GIRARD Mayor: Funding crisis is not over

The city still doesn't have the money to rehire laid-off workers.
By AMY HOUSLEY
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Residents and former city employees are expressing their concerns and frustrations to city council about the city's continuing financial crisis.
Many of those who spoke at council's meeting Monday night used the recent increase in water and sewer rates as examples of increased revenue.
They suggested that income could mean the return of some laid-off workers.
Long-term crisis
City officials said, however, that the additional revenue won't solve the city's long-term problems.
Mayor James Melfi said to think that the financial situation is "healthier today because of the sewer and water rates is ridiculous."
The city is facing a $2 million deficit and is under a state-imposed fiscal emergency.
Laid-off employees asked when they would be getting their jobs back, saying residents are being robbed of services.
Melfi said the city still does not have the money to rehire all employees. He said he wants to be able to give returning employees job security so they won't be laid off again soon.
City employees and union members said the short staffing leads to further expenses because other employees must work overtime to bear the load.
Councilwoman Kathleen O'Connell Sauline, D-2nd, said the situation is going to get worse before it gets better. "No one can erase the financial realities," she said.
Sauline, chairwoman of council's finance committee, said earlier this month that city revenue for 2003 will be $500,000 less than it was this year.
She proposed that union leaders meet with council committee members to discuss concerns their concerns.
Elizabeth Zagorski, president of AFSCME Local 3356, said the unions already have met with council, but no solutions have been reached.
Projects
Council approved distribution of its 2002 Community Development Block Grant money, including $39,800 for waterlines, particularly along Louis Avenue in the Parkwood section.
The earliest the money will be available is September or October, with work to begin soon after, weather permitting.
Lawmakers said other street improvements in the Parkwood area are on tap for fall, but that is awaiting final state approval.
The project will be fully funded by the CDBG money from 2001 and 2002.
The five streets to be paved are Iowa Street, from Mosier Road east to Davis Street; Illinois Avenue from Mosier Road east to Davis Street; Verona Avenue from Trumbull Avenue south to Belgrade Street; Idaho Avenue from Davis Street west to the dead end; and Indiana Avenue from Davis Street west to the dead end.