07-16-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council July 16, 2003 Page 2 other services, and other uses. No increase will be permitted in the last two (2) categories, however they may go lower. Mr. 011ett noted that the Fire Department will have to reduce their budget by $ 759,000 and the Police Department will have to reduce their budget by approximately$ 1 million. Dr. Varner inquired whether the Fire Department could use its EMS funds, and was advised that they could. Dr. Varner requested that the Administration send a copy of the proposed reductions for each department to the Council. Mr. 011ett stated that he would send this information. Mr. 011ett noted that insurance plan design changes are being reviewed which will be behavior oriented. For example, raising the deductible for using the Emergency Room to $ 100 may bring about a behavior change in employees. Mr. 011ett noted that he has met with Honeywell officials and reviewed their policies with regard to wellness incentives, however noted that results are hard to track. He noted that the City continues to make advances in safety risk management practices and procedures. Council Member Kelly stressed the need to see the information on other second class cities on their medical insurance coverage. Mr. Gilot noted that department heads will be able to look at both their operating and their capital budgets for reductions. Attrition and reducing body counts by increased efficiencies in equipment are also being suggested. He noted that the pot hole machine is just one example. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, he noted that the city is currently involved in a pilot program using a trash vehicle with flippers and not a robot arm. Another area which will be looked at is the year end transfer ordinance for areas of possible cuts. Mr. 011ett noted that"one size will not fit all departments" when it comes to budget cuts. Service to the public cannot be compromised. Discussion then took place on the effectiveness of the data set forth in the performance based budget. It was noted that it is good for overall performance measures, but is not as effective as initially proposed. Council President White suggested that the detail pages to the budget by department be provided in a more timely manner so that they can be properly reviewed before a Department head comes to a hearing before the Personnel and Finance Committee. Mr. 011ett stated that he would see that the detail sheets are given to the Council as soon as they become available, along with the summary sheets of requested cuts by department so that the Council may review them. Dr. Varner inquired whether there may be a rush to spend current dollars giving the example of upgrading computers. Mr. 011ett stated that they will be enforcing the process. IT is to purchase under the state and the Administration will be there in an oversight capacity. He also noted that there is a process in place for purchasing motor vehicles which will be carefully monitored.