The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
The City Council on Tuesday signed off on an emergency plan designed to delay layoffs or furloughs in the offices of the circuit court clerk, the treasurer and the commissioner of revenue.
The city will spend $75,000 through Oct. 15 to help the offices pay staffers while officials come up with a plan for handling state budget cuts.
But Circuit Court Clerk Tina Sinnen, whose office faces the largest reduction in state funding, said the city money is not enough to make a difference.
"That's not going to stop what I have to do," she said. Sinnen said she will decide today whether to lay off nine workers or impose furloughs for her staff of 58 to make up a $270,000 shortfall.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's plan to address a $1.35 billion shortfall includes cuts in the state's contribution to constitutional officers.
On Friday, Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk George Schaefer laid off seven people because of state funding reductions.
Beyond the $75,000, it's unlikely the city will make up for the loss of state funding, Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said. The money is coming from the city's general fund, City Manager Jim Spore said.
One possible money-saving strategy in the Beach is closing the courthouse for one day or a half-day a week, Sessoms said. Sinnen said that was unlikely.
Chief Circuit Judge Frederick B. Lowe would have to sign off on any plans for closure.
Without additional funding, the Beach's commissioner of the revenue and treasurer will have to eliminate three positions each, according to city officials.
Commissioner of Revenue Phil Kellam said he would have to lay off more like six to eight people to make up his $102,000 reduction.
Councilman Jim Wood fretted at Tuesday's council meeting about using city money to pay for what he said was a state responsibility. "Once we open that door, we're dead," he said.
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
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State Employees
It is refreshing to see a city as big as Virginia Beach - concerned for their civilian employees to the point of looking out for their financial welfare - by not taking the easy way out and laying them off or making them take furlough days.
cut back on the pay- of some
Simple answer, cut back on the pay of some of the city workers. Meaning high paying workers like city treasurer and such. I am sure if we cut the money from those who do less and get paid more we can save the jobs! Then stop spending money on pet projects!
City
I am sure Mr. Kellam would love to collect all the monies owed to the city.This is a sad day for Virginia Beach.
Can't Get Blood Out of a Turnip
Cartman, have you ever heard the expression "you can't get blood out of a turnip". Most of the small companies that haven't paid their taxes have gone out of business and those that are still in business are paying less in taxes because business taxes are based on the company's profits. It's all a vicious cycle.
Comm of Revenue shouldn't worry....
If Mr. Kellam collected the hundreds of thousands of dollars his office is owed for delinquent business license fees he'd easily overcome his deficit. But for some reason he doesn't. Perhaps he should forfeit his salary? That's another fix!
Wow - I actually agree with Councilman Jim Wood???
I believe Jim Wood is right. Costitutional offices are a STATE responsibility, not a local government responsibility. The General Assembly needs to fund it's required functions. The Governor (and head of the DNC) needs to step up and make this happen. The problem is one of priorities. For example, Jim Wood and others on our City Council should stop lobbying the STATE to pay for local projects they want, like a very expensive light rail development project. If the local governments stop spending STATE funds on non-needed "wants" such as light rail TOD (Transit Oriented Development) boondoggles to benefit poltical contributors, the STATE would have enough money to pay for required and needed court clerks. The STATE has enjoyed a MASSIVE INCREASE in it's budget/tax money received since 2000. The problem is too much spending on "wants" and too much debt to borrow hundreds of millions to pay for even more "wants" - much of these "wants" are called "economic development". Others are lavish retirement benefits for the government workforce.
well sinnen
Get on with your cutbacks then if it ain't gonna help you. We'll just use your share to help with a new hotel or parking garage so there! Thanks for saving us taxpayers a few bucks, it's appreciated.
hummm
What about about that windmill study Governor Kaine wants. Oh wait, I can't hear you because of the sound of freedom - - - jet noise. Hehehe
Nope... it's the squeal of a chew chew train
That sound you hear is a chew chew train squealing... no problem with funding that pork project..
nothing to joke about.
I am never one for pet projects, but this one is something we ALL can use! Light rail will bring in money, this is a good idea. Something good, it will take time but it will work!