Furloughs likely to play a role in Syracuse

SYRACUSE — As the Syracuse City Council continues to grapple with a $606,000 revenue shortfall for the fiscal 2009-10 budget, all of its members agree that furloughs will probably play a part in saving the city money.

For each day that all employees take unpaid time off, the city would save $18,000.

By contrast, the Davis School District, which is planning a similar measure in its proposed budget, will save $1.5 million for each furlough day.

That way, neither entity cuts salaries, but each can cut its bottom line.

Doug Peterson knows the feeling. Not only is he a teacher in the Davis School District, but he's also a member of the Syracuse City Council.

As he and fellow council members discussed the city budget during a work meeting Tuesday night, they came to the same conclusion: They want the residents to know the city isn't immune from the same financial problems residents are experiencing.

That's why, for the council, furloughs are a better option than a property-tax increase, which if enacted, would mean an $82.50 increase for the average household per year.

But it's likely going to take a mix of options to get the city to maintain its level of service, said Councilman Alan Clark.

And the council has all of the numbers it needs to make that difficult decision, said city administrator Rodger Worthen.

Syracuse Mayor Fred Panucci said he doesn't want to see any jobs lost or wages cut, and he's pleased with the cuts that have been made so far.

Cuts include removing the 4 percent 401(k) match for employees, reducing City Council pay by about 10 percent or $4,400, implementing a hiring freeze and eliminating bonuses and cost-of-living adjustments for employees.

Worthen said city employees who help find ways to save the city money can get a cut of that savings as a reward.

The city has cut more than $430,000 out of its budget over the past 18 months, but it still has $606,000 to go.

"But I don't think we're done," Panucci said.

The council plans to take up the issue at future work sessions and council meetings. It is required buy law to approve a final budget before July 1, when the new budget year begins.

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