Rossford asks for input as deficit looms

5/24/2005

Rossford City Council set a date last night to solicit community input and to discuss ways to bring in more money to curb a projected $400,000 shortfall in next year's budget.

Councilman Ken Hermes told council that the Budget, Ways, and Means Committee recently reviewed nonwage items to search for potential cuts because "we are looking to save every nickel and dime . . . ; but there are no big savings sitting around waiting for us."

He said after the meeting that he wants to understand what level of city service residents are willing to fund. Council voted to schedule a committee-of-the-whole informational meeting at 7 p.m. on June 21 to gain community input and to discuss whether to place a levy on the November ballot, and whether changes should be made in assessments and in the tax credit process.

Mr. Hermes said the city is looking at the deficit because the $175,000 refuse-collection fee will expire at the end of the year, and unions expect about $100,000 in pay raises they deferred this year to be paid next year. The city also is expecting a 20 percent reduction in local government funds, costing another $120,000.