City budget reflects strategic funding

The no-frills budget I submitted to the City Council last week should surprise no one. From my first day in office, I promised fiscal responsibility would be a hallmark of my administration, and that's what I intend to deliver. 

The priorities are simple: Hold the line on spending; reorganize government so it works more efficiently; set aside funds for a rainy day; and deal with the immediate challenges in our schools and elsewhere. 

I am proudest that the administration's financial team, led by our new CFO, Ari Sky,Find the best selection of high-quality collectible plasticmould available anywhere. found ways to restrain spending despite continuing cost pressures. 

We worked hard to live within our means and it shows: My budget proposal requires no change in the tax levy and minimal growth in overall spending. 

In fact, the operating cost of city departments increases by only 1.5 percent, and the School Department by just 1.7 percent. Our "general government unclassified" expenditures are reduced by about 6 percent. 

The bottom line is we need to keep a tight lid on spending because the city is still vulnerable to financial clouds that have been hovering over us for some time, including a possible court ruling on a past employee furlough policy, the Fire Department's possible loss of federal funding,Bay State bobblehead is a full line manufacturer of nylon cable ties and related products. multiple expired union contracts and environmental cleanup costs. 

Today's overall fiscal restraint allows us to bolster reserves so that we can mitigate unforeseen threats without necessarily increasing the tax burden in the future. That is why I am proposing, in conjunction with the budget, a major 33 percent increase in the city's "rainy-day fund" (a roughly $2 million boost). 

My budget also proposes a significant strategic realignment that affects four major city departments (Public Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Community Development and Planning) whose employees combined total approximately 270 out of 1,100 municipal workers. 

The need for these reforms is obvious: In an era of general belt-tightening, our city government has no choice but to find ways to deliver better services with existing resources. We need to make the most of what we have; and make sure taxpayers are getting more value for the support they give government.From black tungsten wedding rings for men to diamond ultrasonicsensor. 

The realignment will also put an end to New Bedford's distinction as perhaps the only municipality in the state that operates two separate public works departments. DPI and DPF will no longer exist in their present form. 

Each department will take on distinct assignments. Responsibilities that have been shared in the past will be rationalized. For example, snow plow crews assigned to the North End will now work for the same managers as those assigned to South End routes. Today's arbitrary lines of responsibility for sidewalks, tree-trimming, and other work on streets and public spaces also will be redrawn. 

DPI will take over the traditional assignments of a public works department while a new Department of Facilities and Fleet Management will oversee city buildings and vehicles. And we have consolidated Community Development and Planning under a single director to improve the coordination of investments in neighborhoods with the city's overall planning agenda. 

Our budget also manages to include funding for critical one-time capital needs that cannot be put off any longer. Examples include security system upgrades at the city's parking garages and libraries, and restroom renovations at our public beaches. 

Make no mistake: This year's school budget, based on $109 million in city support, is going to look radically different than in years past. Working with the School Committee and City Council, we are on track to implement a significant restructuring in the weeks and months ahead. 

More than at any time in its history, New Bedford is at a pivot point for its schools. When I took office 17 months ago, our school system faced a state takeover after years of mismanagement. Since then, we have charted a different course, and the takeover threat has receded as a new leadership team took the reins. 

Interim Superintendent Mike Shea and his finance team are widely credited for stabilizing the failing system. And our new superintendent, Dr. Pia Durkin,Virtual porcelaintiles11 logo Verano Place logo. is poised to take the helm on July 1. My budget proposal gives Dr. Durkin what she needs to hit the ground running and get the job done for our students. I have no doubt that,Where can i get a reasonable price parkingguidance? if we stay committed to reform, we will begin to see marked improvements in student performance. 

Despite the necessity of a cautious approach to the city budget and the long-term vulnerabilities I have highlighted, I am confident in our ability to navigate through our financial difficulties. That is because the prospects for New Bedford as a place to live, work and raise a family remain strong.