Budget Passed By Council

Pink Slips Set to Fly

6/24/09

By Marc Garman

After a multi-month long decathalon of endurance, Vallejo's City Council finally approved a budget. The deck chairs had been arranged as many times as possible. The inevitable moment arrived. 

While there is a sense of relief, there is certainly no great joy here. Sixteen police officers will be facing layoffs, as well as 5 non-sworn personnel. A total reduction of 26 general fund positions is expected by October 1.   Vallejo will still face a deficit of $550,000 after all the cuts. But only in the best case scenario.

The City may have to contend with additional take-backs from the state.  The state legislature is currently considering keeping 100% of the gasoline tax money Vallejo currently receives.  This, in addition to the likelihood of the UUT (Utility Users Tax) being voted down in November could result in a $7 plus million hole in next year's budget.  If you think this year has been rough, wait until next year.

Mayor Osby Davis did sound a note of optimism indicating that Sacramento is making noises regarding possibly NOT keeping all of the property tax they have been planning to take away.  But, that situation changes almost hourly, so, we'll see.

Councilmember Gomes continues to explore the idea of merging Vallejo's police force with the Solano county Sheriff as a means of cost savings. She has asked that the matter be agendized for discussion.   Police Chief Nichelini, who seemed positive on the idea recently has started what looks like a vigorous round of backpedaling.  Guess the rank and file PD doesn't like the idea.  Considering the pay differential between Vallejo PD and the County Sheriff, there might have to be a compensation adjustment--downward on the part of Vallejo. That'll put the PD panties in a bunch for sure.

Oh, and there is a rush of employees who want to cash out their accumulated holiday leave.  The amount totals something around $400,000. Get what you can, while you still can.

Vallejo FD did manage to add 3 personnel, all trained as paramedics, who will go through a 12 week fire training program and add to the thinned ranks. Also approved is the purchase of new self contained breathing apparatus for the FD at an expense of $339,090.24.  It seems the old equipment is getting hard to repair and parts have to be ordered from Sweden of all places.

Mare Island fire station is set to close.  Also on Mare Island... The City continues a dispute with Lennar Mare Island over some $3 million dollars which had been hoped for, to augment the island's finance district. Of course, Lennar is in bankruptcy as well.

This council passed a terrible, draconian budget because there was no other choice.   They made the hard choice because it was the only thing left.  I just hope Vallejo can survive...We at VIB are not ready to give up yet.  Viva Vallejo