College Park’s budget could be finalized Wednesday

The cuts have come across the board, but city public information officer Gerald Walker said one principle has guided the council during budget discussions. “Mayor Jack Longino has emphasized that residents will not see a decrease in services,” he said.

The general fund, which is funded with property taxes, has dropped from a proposed $32 million to $27 million. Next year’s general fund budget is about $2 million less than last year’s, and the anticipation of lower tax revenue forced the city to consider more cuts.

The city is looking to implement an early retirement program with the budget. The program would credit workers with either five years in age or five years of service to encourage them to retire.

Officials also looked at laying off several city workers, but Walker said they are still crunching numbers to determine how many layoffs would be necessary to balance the budget.

“Hopefully, we can achieve what we’re looking for with folks who opt in for an early retirement,” Walker said.

Employees would have 45 days from the start of the program to make a decision, and then a period of seven days after the decision is made to change their mind.

Walker said the City Council has received very few citizen comments on this year’s budget proposal. He said he’s actually received far more reaction to the city’s dangerous dog ordinance that goes into enforcement July 1.

City officials also have pledged to take a careful look at the budget in October to make sure the city is still on track with revenue and expense projections.

Wednesday’s public hearing starts at 6:30 p.m. at College Park City Hall.