Finance Highlights 2009 0224 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and asked if that can be done internally to save money. Caire stated that they handle case management and this would require additional staff if it is to be brought in house. Library: Mayor Santos indicated that the Public is not happy with the proposed reductions. David Bonne, Library Services Director stated that the libraries are all dependent on staffing. Mayor Santos inquired about contacting [Senator Ellen] Corbett and [Assemblyrnember Mary] Hayashi regarding revising the revenue and tax code and increasing property taxes for the Library specifically. Councilmember Prola stressed his concern about closing both the South and Mulford Garden Libraries as it would be difficult for senior citizens and children to travel across town to gain access to Main and Manor Libraries; he would rather see all libraries reduce their hours and perhaps reduce their budget in other areas, e. g. the purchase of new periodicals and books. Mayor Santos reiterated that we need to pursue implementing our Charter provision to increase property taxes for the Police Department and Libraries as well as look at other revenue sources. Bonne stated that reducing Library hours, excluding the Manor Library, is being considered as well as elimination of all children and adult programs, elimination of Historic Preservation program, reduction of reference services at the Main and Manor Library, and reduction of hours at Casa Peralta, Art Gallery, and Museum. The Library is also looking at reducing staff by 25 part-time employees. The Committee recognizes the difficulty Library Services is facing and has recommended that Library return to the table and look for other ways to reduce their budget than closing libraries as well as looking into increasing revenue, including assessments. Police Department: Hollister stated that there are 8 positions that will become vacant in the next fiscal year, 6 of those positions are sworn officers. There is money that will be received from the Federal Government that may reduce that amount by 1 to 3 positions. Ian Willis, Police Chief stated that if money is received, his recommendation would be to keep or bring back the School Resource Officers. Councilmember Gregory inquired if the School District was aware of the cut to the School Resource Officers; Hollister stated they are aware. Councilmember Prola asked about how much money is spent on the Tactical Unit. Chief Willis stated there is a Sergeant and 3 officers and they are sent to handle situations in "high crime" areas, or that are unusual, or that patrol officers are not able to handle or perhaps do not have enough officers to handle. They assist the narcotic unit and assist with search warrants. Although they do not have "beat" responsibility or assigned to a specific area, they are very proactive and have a big impact in the role within the Police Department. Public Works and Recreation and Human Services commentaries or updates will be heard at the March 17, 2009 Finance Committee meeting. Mayor Santos asked staff to return to the next Finance Committee on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 with new or amended recommendations prior to the Council Workshop on Monday, March 23, 2009. The Committee recognized the difficult situation staff is in and thanked them for their work. Mayor Santos stated that he was asked to look into CLASP funding for day care and asked staff to follow-up, there is a potential $2.5 billion available. 4