FLORISSANT, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
Tough times in Florissant, Missouri, could lead to pay cuts for city workers. The cuts would come just before the holidays. Some workers would like to see cuts in other services, but the city seems to disagree. The council is expected to vote on an operating budget Monday night. The city's fiscal year begins December 1. Cuts would take effect right before the holidays. The cost-cutting measures could include closing down a recreation program at Bangert Park and reducing the hours at the pool. Similar cuts could be made at another aquatic center as well.
The proposed budget cuts will also amount to a 3 percent pay cut for city workers. There have been vocal critics, including a number of police officers who attended an earlier meeting. They felt cuts could jeopardize public safety, making it more difficult to retain and recruit the best possible officers for the job.
The budget shortfall appears to be the result of a weak economy. The city collected far fewer sales tax dollars than expected for the year, about 10 percent less than expected.
Mayor Robert Lowery from Florissant said, "It's not pleasant for the City Council. It's not pleasant for me, nor is it pleasant for any department heads. It's just one of those things that we have to do. We do have reserves, but we can't spend them on these type of things we have to keep those reserves there for the future."
The mayor has promised to try and restore employees pay when the city's budget gets back on track. The meeting at the City Hall begins Monday at 8:00pm.
The proposed budget cuts will also amount to a 3 percent pay cut for city workers. There have been vocal critics, including a number of police officers who attended an earlier meeting. They felt cuts could jeopardize public safety, making it more difficult to retain and recruit the best possible officers for the job.
The budget shortfall appears to be the result of a weak economy. The city collected far fewer sales tax dollars than expected for the year, about 10 percent less than expected.
Mayor Robert Lowery from Florissant said, "It's not pleasant for the City Council. It's not pleasant for me, nor is it pleasant for any department heads. It's just one of those things that we have to do. We do have reserves, but we can't spend them on these type of things we have to keep those reserves there for the future."
The mayor has promised to try and restore employees pay when the city's budget gets back on track. The meeting at the City Hall begins Monday at 8:00pm.
