Wednesday, December 5, 2001
The 2002 budget includes 2.5 percent cost of living increases for some city officials and lawmakers.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Changes to state and federal guidelines mean the city's finance department will find itself under a heap of additional paperwork.
That is, unless city council approves a pitch from Auditor David Griffing -- who wants to hire someone to handle the extra workload.
Griffing was to propose the idea to council's finance committee during an afternoon meeting today.
The changes: Warren will have to provide the state with comprehensive financial reports detailing 10 years and showing trends. Two-year reports have been required in the past.
Also, the federal government accounting standards board is changing the way it regulates financial reports, creating more work for public agencies across the country.
Griffing said that the government wants to hold the public and private sectors to the same accounting standards but that, "We don't operate in the same way; we have too many regulations to follow."
The city would better be served if a full-timer is hired instead of contracting for the work, Griffing said, because an additional worker could handle some of the work that's being done now by an outside agency.
His department also includes a deputy auditor, secretary, payroll clerk, senior accountant and a clerk in accounts payable.
Not in favor: The auditor said he has complained about the new regulations and argued with state officials because of what it will cost Warren.
"I'm not in favor of this," he said, "but we have no control over it."
He did not have a salary outlined. He said he first wants to see what council thinks about the proposal.
"I think that's a department that's been understaffed for a considerable amount of time," said Councilman Bob Marchese, D-at-large, finance committee chairman. "They do an enormous amount of work."
He added that council is concerned with funding for the position, as bolstering staff for the police and fire departments is top priority.
Budget unveiling: Also at today's meeting, the city's $26.8 million 2002 budget was to be unveiled. It includes appropriations for salaries of police officers and firefighters who will be hired thanks to a 0.5 percent income tax increase approved by voters in May.
Both departments were left understaffed by 2000 budget cuts.
Griffing said that if it's passed, the 2002 budget will maintain funding for Packard Music Hall but leaves out money for street repairs and capital projects.
The document outlines 2.5 percent cost of living increases for officials including the mayor, safety-service director, law director, assistant law director, auditor, deputy auditor, council and council president.
Capped increase: The Social Security Administration lists the cost of living increase at 2.6 percent, but Griffing said council passed an ordinance in 1999, capping the increase at 2.5 percent.
For example, Mayor Hank Angelo's salary would go from $73,262 to $75,093. Law Director Greg Hicks, who makes $72,317, would earn $74,125. Safety-service director Fred Harris would go from $70,848 to $72,619 and Griffing would go from $67,384 to $69,068.
davis@vindy.com