Archive for Friday, July 17, 2009
Breckenridge cuts services
$3 million shortfall possible in public works, recreation, replanting
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Breckenridge More cuts are under way for the town of Breckenridge as officials work to absorb an estimated $2 million to $3 million revenue shortfall for 2009.
Town Council gave the nod Tuesday to another $1.08 million of trimming in about five departments without making any layoffs - rather, some positions are being eliminated through attrition, said town spokeswoman Kim DiLallo.
The total savings, including cuts made during the past several months, is estimated at about $2.7 million relative to the 2009 budget.
Cuts include $200,000 to a replanting program, $146,132 to public works and $350,000 to a range of recreation expenses including elimination of outdoor education programs, bus service and reduction of all facilities' hours, among others.
Town financial-services manager Brian Waldes said the $250,000 cut from the town's housing fund won't result in any program cuts. The fund has been trimmed down to $2.05 million.
Councilman Eric Mamula said the changes make good business sense and "better expenditure of taxpayer dollars."
"The things we talked about and things we're doing are good, whether in economic hard times or not," he said.
DiLallo said the replanting program involved compensation to property owners who replanted trees in place of those killed by the mountain pine beetle. As part of the program, positions for interns have been cut, as well.
The Breckenridge Police Department looks to lose a part-time records position and possibly its drug task force - depending on federal grant funding - amid $22,039 in cuts.
"Better that than losing our drunk-driving enforcement," Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said about the task force.
Waldes said the town's cuts may have positioned it so that dipping into reserves - previously estimated at $5.2 million - won't be necessary.
"It's going to be really close based on our current numbers," he said.
Of the myriad cuts staff recommended to council Tuesday, the only rejection was a reduction of planning commission stipends to 2008 levels - from $400 to $200 a month for each of seven members.
Council members discussed cutting their own $500 a month salaries, which would require an ordinance and a year's wait to take effect. However, they have an option to forego their pay voluntarily, as individuals.

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