because of all the cost they paid for the above benefits. Give the Sunrise FOP president a call and he will confirm what I'm saying.
In 2004, approximately 30 officers left for other departments because of all the b.s. they had to put up with from the city manager and some of the commissioners. The officers got tired of all the nonsense and decided to go to other departments. Only recently when new commissioners were elected and a new chief of police hired did things change for the better. But of course it was a little too late, the damage was already done.
All I can tell you is keep fighting the city manager and he will eventually give in to you. Just remember, he is the one pulling the strings and telling the Coral Gables Commissioners what they should do. He is the one controlling them. As long as you don't agree to the new terms of the contract, you will be ok. However, if you accept the new cuts, you will never get the benefits back and you will pay for it for a very long time.
The city manager is a snake and he will bite you if you let him. Just check into his background and you will see. Stay strong and never give up!
I called the Managers office to protest my tax bill and told them that we could save money by having the cops pay for the gas for their cars when they travel to and from work. I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. If any of you guys want to leave the department for greener pastures go right ahead. I hear Publix is hiring.
The problem now is that we voted for the wrong FOP president. Little did we know that Sergeant son in law wouldn't stand up to his old man. Please come back Gibbons we made a mistake. If anyone thinks differant wait until you need his support. Good luck to all.....
No matter who is in the union, some people are just not happy. The president does what he can however he does not have a magic wand where he can make all your troubles go away. if anyone thought that we would get a raise then they are truly naive. We got what we could
I called the Managers office to protest my tax bill and told them that we could save money by having the cops pay for the gas for their cars when they travel to and from work. I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. If any of you guys want to leave the department for greener pastures go right ahead. I hear Publix is hiring.
Well Morima, why don't you stick to what you know, which obviously nothing. Hopefully one day you won't need the police to save your butt. Only then will you really be able to appreciate what the police and firefighters do for the people. In the mean time, why don't you go to Publix and get a part time job so you can pay for your taxes which are about to go up. When and if any police officers do decide to leave, the departments that hire them will thank you for training and giving them the experience.
I called the Managers office to protest my tax bill and told them that we could save money by having the cops pay for the gas for their cars when they travel to and from work. I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. If any of you guys want to leave the department for greener pastures go right ahead. I hear Publix is hiring.
Well Morima, why don't you stick to what you know, which obviously nothing. Hopefully one day you won't need the police to save your butt. Only then will you really be able to appreciate what the police and firefighters do for the people. In the mean time, why don't you go to Publix and get a part time job so you can pay for your taxes which are about to go up. When and if any police officers do decide to leave, the departments that hire them will thank you for training and giving them the experience.
Please post your name so I can report you. You coward.
I called the Managers office to protest my tax bill and told them that we could save money by having the cops pay for the gas for their cars when they travel to and from work. I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. If any of you guys want to leave the department for greener pastures go right ahead. I hear Publix is hiring.
Well Morima, why don't you stick to what you know, which obviously nothing. Hopefully one day you won't need the police to save your butt. Only then will you really be able to appreciate what the police and firefighters do for the people. In the mean time, why don't you go to Publix and get a part time job so you can pay for your taxes which are about to go up. When and if any police officers do decide to leave, the departments that hire them will thank you for training and giving them the experience.
Please post your name so I can report you. You coward.
blow me
I think it's nice that the police provide us, the citizens with a forum to express our ideas as to how to improve services in the public safety arena. Spending as well as police presence is always a major concern and I from what I hear a delicate balancing act. I have suggested to one of the commissioners that patrol should go back to the 5 day work week.
I hope it helps the overall situation.
Thank You
Wow, I can't believe what your new city manager is already doing to you guys. When he (city Manager) worked in the City of Sunrise, he really screwed the officers with their pensions by refusing to pay the cities share of pension contributions. A Sunrise police officer pays almost 15% into their pension and high medical cost, not to mention many other benefits they lost along the way. A Sunrise police officer never saw a raise in his or her check because of all the cost they paid for the above benefits. Give the Sunrise FOP president a call and he will confirm what I'm saying.
In 2004, approximately 30 officers left for other departments because of all the b.s. they had to put up with from the city manager and some of the commissioners. The officers got tired of all the nonsense and decided to go to other departments. Only recently when new commissioners were elected and a new chief of police hired did things change for the better. But of course it was a little too late, the damage was already done.
All I can tell you is keep fighting the city manager and he will eventually give in to you. Just remember, he is the one pulling the strings and telling the Coral Gables Commissioners what they should do. He is the one controlling them. As long as you don't agree to the new terms of the contract, you will be ok. However, if you accept the new cuts, you will never get the benefits back and you will pay for it for a very long time.
The city manager is a snake and he will bite you if you let him. Just check into his background and you will see. Stay strong and never give up!
I called the Managers office to protest my tax bill and told them that we could save money by having the cops pay for the gas for their cars when they travel to and from work. I hope he takes me up on my suggestion. If any of you guys want to leave the department for greener pastures go right ahead. I hear Publix is hiring.
Morima, you sound like one of those ladies who stand out on Calle Ocho supplementing your income in a more personal way. Wish I had a job where I could "lay around" all night.
I understand that the Mayor will start making the police officers pay for the gas that they use to travel to and from work. That should save us some money. If that is not enough I would suggest that they leave their squad cars at headquarters and use their personal vehicles to travel to and from work. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
I understand that the Mayor will start making the police officers pay for the gas that they use to travel to and from work. That should save us some money. If that is not enough I would suggest that they leave their squad cars at headquarters and use their personal vehicles to travel to and from work. Thank you Mr. Mayor.
Morima, i know who you are and I suggest that you and your buddy Carlton find some other cause to take up. Even the Mayor thinks your a joke and hopes that you move out of the Gables.
We can't leave our cars at the station. All the parking spaces are leased out to civilians that don't work in the station. It is a source of revenue for the city. We can't park around the station. All the spaces are metered. Another source of revenue for the city. I got an idea. Tear down the museum project and build a parking garage. Oops. If that happens we can't park there. It would become a paid garage. Another source of revenue for the city.
Oh.. I got it. We can park at the country club. That is not a source of revenue for the city.
I don't care where you park. Just leave the car at the station and use the bus to get home.
I don't care where you park. Just leave the car at the station and use the bus to get home.
Well, what if I park it up your a$$
I don't care where you park. Just leave the car at the station and use the bus to get home.
Well, what if I park it up your a$$
I think that would be fine as long as you don't take it home.
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
I think it's nice that the police provide us, the citizens with a forum to express our ideas as to how to improve services in the public safety arena. Spending as well as police presence is always a major concern and I from what I hear a delicate balancing act. I have suggested to one of the commissioners that patrol should go back to the 5 day work week.
I hope it helps the overall situation.
Thank You
We are not all the same. I for one work for the tax payers while in the parameters of the law and encourage citizen input. In reference to your comment on the 5 day work week, it's the area patrol that needs to go not the 4-10 work week. We need to return to a zone or sector patrol.
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
Rufus----I couldn't agree with you more. I've seen firsthand evidence of profiling. I hope the new citymanager does something about it. After all, we pay their salary.
i can't believe my taxes are paying for the police working about half of the week. Why can't they work 5 days a week like everybody else? Is the Mayor aware of this nonsense?
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!hyIf you dion't like the way we work,why don't you move to SouthMiami or Miami Gardens, you militant f@ck.
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
if you don't like the way we work, why don't you move to South Miami or Miami Gardens you militant Fu@k.
We only profile idiots. So, it looks like you get stopped a lot.
We only profile idiots. So, it looks like you get stopped a lot.
LOL :devil:
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
Gates was wrong, he thought he was above the law! As for "morima" she needs to get a life and move into an area where police will NOT respond to any little b/s call, like (its raining outside, can you make it stop. its to sunny, i want a report about global warming. i dont like that guys smell, i want a report. i am a ugly lez, cant find a girl, i need a report!)
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
Gates was wrong, he thought he was above the law! As for "morima" she needs to get a life and move into an area where police will NOT respond to any little b/s call, like (its raining outside, can you make it stop. its to sunny, i want a report about global warming. i dont like that guys smell, i want a report. i am a ugly lez, cant find a girl, i need a report!)
I am going to call the manager and make him aware of this site.
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
Gates was wrong, he thought he was above the law! As for "morima" she needs to get a life and move into an area where police will NOT respond to any little b/s call, like (its raining outside, can you make it stop. its to sunny, i want a report about global warming. i dont like that guys smell, i want a report. i am a ugly lez, cant find a girl, i need a report!)
I am going to call the manager and make him aware of this site.
Its called 1st amendment rights Madam Socialist Moron. Call whomever you like. Bet you wanted "change" and voted for Obama. You sound like one of those leftist idiots who wants to be a "social reformer." Head to Cuba. Raul and Fidel will welcome you with open arms!
In a discussion I had with the mayor, I told him that his police force needed training on how to deal with the public, especially minorities. I expect an incident similar to the one involving Professor Gates to occur in Coral Gables. Profiling is illegal!!
From reading your blog, I see how right I was. Citizens like Morima should be treated with respect and dignity.
Gates was wrong, he thought he was above the law! As for "morima" she needs to get a life and move into an area where police will NOT respond to any little b/s call, like (its raining outside, can you make it stop. its to sunny, i want a report about global warming. i dont like that guys smell, i want a report. i am a ugly lez, cant find a girl, i need a report!)
I am going to call the manager and make him aware of this site.
Maam please when you call the manager tell his dumb ass to give us a raise since we have to deal with extremist brats like yourself on a regular basis, also since I dont work for a real department like Miami I cant just beat your ass like you deserve. Love you local neighborhood popo.
P.S. screw you and this ridiculous department. Make sure you got the message correct before you call the manager you worthless *****.................
Hey Morima... What kind of car do you drive? I wanna show you what you tax dollars can do.
Hey Morima... What kind of car do you drive? I wanna show you what you tax dollars can do.
It is no of your business what kind of car I drive. However, I am aware of what kind of car you will be driving soon...YOUR OWN.
That YOU paid for. It is white, made by Ford and I get to go through red light with it.
You obviously have no clue as to what goes on outside of your little world. This forum is not for you. It is for the REAL people out there that know what things are all about. So turn off your little computer, got listen to your NPR and knit me a sweater.
I will stop by the station and put some money in the "bus fare" jar so you can get to work. LOL
Morima,
Since you are obviously a non law enforcement person, we will send in your ISP address to get you blocked from this site.
Morima,
Since you are obviously a non law enforcement person, we will send in your ISP address to get you blocked from this site.
Yeah, I agree. Keep outsiders ESPECIALLY GABLES residents from accessing this site.
Morima = Come Pinga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Morima = Come Pinga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have several friends down at City Hall. When I tell them what kind of traffic is posted on this site I am sure that they will take the appropriate action.
Morima = Come Pinga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have several friends down at City Hall. When I tell them what kind of traffic is posted on this site I am sure that they will take the appropriate action.
Yeah, right troglodyke. Its a private website for cops and since you aren't one, take a hike! Call who you like, they can't do anything about it.
Morima = Come Pinga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have several friends down at City Hall. When I tell them what kind of traffic is posted on this site I am sure that they will take the appropriate action.
Oh yeah, and they're going to block my private PC from accessing this site. The more you talk the more moronic you sound. Get a life!
Sorry to tell you, but... City Hall uses the same IT Department that we do. They can't access this site or get their internet to work.
The folks at City Hall were quite receptive to my concerns and assured me that they will check the departmental computers to determine if any were utilized to access this site. I certainly hope my tax dollars haven't been spent on police officers conducting personal business on duty. In any case I will continue to watch how my tax dollars are spent.
good luck with your dumb a$$ claims, you and I both know you are full of $hit
I love posting messages on this site because I AM GAY! I hate the pu$$y's at CITY HALL and i just love bothering them....because I have nothing to do with my life.
if you guys wanna know what I look like....here you go!
just don't let me catch you speeding on CCP....or driving the wrong way.....
and when YOU DO see me...please don't make fun of the doo-doo marks I have coming out my a$$.....which is in plain view..... or I'm going to tell SLEAZ-nick on you!
:devil: giggity...giggity..goo!!!!!!!!!!!
http://joanharvest.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/dumbass.jpg
love,
MORIMA a.k.a "the come PINGA/traga leche queen"
I usaually dont get into it with my brothers in bule, but there is rumor about the 4-10's and that affects me (i am totally for it). When you guys talk about saving money; here I go....... Bike patrol>>>> they are given three different types of transportation ex: 1 police car, 1 bike, and a segway....com'on guys 3..... They are [u]BIKE PATROL[u], not segway patrol. Next are the big spenders,,, the 3rd floor... CID>>> wow talk about money spenders, between their 3 hour breakfest and their 4 lunches no wonder they have to be on OT to get some work done!! (they totaly need more accountability for their time spent on the clock) SIS>>> have those guys ever made a 39 that initiated here in the CITY BEAUTIFUL? Maybe once a year. or something like that. All I have to say is look at their paychecks, the average Patrol officer salary is about 15,000-25,000 less than an officer in SIS... do the math... Guys there are perks to every unit. Bikes> shorts andchicks , cid and sis > the OT. motors> the court. come on guys patrol just has the 4-10's . THATS ALL FOR RIGHT NOW, UNTIL NEXT TIME TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES, AND EACH OTHER. LATERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an IDIOT who wrote this!!!!
I called City Hall today after I found out that there was another break in at Merrick Park. The stores in this complex have been hit numerous times. Apparently they have no fear of the Coral Gables Police. If I am going to pay higher taxes I would like a police department that may on occasion solving or deterring crime.
Thank Goodness the Miami Police Department has an alert force. We should hire them to keep the City of Coral Gables safe.
Suspect Arrested In Gucci Store Theft
A Miami police officer pulled over one vehicle believed to be involved, and the two people inside tried to flee on foot, Coral Gables police said. Officers arrested one of the two.
Need I say more?
Thank Goodness the Miami Police Department has an alert force. We should hire them to keep the City of Coral Gables safe.
Suspect Arrested In Gucci Store Theft
A Miami police officer pulled over one vehicle believed to be involved, and the two people inside tried to flee on foot, Coral Gables police said. Officers arrested one of the two.
Need I say more?
y....yo digo.... "CHUPAME LA PIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Ok Ms. Morima. You are now on everyone's radar. Keep posting. We will find you.
Ok Ms. Morima. You are now on everyone's radar. Keep posting. We will find you.
Don't set your radar on me. I am a law abiding citizen. Set your radar for the criminals that terrorize our community. Especially the thugs that seem to have their way at Merrick Park. On second thought maybe you should devote your efforts to citizens like myself and let the Miami Police address the crime issues that we have in Coral Gables.
Hey stupid! Bike patrol got the segways through a grant it never came from the city budget. Before you talk get the facts. We also need a car to get home at night.
Hey stupid! Bike patrol got the segways through a grant it never came from the city budget. Before you talk get the facts. We also need a car to get home at night.
Ask the Chief if you can take the Segway home. Just stay in the right lane if you get on Dixie Highway. LOL
Morima....
I hope you get run over by the CG Trolley! A$$HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out Morima's name on her last post. The c*nt got banned and had to change her name in order to post. Mrima... This name is next.
I called the City of Miami police department today to thank them for apprehending the burglar from the Merrick way Gucci store break in. I told them that I was a resident of the City of Coral Gables and was certainly appreciative that their department is responsible for making our city a safer one and that the Gables police were “asleep at the wheel”.
The Miami Police seem to be very competent at fighting crime and the purpose of my telephone call was to extend accolades to their department. However, once I became critical of the Coral Gables Police Department the sergeant that I was speaking to became very rude and unpleasant. He was as nasty as any of the Gables officers that I have ever encountered and must have a relative on the Coral Gables Police Department. After making some unkind remarks to me he hung up the telephone even though I was in the middle of a sentence.
I called back to complain to his supervisor and was verbally assaulted by a lieutenant who also threatened me with bodily harm if I called back. When I called their Internal Affairs Office they refused to take my complaint over the telephone and insisted that I travel to their office which is located on N.W. 36 Street in a very “seedy” neighborhood where I will not venture out to.
I also posted my complaint on their web page and it was quickly removed by their moderator. I will be calling their Civilian Investigative Board tomorrow to report this incident. It’s very unsettling to discover how different departments cover up for each other. I just wanted to inform you that your department as well as Miami’s need to intensify their efforts to be professional if they want the support of the public.
Next time start with Aventura and work way through to Virginia Gardens..... it is all the same. You don't matter.
keep making complaints.......and then EVERYONE will know who you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FU YOU PUUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Miami PD is so great then you shouldn't have any problems going through the "seedy" part of town.
Hey Mordumba, while you and the city manager sit down and read this blog together why don't you tell him to call the chief and the patrol major and thank them for thier inspirational speach at the de briefing on the Gables High murder case. They are both reeeeeel motivators. That is if you can find the city manager, I hear he keeps ducking meetings. Another real inspiration to all......
oye Morima...chupame la pinga!!!!!!
i cant wait for the day we meet face to face...... i'm gonna give you the biggest kiss! :devil:
remember........... I AM SMARTER THAN YOU! bizzzznatch!!!!!!!!!
I have figured her out. She got picked up by ome drunk off duty PO and took him home. When he sobered up he realized that she was some big fat nasty J-Fro looking pig and he escaped through a window. She is now bitter and has nothing but time to sit in front of her computer and write.
Who the hell is MORIMA???
so that means Morima is a FAG???
so that means Morima is a FAG???
Absolutely!
RAMROD BELIEVES THAT A SUDDEN SENSE OF URGENCY WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW. BEWARE OF MIS-INFORMATION AND THINK YOUR FUTURE THROUGH ALL THE WAY. THE CITY OF BALTIMORE FIRE AND POLICE UNIONS HAVE SUED THEIR CITY FOR UNDERFUNDING THEIR PENSIONS. THOSE OFFICERS BELIEVE THAT THE CITY,WHEN TIMES WERE GOOD, DID NOT SET ASIDE MONIES TO COVER THE BAD TIMES WE ARE IN. CITY GOVERNMENT WANTS U TO WORK LONGER, HOPEFULLY DIE AT A RELATIVELY YOUNGER AGE,AND THEN PAY OUT LESS TO YOUR SPOUSE OR OTHER BENEFICIARY. THESE ARE LONG TERM THOUGHTS THAT ARE DRIVING THESE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. HAVE WE HEARD ANY MISMANAGEMENT BY CITY HALL WITH MANAGING MONIES WHEN THIS TOWN WAS AWASH WITH CASH-ANSWER IS NO! CHECK THIS INFORMATION ON ANY SEARCH ENGINE TO CHECK THE VERACITY OF RAMROD'S POST BEFORE U REPLY. THANK U.RAMROD
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Report this postReply with quoteRe: CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
by Guest on 06/08/10 19:51:30
the city did not fund the pension for several years presumably because due to the flourishing economy it was solvent. Even though they knew then and know now that they should have funded the pension. So now the city wants their irresponsibility to be paid for with the sweat off of the Police Officer's backs.
What does this mean for us? Is our salary safe? What about jobs? What a mess!!
Separating Fact from Fiction
FROM YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT
Tough times. Difficult choices. Significant needs. A challenge no doubt. But it is a challenge the City of Coral Gables can meet if financial common sense and responsibility prevail. Make no mistake, Coral Gables, like virtually every city in the United States, is coping with financial problems caused by the dramatic downturn in the economy, among other factors. This year is probably the most challenging for cities in a generation. The unpredictable and ever-changing economy has taken a toll on residents and, in turn, Coral Gables has suffered with revenues plummeting. Several steps were taken to cut costs this year. The City laid off employees, implemented a hiring freeze, and instituted a freeze on discretionary spending and capital purchases, but more was needed. Until recently, Coral Gables had approximately $9 million in reserves to handle emergency situations such as hurricanes and other unexpected events that can burden the City financially. In order to make it through this fiscal year, the City has had to utilize nearly all its reserves to balance the current budget, all but eliminating the general operating fund safety net.
The proposed budget mirrors the belt-tightening that citizens are making in their daily lives and they should expect the same from their government. There are many factors affecting next fiscal year’s budget (October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) and as such, a multi--pronged approach is being utilized to steer the City through these extremely challenging times. The solution must be balanced to preserve the high standards, quality of life and beauty that make Coral Gables a special place and helps support our property values. The City Commission and staff have not lost sight of their role as stewards of the public interest. In doing so, we will ensure that all options remain on the table as we pilot city government through these uncertain times.
Recently some community publications and groups have made statements that are simply not true. Misinformation is never valuable to residents, the Commission or the future of this City. Here at Straight Talk, we feel it is important to address misinformation and provide residents with the facts.
Fiction: The City is proposing a 27% property tax hike.
FACT: The current millage rate is 5.250 per $1,000 of taxable value and the preliminary rate is 6.243, a 1 mill increase. This does not mean the City Commission will adopt that millage rate in September at the Budget Hearings, but it does establish the maximum rate which can only be reduced. Because of an overall decline in property values, the millage rate necessary to generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the current fiscal year is 5.537. The difference between 5.537 and the preliminary rate of 6.243 is .70 mills, a 13% increase. It is the City’s goal to hold any millage rate increase to a minimum. Most cities in the County including Miami and Miami Beach have increased their preliminary millage rate for next year. Out of the total amount of property taxes you pay to the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, 38% is directed to the Miami-Dade County Public School System, 32% is directed to Miami-Dade County, 27% goes to the City of Coral Gables and the balance is sent to the state.
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Fiction: 40 low-salaried or part-time employees are being cut.
FACT: A total of 64 positions are being cut. It should be noted that 20% of the full-time positions proposed for elimination come from management, professional and technical employees, yet this group makes up only 15% of the total workforce. Among the high-ranking positions proposed to be eliminated are an Assistant Chief of Police and an Assistant Public Works Director, both second in command in their respective departments.
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Fiction: City expenses are out of control.
FACT: The City’s proposed budget slashes expenditures by approximately $9 million. The budget calls for a 5% cut in salaries for all employees and a significant reduction in benefits, an unprecedented move in the City’s history. We are unaware of another community in South Florida cutting salaries more. It is worth noting that employees in management positions have not received a cost of living adjustment since 2007. Despite the significant reductions in expenses and necessary fee increases, the City may have to lay off more employees, including police officers. Currently, 55 cents out of every dollar spent from the City’s general operating fund goes toward public safety (Police and Fire Departments). The proposed budget calls for a total of 828 employees, that’s fewer employees than the City had a decade ago.
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Fiction: It is much more financially sensible to tier salary reductions: Cut salaries by 5% for employees making more than $35,000; 10% for those making more than $80,000 but less than $130,000; and 15% for employees making more than $130,000.
FACT: A tiered salary approach would create inequities in the City’s pay plan. This suggestion reduces the differential between higher-ranking and longer-term employees and those they supervise. Increasing the percentage of reduction for higher paid employees wrecks havoc with a sensible pay plan designed to reward experience, expertise and responsibility. For example, under the aforementioned tiered concept, a supervisor making $80,000 would now be paid $72,000 and a subordinate with a salary of $78,000 would make $74,100; that’s more than the supervisor they work under. Likewise, under this problematic approach, employees with seniority could be paid less than those with fewer years of service to the City. This is one of the reasons no other city in Florida, that we are aware of, is pursuing tiered salary reductions. Approximately 85% of City employees are represented by unions with collective bargaining agreements in which case the City does not have the ability to simply make unilateral changes in salaries.
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Fiction: The City is cutting part-time employees. This measure is not economical because these employees do not receive benefits.
FACT: The City is reducing the number of employees in a prudent manner. For example, as part of the proposed budget, the City is cutting six full-time sanitation workers with benefits and adding one part-time sanitation worker without benefits. Remaining employees will work harder and smarter to get the job done.
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Fiction: The proposed fire fee will cost homeowners $96 a week.
FACT: The fire assessment fee is proposed as a flat $50 annual fee per residence. The fee would be dedicated to fire protection services. The City is working on developing a hardship exemption for seniors with limited incomes.
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Almost every municipality in the country is struggling with the same issues affecting Coral Gables. This City must strike a balance of continuing to provide vital services to the community while keeping costs down. Unlike businesses that cut costs by providing self-service features, Coral Gables should not become a self-service city. Among the vital services the City provides are Police and Fire protection. All City departments have slashed their budgets and many dedicated employees will be laid off. The proposed budget goes right to the root of the problem and provides solutions. The decisions are difficult but they must be made to ensure that Coral Gables emerges from this national economic crisis with a foundation for a better future.
In a nutshell, the City is faced with the predicament of significantly diminishing revenues, rising expenses and a fiduciary responsibility that this City must not back down from: meeting the needs of citizens, all the citizens of Coral Gables — no matter where you live, no matter what your income is, and no matter the particular circumstances of your lives.
The City is committed to making the community proud of how our continued dedication to the heritage and tradition of Coral Gables adds value to our citizens; to being an organization that residents can trust and believe in and one that you can admire for the good we do and the future direction towards which we steer.
BULL SHIT!!
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South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
South Florida cities begin slashing pension costs
By Jennifer Gollan
6:26 PM EDT, June 24, 2010
Once they were considered a sacred perk for public sector employees.
But pensions have morphed into an albatross for many municipalities, compounded by shrinking tax revenues, investment losses and longer life spans. Now cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach are reining in costs for future retirees, with others ready to follow suit.
"Pensions are the hardest to go after because of the bargaining with the unions, but we have to take them on," said Hallandale Beach Interim City Manager Mark Antonio. "Taxpayers who are unemployed are not getting these pensions, and they are questioning why police and others are getting guaranteed pensions."
Recent money-saving measures range from Sunrise raising the retirement age from 58 to 62 for new general employees to Hollywood requiring greater pension contributions (9 percent, up from 7) from their general employees. Other cities, including Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale and possibly Hallandale Beach, are shifting new hires to 401(k)-type plans, which are subject to fluctuations in the market.
An informal survey shows that while retirement plans can vary widely, pensions account for roughly 10 percent or more of municipal budgets. Benefits typically include health care payments plus a guaranteed income, based on salary, age, service and other factors. When investments fall short, the difference is borne by taxpayers.
Municipalities with the largest payrolls are beset with heavy pension shortfalls. They include Fort Lauderdale ($306.8 million shortfall), Hollywood ($353.3 million) and Pembroke Pines ($201.4 million) in Broward County and Delray Beach ($51 million) and West Palm Beach ($90 million) in Palm Beach County.
Retirement contributions for Fort Lauderdale firefighters and police, for example, will rise from 8 to 8.25 percent of their base pay in October 2011. New hires already contribute 8.5 percent.
In Pembroke Pines, general employees hired after July 1 will shift to a 401(k)-type plan, in which employees contribute a percentage of their salary, a portion of which is usually matched by their employer. Pensions will remain intact for current workers, although the city will contribute less each year. New officers and firefighters hired after May 1 won't receive longevity pay, while current employees will have their longevity pay frozen at the current rate.
Union officials say switching to 401(k)-type plans could prove disastrous. Employees will flock to other places with pension benefits, said Scott McGuire, local president of the Police Benevolent Association, which represents the approximately 125 officers and sergeants in Delray Beach.
Also, a wholesale switch to 401(k)-type plans could diminish pensions for current employees, who often depend on contributions from new hires to help fund their retirement benefits, he said. If these funds fall short, taxpayers could be forced to cover the difference.
Over the past decade, many South Florida municipalities used extra cash from the housing boom to boost employee pensions. They pumped up payouts, lowered the age to qualify or granted annual cost of living increases, a 2008 Sun Sentinel investigation found.
"Local governments, as they grew, the pay wasn't great so they gave great benefits. It was OK then, but now we can't afford it anymore," said Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis. "We have to take a new direction otherwise cities will be broke."
Cities are legally prohibited from revoking contracted pension benefits for current employees without consent from the unions. With the weak economy imperiling the overall health of pension funds, however, union leaders are more willing to control costs.
"A lot of the cities are not funding the plans appropriately," said Scott Dayne, president of the Fort Lauderdale Professional Firefighters union, which represents about 375 firefighters. "We don't want to lose our pensions altogether. Because of the economy and the payroll, we realize something has to be done.''
Fort Lauderdale's tax base this year slipped more than 10 percent, blowing a $17.3 million hole in next year's budget. Investment returns for the firefighters and officers' pension plan plummeted 22 percent in 2008, according to the city's most recent actuarial report.
Not all local governments will be forced to prune pensions this year. Those whose benefits are administered by the Florida Retirement System will not see any changes. The system covers more than 650,000 current state, school district and municipal workers.
Some cities, such as Boca Raton, are still weighing their options.
Still, a growing number of cities that fund their own benefits will likely slice pensions to cope.
"Property values are down and investments are down. Pensions have to be analyzed and put into perspective," said Joseph Safford, Delray Beach's finance director.
Pension costs will gobble about $10 million, or 10 percent of the city's budget beginning Oct. 1. To cope, the city hired an actuary to identify some cuts, with a report due this summer. To the north, West Palm Beach commissioners on Monday will consider doing the same.
"When you sign up to become a police officer, one of the things you look at is pension," McGuire said. "Late in the game, to say we are going to cut something, I think it's unfair."
City officials say there's little choice.
"It is increasingly difficult for taxpayers to continue to fund government at the same level,'' said Sunrise City Manager Bruce Moeller. "The unions understand that the costs are going up. They have an interest in making sure their pension fund is viable for employees."
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