On cutting costs in Toledo...

The Toledo Blade article by Tom Troy is linked in the title that covers Joe McNamara's press conference yesterday. You can read the full text of Joe's Press Release on Politics in Mudville.

I guess what surprised me from today's Blade article was that I didn't realize it was Lourdes Santiago's idea for there to be no Economic Director for Toledo. I missed that. I don't think any of the candidates would disagree with the city saving money as Bob Vasquez pointed out in the one example of the City and the County working together for the new radio communications system. The arena still seems to have a rather large question mark at this point.

It's also great news that revenue collection from taxes is up in Toledo, which means now more than ever would be a great time to trim any necessary fat so that these new tax dollars would be used most efficiently. Dave Schulz had some specific cuts that he suggested in a press release that I thought you might like some more detail on:

(These figures were based on the 2006 City Budget)

Reducing the size of City Council from 12 to 9 or 7 members and reducing some council staff: $378,000 to $453,000

Eliminating the Board of Community Relations: $176,900

Merging the Affirmative Action Office functions with other departments such as Law and Purchasing): $200,000

Merging the Youth Commission functions with Parks and Recreation and Economic Development: $300,000

Sister Cities funding: $71,000

These reductions would save approximately $1.2 million. Schulz strongly believes that millions more can be saved by examining every department and every line item for cost savings. Many opportunities also exist for consolidating functions and services with Lucas County that could save all taxpayers their hard earned money. The city must begin reorganizing itself so that it takes care of delivering basic services well and has the ability to use the savings to reduce fees and taxes that throttle economic development.

Joe McNamara also believes as he stated in part:

Consolidated services and joint purchasing between local governments would save taxpayers money and promote economic growth by fostering regional cooperation.

Have we become as efficient as possible? Is there more room for consolidation of services/purchases? If revenue has increased is it necessary to continue to raise assessments? Is the LCIC going to be able to perform the duties that the Economic Director did for Toledo? Those were my initial questions as I read this article, and re-read both of the press releases from Dave and Joe.