12 July 2010

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING---JULY 12, 2010



I must compliment the Council on the extensive deliberation given the 2011 fiscal budget. From the deliberation I observed you made cuts in the budget that reflected the mode and the economic conditions of the community. I compliment to the mayor for not vetoing these cuts. I further complement the Mayor for the renovations to the Public John on the first floor of the MOB. However, what stood out in the budget was the labor factor where increases in pay were 2% for general employees and 5% for department heads. I am not an expert in wage negotiations, but I somehow feel that in today’s economic climate it is obvious that these increases in pay do not reflect the current health of the economy. With so many people out of work, and West Springfield is no exception, wage increases during hard times causes us to reflect. Reflect on all being part of the community that shares increases in wages during good times and giving up increases in pay during hard times. West Springfield is one community and not two communities. Further I continue criticism of the Mayor for evicting the Lower Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and forgoing $60000+ annual income and expanding Town government in that space..

I would like to make some suggestions that may seem radical but they are not. I believe what I am about to suggest is a practical approach to what is turning out to be A TALE OF TWO CITIES…..The Unions who represent town employees believe it should be business as usual every year while the rest of the Town ride the economic roller coaster. Respecting the present full time personnel, we could be looking to do more with part time workers when the present full timers retire.

(1) We should make more use of Police and Fire Auxiliaries. West Springfield is not so big that we have fires every day and police duties that require a squad of permanent police personnel.

(2) We should make more use of private contractors who will perform the same functions, as do our full time personnel.

(3) As full time personnel retire or leave we should consider more use of part time help.

(4) With the exception of key department personnel a hiring freeze should be considered.

(5) Contracts with unions should not exceed 1 year.

(6) Raises for employees should be geared to the economics of the day rather then an escalation formula years agreed to years in advance of our economy.

Sounds radical? Not so. Look at many of the colleges and industries in the area. Other then replacing key full time teachers many colleges and industries are maintaining department heads and hiring more and more part time instructors. The savings comes in the form of lower cost per class and delivering no fringe benefits. We have a responsibility to maintaining all our present staff; however, when they leave for other positions or retire emphasis could be on more outsourcing and part time replacements.



West Springfield municipal services are a business; lets run it like a business.

Maintaining the status quo is not a business option.



Victor E. Thomas, 67 Riverview Ave., WS