RSS | Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Layoffs hit 15 Findlay workers
Hancock Federal Credit Union
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

An impending quarter-percent Findlay income tax increase, approved by voters Nov. 3, did not prevent 15 city layoffs which took effect the weekend after the election.

Those let go included two full-time recreation department administrators, two clerical workers from engineering, and 11 employees from public works departments, city officials said Monday.

According to Service Director Bruce Hardy, the tax increase saved 18 firefighter jobs and kept Fire Station 4 open, but the city had to follow through on other planned cuts.

Officials had warned before the election that even with success at the polls, such cuts would likely occur. But they did not specify how many would be laid off or from which departments.

"I know this may be a little bit hard for the public to understand," Hardy said of the city's budget shortfall and the need to follow through with the layoffs.

"When the quarter-percent tax increase passed, we were thrilled. But we didn't ask for all that we would've liked to have asked for, which is fair," said Hardy. "Many individuals are living with smaller budgets and the city should be doing the same."

Hardy said instead of facing a $3.5 million budget shortfall for 2010, the tax passage means Findlay must operate with $700,000 less next year than it budgeted for this year.

"The important thing for the public to remember is that $700,000 has to come from somewhere," said Hardy.

"I see us as being able to still do what we normally do. It's just going to take us longer to do it," Hardy said.

Because of the layoffs, the biggest difference the public may notice will have to do with snow removal, according to Hardy. After a heavy snowfall, it could take three days instead of two to plow city streets, he said; 11 fewer workers under the public works umbrella means fewer people who are normally called in to help with such a job, he said.

Hardy said it's hard to tell how other departments will be affected. Paperwork will probably take longer to complete. Calls may take longer to return. The loss of clerical workers in engineering may also affect zoning work and the Neighborhood Enforcement and Abatement Team program.

Findlay won't begin receiving any additional money from the income tax increase until February, and even then, calling back laid off workers will be a long shot, Hardy said.

"We're waiting to see how well we can do, how many services we can provide at what level, before we can decide to call anybody back. We'll be evaluating what extra wait times the public has to endure. But we have not put out any date or even the expectation that they'll be called back," said Hardy.

If workers aren't recalled, it "will undoubtedly cover the $700,000 shortfall, if not more than that," said Hardy.

The tax increase will be collected for three years, and Hardy thinks the city must operate with the understanding that the tax increase will expire at the end of 2012.

"What that commands us to do is to carefully spend our money, and build up reserves one way or another. We don't want to end up counting on having that extra quarter-percent. I think most people think the city will come back and ask to renew it. That's not what we're planning for.

"We have to change the way we do business and have a smaller payroll," said Hardy.

The good news is "the possibility of us having to cut deeper is very much diminished since the (tax) passed," Hardy said.

Meanwhile, the city is haggling with the Civil Service Commission over "bumping rights" some laid off employees have because of seniority levels.

Hardy said the commission has "tentatively proposed five displacements, or bumps. But the city disagrees with the way they're interpreting the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio administrative code. Part of the problem is it's (law) not straightforward language. It was written to cover a number of different work scenarios. There's room for interpretation. (City Law Director) Dave Hackenberg has written them a brief contesting the way they've done their process.

"The commission is driving the bus," said Hardy, so whatever conclusion it reaches will most likely stand.

Hardy said he expects the commission to "rule fairly quickly" on the proposed bumping rights being contested. Until then, those who were laid off will remain so.

Findlay's annual budget hearing, which gives department heads the opportunity to outline how they will operate the following year with the money given them, will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 14.

The recreation department, meanwhile, with two fewer employees, is still working toward a solution that could involve Riverside Park Pool operating under different management, since the city does not plan to take on that responsibility next year.

Hardy said officials are continuing to "negotiate" with some interested groups.

When the city debated whether to open the pool this year, Findlay Family YMCA and Findlay Area Swim Team were under consideration to take over operations.

"I have hopes that will come to fruition," Hardy said of finding an "outsourcing partner." But he admitted many details have to be sorted out before an agreement with an outside organization can take place.

"What happens if the (pool) filter system goes belly up? Who's going to pay for that? That would be a $125,000 bill the city does not have money in its budget for," said Hardy.

The pool's mechanical equipment and structures are aged; about a year ago, the city was discussing building a new pool in 2011.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

Send an e-mail to Joy Brown


Subscribe to The Courier.
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail rebeccaconklin@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

14 Comments (2 pages)

Latest comments listed first.
cm wrote:
Chill out
“ I'm with Fred. All people have to do is use caution and defenive driving in the snow. Leave your house early to get there safely. As for Melrose, your right, it will be a Massive improvement. I'm so excited that they finally fixed it, and the guys did such a good job on it. Melrose had to be one of the worst roads to drive on,winter or summer. So Chill out people and just use a little caution. ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:05:03 AM
poles1 wrote:
furlough days
“ Jo... police and fire DID take furlough days. Ask any of them and I am sure they would show you their pay stub showing the returned funds. Better yet, go the the CITY auditors office and they will show you.
The patrol cars sitting may need repairs or waiting to be sold due to mechanical problems. The police fleet has been cut since the shifts no longer overlap (more cars for two shifts). Plus no new cars in the foreseeable future. Get your facts before spewing incorrect info!! ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:19:29 AM
Tim wrote:
comments
“ Just so we are informed and no going by rumors-the Police Department did have to take those furlough days-so I can help you clarify that one. Also they don't take home their cars like other departments and not all the cars are used. I've been told that there are sometimes only 6 cops on duty. They also have to go back to the station to write reports and process arrests and other paperwork. I think the police officers and firemen have been doing a terrific job in the face of what's been going on. ”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:16:45 AM
jeff wrote:
wow
“ Jo you are so misinformed. But you did get one thing right, firefighters ARE getting a pay raise in 2009 AND 2010, no other city employees are. But that was not hidden, it has been out there in the public and in the Courier, read the paper, stay current with the news! ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:25:26 PM
Jeremy wrote:
Roads
“ I don't know where Fred lives but he is mistaken the snow removal in Findlay is TERRIBLE! Each year it has gotten worse the city needs to wake up and realize this is a safety issue. School bussed loaded with children travel these unplowed streets including the streets the schools are located on. Watch as the buses slide around turns. The only streets that get plowed are Main, Tiffin, Trenton, and Fostoria. We as residents should refuse to shovel our sidewalks (located in city right of way) until the city plows our streets or better yet force the city to clear their side walks in front of our houses. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:17:15 PM
Azrael wrote:
Fred;
“ Even though yes, we all can take precautions while on the roads and expect delays in having our roads cleared or repaired. The point that's trying, I hope, to be made is that "what's next". What's the next city service to be cut....who's going to be laid off now?

When more and more city services or if programs are being threatened closed, then we have to ask ourselves what, exactly, are we paying taxes for?

When there are more police cars sitting parked downtown at the station then patroling the streets...who does that really benefit? When firefighters are lounging outside on a warm summers evening...are they really working for us? When we're asked to conserve water...and then we realize no benefit to consuming less and that we're charged a "minimum" for the utility...is that really fair to ourselves, our neighbors and all those who decide to reside here?

When more and more is being asked of the residents...at what point do you say that enough is enough? When does the opprotunity cost of living within 45840 exceed the benefits of?

As to this particuler article, it was posted in the Couier that even though if both tax requests passed, there was still a possibility of layoffs within the City and County and ministrations. This shouldn't be a suprise for most people. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:11:15 PM
Fred wrote:
Chill out!!!
“ Reading what you all are writing, I would think you lived in a 3rd world country or something. The roads are not that bad, just slow down and watch for pot holes. Melrose has been a HUGE project and will be a MASSIVE improvement over what it was but I read nothing about this on anyone's comments. Snow removal is NOT terrible and if you live in the country or a "side road, perhaps you should look into getting something with 4 wheel drive seeing how you did not take snow removal into consideration when you bought your home. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:31:58 PM
jo wrote:
layoffs
“ I really have a hard time accepting the layoffs of some city employees. While I will agree that there is fat in every department I am tired of putting the firefighters on a pedastle because of the unfortunate and devasting events that occured on 9/11. We are recoginizing and rewarding our fire department for the efforts that other fire departments do. The fire department is important but no more important than any other department within the City of Findlay. This isn't Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland or Columbus where structure fires occur everyday. It has been rumored that the fire department took an 11% reduction in compensation for 2009 but I am not sure what those concessions were. I would love to know what the average wage is for a firefighter and a listing of the concessions that they took in 2009. It is also reported that the firefighters will receive a 4% pay increase for 2010, if this is true why was the public not told about this? Was it fear that the levy would not pass if the public knew about the raises? If this is true are the rest of the city employees receiving raises in 2010? It was also rumored that all of the city employees took eight furlough days and salary employees took a pay cut. It was also remored that the fire department and police department did not participate in those activities, if this is true why? It would also be interesting to see the 2008 salary and wages for the general fund vs. the 2009 salary and wages for the general fund to see if any money was saved with the impementation of the mandatory furlough days. There are still a lot of questions that need to be raised. I just hope they are. ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:25:55 PM
Azrael wrote:
Yeah doc
“ You're faith in our leaders is and continues to be misplaced, as is a whole mess load of people.

Obviously, we like it...otherwise people would (gasp) do something about it... ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:10:49 PM
DrEMGaylord wrote:
Decorations
“ How great is it that the same day this story runs, there is a picture about the Christmas tree with part of the description "The city also will resume Main Street Christmas decorations this year, after skipping them in 2008 for budget reasons."

How would you like to tell a city employee, 'Sorry about being laid off, but at least you can enjoy the Christmas decorations.'?

I can't wait for the excuse about this one, or why the city decided to keep operation of the pool this past summer when other solutions were (seemingly) available.

I was willing to give the city one more opportunity to prove they could spend our tax dollars in a responsible manner; obviously, my faith in our city leadership is misplaced.

PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! ”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:42:36 PM
   VIDEO
Little Rock Nine

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.


   SPECIAL SECTIONS
BRIDAL TAB

WINTER BRIDAL TAB: Dove releases, prenuptial agreements, bridesmaid advice, budget tips and more to plan your big day.


Brought to you by


ARY DJ
   STAY IN TOUCH
The Courier on Facebook
   VIRTUAL VILLAGE
What's Cookin'

FOLD IT IN: Swap recipes and learn kitchen tricks with community blogger Paula Gossman.


Far Flung Guest Book

DROP A LINE: Whether you're always here or just passing through, visit and sign our online Guest Book on the Far Flung blog.


Virtual Village
   PHOTO GALLERY
Randy's Seen

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
Mark wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
Snow, snow and more snow
“ We should all know by now, it's going to snow, but you know, people still want to go when we all know we better not go. ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:47:48 PM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
Kyle....It's another story
“ This was definately a City of Findlay plow. Just wondering.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:45:32 PM
A wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Thank You!
“ I would like to thank all those involved in the city and county who are trying very hard to make the best of a bad storm. Yes,... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:36:10 PM
Understanding wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
snow
“ I don't think the woman who complained that "too much snow had been piled at the end of her street, blocking her view" was in th... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:28:17 PM
Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
To Tim
“ It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM
SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
SNOW REMOVAL
“ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM
HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
That's really sad...
“ You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM
rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
pile of snow
“ I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
put the blades down this time
“ Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
To Debbie..
“ I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM
  U.S. Headlines
  World News
  Ohio News
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.