Message from Vice Mayor Neely
Addressing Budget Concerns...
We are truly living in historic times where we as a city, state and nation are facing some of the toughest economic issues we have ever faced. I believe that it is always important to work together; however, it is even more important that we pull together in these tough times to find solutions. I know many are concerned about the possible $250 million deficit the city is dealing with. I share those concerns and I am committed to finding solutions. To begin addressing the issue, I am joining forces with all city departments and employees by recognizing the hiring freeze policy the City Manager has put in place by not filling the vacant position in my office. In my office, this freeze is the equivalent of a 25% reduction in staff. Participation in the freeze equals salary savings. Each day the freeze is in place, costs are reduced to the City, thus reducing the amount of important City services that may need to be cut and the number of possible jobs that may be lost.
I am also asking District 2 residents to provide me feedback and suggestions that I will use as I work with my colleagues and the City Manager on the budget for the coming year. City Council is mandated by the City Charter to balance the budget. I would encourage all my colleagues to also recognize the hiring freeze and show that we, the City Council, hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to the people of the City of Phoenix and finding the best ways to work through these tough economic times so that we can look forward to a brighter future.
I want to commend our great City employees for their dedication and hard work through these tough times. I want to personally thank my dedicated staff for all their hard work as we work through this budget shortfall together.