Appleton Mayor Proposes City Reorganization Plan to Address Budget Deficit

LINK

Link to September 16 Appleton Post-Crescent article, "Appleton mayor Tim Hanna proposes reorganization to create 'leaner' city departments".

Excerpt:   The reductions, some which already were approved by the Common Council this year, will save $1.1 million in staffing and push the city nearer to closing a $2.5 million shortfall in the 2011 budget.

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Under the reorganization:

• Forestry duties move to the public works department.
• Park duties move to the facilities department.
• The human resources department will hire parks and recreational seasonal workers and handle payroll duties.
• Clerks representing parks and recreation, community development, assessor and health departments will move to an area in City Hall where they will be more visible to the public.
• Department offices, including the city clerk's office, will be more accessible to the public.
• At least four Valley Transit mechanics will move to the public works department.
• A horticulturist will move to the public works department, eliminating the need for the city to hire consultants.

The library has already been served its lean cuisine.

Earlier this month, the council imposed higher health contributions for nonunion workers, a move that will save the city $341,000 next year.

The group, mostly made up of managers and library workers, took another hit in July when the council approved a pay freeze, which cuts $350,000 to $400,000 in 2011.