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 The employees of Osage Beach were under the fiscal microscope at the second of three budget meetings last night (11/13).
The board discussed the human resources department, specifically compensation of employees and the year to year increase in benefits and wages. As a percentage, the city spends about 20% of its budget on personnel.
Board President Steve Kahrs says with the 5.5% decrease in revenue this year, the board has to watch that 20% number closely.
"It's a good sign that we are keeping it in check, but listen, with the way these budgets are right now, the staff has cut it to the bone and if there are issues next year, that's all we have left, is to look at the compensation plan for the staff," Kahrs said.
"Which I hate to do, I hate to take away rewards for a good staff that works hard to do the daily jobs they do but that's all that's left."
During the meeting, Mayor Penny Lyons pointed out that other areas percentages are much higher. In 2008 for example, Camdenton's personnel as a percentage of budget was 34%, Branson's was 29%, Rolla's was 46%, and Springfield's was 75%.
Lyons says the city has to take care of its needs.
"We're in the service business, I guess you would say, and that's kind of hard for people to understand," Lyons said. "We're out to provide service for the community and to spend funds on projects that benefit the community."
The mayor says the city really tries to use money wisely.
"And I guess we could stockpile funds but the idea according to the state is to provide services and take care of business. In other words the roads and the streets, water and sewer services, and to make sure they are maintained and in good repair and the staff does that."
The next budget meeting will be next Wednesday. |
