Niles officials weigh deficit remedies, including unused vacation pay
NILES
The financially strapped city continues to careen from one cash crisis to another. On Wednesday, a payroll clerk warned the deficit commission overseeing Niles’ fiscal emergency that funds for firefighter wages will run out by Oct. 4.
“How do I pay the fire department if there is no money available?” asked Karen DeChristofaro. “This is an appropriation issue.”
Her comments followed those of Tim Lintner, state auditor project manager, who said that appropriations exceed current revenues by $2.3 million. Lintner said that with budget carryovers, the city’s general fund deficit for the remainder of the year is $983,000.
Lintner said the city has spent more than $500,000 in overtime costs and sell-back, a benefit in which city employees are paid for unused vacation. Mayor Ralph Infante, also a commission member, said the city is still negotiating with its unions apparently in an effort to eliminate the sell-back benefits.
“How about eliminating overtime,” said the commission’s Mary Ann Coates, a certified public accountant.
Commission Chairman Quentin Potter advised Lintner to search for appropriations for the fire department.
Read more about the cash crisis in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.