Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Peck to Residents: You Decide

New Finance Director Douglas Peck said Tuesday it is up to residents to say "what level of service you demand" from the city.

Speaking on "fiscally responsible governance," Peck said he has instituted a "service-focused budget process."

The city's 2009 fiscal year began July 1. While many costs are related to mandates such as maintaining public safety, Peck is putting it to taxpayers to say what optional city services they value most, and employees will be expected to respond in kind. Implicit in the formula is the possibility that some desired services will boost costs.

Peck said 66 percent of the budget "is staff," and he will be looking to cut overtime where possible. Those who did not attend Tuesday's community forum will soon be able to access Peck's budget reports on the city's web site.

To read Plaintalker's exclusive July interview with Peck, click here.

--Bernice Paglia

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