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PEEKSKILL, N.Y. - Acting City Manager Brian Havranek gave a presentation of his proposed 2013 budget Monday, which contains job cuts that drew criticism from some city residents and employees.
The proposed budget would cut 31 employees for a savings of about $2.9 million. Seven of the 31 positions are already vacant. The positions include 15 administrators, 10 public safety employees and six department of public works employees.
The proposed budget calls for a tax rate increase of 6 percent, or about $12.16 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Dozens of city employees attended Monday's meeting, many wearing shirts with the phrase "Not On Our Backs."
Diane Blank, a lifelong resident and longtime employee of the assessor's office, spoke on behalf of city employees about the proposed job cuts, which included her position.
"I've assisted many Peekskill taxpayers over the years, and seniors, to get the exemptions they deserve," Blank said. "Who will help them? Our department consists of two employees: myself and a part-time assessor. You're cutting my job. That's more than 50 percent."
Blank complained that the city had paid for numerous studies and seminars for salaries, space use, Spanish language and human resources, which she called a waste of money. Blank was also concerned about the retirement incentive program she was eligible for, she said.
"The last day to opt in is November 9th. But if I opt in and find out my job is not eliminated, can I opt out?" Blank asked city officials.
Several residents, including some city teens, complained about possible cuts to the staff of the Kiley Youth Center. A staff position may be eliminated in the 2013 budget. The center will stay open but will likely be staffed only by the Peekskill Housing Authority, said Havranek.
"There will be programs at the Kiley Center, no matter what, because the Kiley Center is not owned by the city; it's owned by the housing authority, and there are other concurrent programs going on."
Representatives from Teamsters Local 456 urged council members to reconsider cutting the 24 remaining positions, or services would be affected. White collar representative Nick Longo told Havranek that for 10 days he had been trying to get a written list of positions that the city intends to eliminate and the names that go along with them.
"We haven't been able to get it," Longo said. "It is the most unethical, unprofessional thing that I have ever seen in local government."
Havranek said he had given the positions verbally to the union, but said names were not yet available, due to civil service procedures.
The next budget public hearing is Nov. 26. The Common Council has until Dec. 1 to approve a 2013 budget.
Comments (2)
I would like to express my concern for the staffing at the kiley center..These 2 gentlemen, are Mr.Carrington,and Mr.Tinsley, they are such caring individuals,and everyone in the community respect. &,trust, them. they are the 2 men who can control any situations with the youth,such as breaking out into fights.or teahing the kids what no means,and the kids listen to them..why you may ask.,,,,because they are "RESPECTED"to the upmost by ALL,ages.. I myself have donated my time to making baked goods, gave goody bags for holidays,and donated them myself, ..Mr,Carrington,and Mr,Tinsley have helped soo many children in crisis.. they actually should be getting some kind of honor by the city of Peekskill,instead of losing thier postion..Really???? "I pray" that this issue is respectfully handled professionally,,,We understand that Kiley will remain open because it is owned by housing..thats a no brainer,but its all about the staffing....Thankyou For your time,,Please reconsider your cuts..
Even if what Brian says were true about the programing at the Kiley Center how would it continue seeing he placed Board Members(Diana Burruss and Mike Kane) who's main reason for being on the Board is to get rid of the ED and current Board chair whom they haven't tried to work with in their month long appointment.Ms Burruss is the wife of Mel Burruss former Housing Chair/Attny/Board member and has expressed her dislike for Mr Phipps a man she has never met previously and her first order of business is to seek his removal,not because she witnessed any wrong doing,but instead has befriended a former tenant member and from his continuous stomp Darrell Davis as well.I understand that Brian attended the last housing meeting and the former tenant member said of the Chair.."see Brian that's why you must get rid of her"..Mike Kane is down there so he can gather financial info to carry back to Foster and to also try and save the Democratic strong hold they have over the residents...PHA(100%) residents need to attend these meetings and don't let a handful of "Spiteful,Frightful folks make decisions for the entire HA(Tenant Assc) each site should have their own( Assc) to assure fair and balance decision making and most of all transparency (other HA's have site Assc's) not self appointed officers.Now back to the staff at the Kiley
PJ and Julius are the fathers that these children long for and are needed in this community,I've had my concerns but the real of it is despite what I feel these men are much needed by these children...I hope that the City will continue them on staff and that the Community will help by volunteering as well..Diana Burruss should be ashamed of herself for fronting as she does....#iknowwhatshesallabout...