Finance Committee Trashes Garbage Fee Proposal

The Finance Committee decided to reject a proposed $136 garbage fee that would be charged to homeowners in 2012 during its meeting Thursday night.

The fee, recommended by __ and Interim City Administrator Steve Crandell, was just one option discussed to maintain a flat tax levy amidst state aid reductions, increased employee costs and overall tight budgets.

“This is the most complex budget the city has ever faced,” Scrima said during the meeting.

The $125 million total budget includes a 2.43 percent spending decrease compared to last year. The $56.2 million general fund operating budget decreased 1.19 percent compared to the $57.9 million budgeted in 2011. The proposed budget includes a $51.4 million tax levy, which is the same as the tax levy for the 2011 budget. 

The proposed trash collection fee was intended to ease budget cuts as it would charge residents for garbage, recycling, and large item disposal. Public Works Director Fred Abadi explained how similar programs already exist in Oconomowoc, Menomonee Falls and Pewaukee.

Most of the aldermen, however, heard overall negative feedback from their constituents and expressed opposition to the measure.

“A tax is a fee. And a fee is a tax,” explained Alderman Joe Pieper, who is chairman of the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee came to a consensus and rejected the garbage fees. They have been urged to amend the budget and specify where $2.7 million dollars will be cut. While they have already identified $1.2 million dollars in cuts, they have been challenged to find an additional $1.5 million without raising the tax levy.

While Pieper recommended a tax increase of $1.5 million, which translates to about a $54 increase per average household, to halt cuts, Aldermen Andy Reiland and John Kalblinger urged the committee to find additional cuts.

Additional cuts leave many already struggling Waukesha departments concerned.

“Each of our departments were asked to meet at zero percent increase," Scrima said. "Each of our departments were asked to compromise."

During the presentation, department leaders across the board were asked to explain their current cuts and outline what would be next on the chopping block if cuts continue. Naturally, each department explained how tight their budgets currently were and how impossible further cuts would be.

The Waukesha Police Department has already eliminated a handful of clerical positions and could be asked to cut officer positions if cuts are increased. The Waukesha Fire Department cannot afford a decrease in personnel without sacrificing response time, according to meeting discussion.

The Department of Public Works may also have to decrease services and employee positions. The Department of Parks and Recreations is working to replace their retirees with part-time employees and could face fewer park maintenance, including ballpark maintenance, if cuts continue. The Waukesha Public Library has already eliminated $28,000 in non-salary spending ($9,000 or 9.5 percent decrease in the children’s budget) and could face reduced hours and program elimination if cuts are increased – in addition to a new children’s late fee.

Visiting residents remained skeptical, however.

“I challenge you to brush aside your dirty little scare tactic of give-us-what-you-want-or-else and replace it with efficient government,” said Waukesha resident Annette Kuglitsch, who lost in the spring election for alderman against incumbent Steve Johnson.

A new budget, outlining any new cuts, will be presented at a later date as constituents and council members were urged to think outside the box and go through the current budget with a fine-toothed comb. Crandell invited the councilmembers to send their suggestions or ideas to the Finance Committee.

Reiland and Alderman Vance Skinner pointed out a few possibilities including reducing the city overtime appropriations, streamlining annualized data processes, approving all new positions and vacancies and renegotiating city contracts.

“No one wants to see cuts, especially in employees,” Reiland said.

“Our common goal is to produce a better quality of life for our citizens at a better price,” said Mayor Scrima.

The Finance Committee is hoping to finish its budget review by the end of the month, with a final product prepared for their meeting on Nov. 15.