The City of Norman implemented a "smart" hiring freeze last week amid persistent revenue shortfalls, although City Manager Steve Lewis said the move wouldn't affect fire and police positions funded through 2008's half-cent public safety sales tax.
City jobs deemed "mission critical" -- like a police officer or city manager -- won't be affected by the smart hiring freeze, Lewis said.
He said the loss of mission critical positions would be disruptive to the business of running the city, describing them as "one-position" jobs that can't be changed, eliminated or reassigned.
Lewis said the city currently employs about 800 full-time workers, who lumped together get paid just a hair under $50 million each year when benefits are included. He said employee compensation will account for 67 percent of general fund spending for the fiscal year ending June 30.
City of Norman Finance Director Anthony Francisco said no employees have been laid off despite 11 months of declining sales tax revenue. When asked if any layoffs were coming, he said there were none planned "at this time."
Lewis also said the city has estimated its general fund will face a budget shortfall of $1.5 million for the fiscal year ending June 30.
"The City's Management Team has identified approximately $1 million in budgetary savings for this fiscal year in their operating accounts and these savings will essentially be held frozen in order to help cover the shortfall," he said, adding that essential services won't be affected by the looming cuts. "We are implementing this process in order to avoid taking funds from our general fund balance or from emergency reserves."
Francisco said the city has realized savings from lower fuel costs -- which he said will likely carry over into the next fiscal year beginning July 1 -- and also plans to trim back on consultant fees related to the Porter Avenue corridor revitalization project and the city's Storm Water Master Plan development.
How city staff will reconcile the remaining $500,000 shortfall remains to be seen, Francisco said.
The city already has started working on the 2011 fiscal year budget, which begins July 1, Lewis said. He said the city plans to save money by continuing the smart hiring freeze and possibly consolidating activities, including working more closely with Cleveland County where applicable.
Francisco said the new budget will be complete by early June, adding that city department heads are currently looking at ways to save money during the next fiscal year.
Norman isn't alone facing shrinking revenues and tough decisions.
Earlier in the week, Oklahoma City revealed it would eliminate jobs and implement other cost-saving measures. The capital city has endured revenue shortfalls for nearly a year and officials there indicate further, deeper cuts are likely.
In Tulsa, more than 100 police officers were laid off as the state's second-largest city grapples with a budget shortfall of about $11 million. Firefighters in the city agreed last week to a 5.2 percent pay cut, among other concessions, to save 147 jobs and 30 civilian employees have been let go.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
Local news
City bracing for hard times
- Local news
-
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
Nancy Coggins landed a job with a prestigious Oklahoma City advertising agency before the ink dried on her OU journalism diploma. The job was a first rung on her career ladder and she admits that it didn’t call for her creative talents. ...
-
New jail to install curtains
The F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center, though still in its infancy, is getting a facelift: new curtains....
-
Businesses go the extra mile for Valentine’s Day
Among the various images the phrase “Valentine’s Day” might conjure in one’s mind, probably the most immediate is the iconic dozen roses and heart-shaped box of chocolates....
-
New rehabilitation, skilled care center will be next to HealthPlex
StoneGate Senior Living President and CEO John F. Taylor announced Friday that his company has completed the purchase of approximately 6.7 acres of land in the Norman Regional Health System’s Medical Park West project at NW 36th Avenueand ...
-
Mystery performance provides theatrical fatal attraction
James Briggs has a pretty steady day job with the city parks department, doesn’t live anywhere near Little River and probably never owned or slept in a hatchback. He doesn’t usually wear sport coats that are two sizes too small, either ...
-
'Get the Lead Out' annual children's art festival enters 10th year
Longfellow Middle School had a special “GLO” about it Saturday morning....
-
County prisoners moved to new jail
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies began moving prisoners from the detention center adjacent to the courthouse to the new F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center at Franklin Road and U.S. 77 early Saturday morning....
-
School board elections Tuesday
Voters go to the polls Tuesday in four Cleveland County school districts. Cleveland County Election Board Secretary Jim Williams said this will be the first election using the new voting system. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ...
-
Identity theft crackdown sweeps nation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department recently announced a national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft....
-
Darry Stacy seeking county commission seat
Darry Stacy, a fifth generation Oklahoman and lifelong resident of Cleveland County, announced Friday that he will be a Republican candidate for the District 2 Cleveland County commissioner seat....
- More Local news Headlines
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
