City requires chief to cut officer

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Rick Alonzo on Tuesday proposed cutting a patrol officer from the department to meet city budget requirements.

This will mean that a position expected to open this fall would not be filled.

“I can make it work, but I tell if you if I get two people sick, we’re going to be in trouble,” Alonzo said. 

According to city clerk Kris Larson, loosing a patrol position cuts the police department’s expenditures by about $50,000 annually, which includes benefit costs.

“I want to compliment you, you worked hard on that, coming down that close (to the target),” said council member John Langs.

In a special meeting on July 13, city council reviewed the budget for fiscal year 2010.  It was determined at this time that to meet revenues projected for 2010, the expenses would have to be significantly cut, and that each department head work on the budget for Tuesday’s meeting.

The city has asked department heads to cut individual budgets by 8 percent for the 2010 fiscal year.

Among the departments in the city with budgets are police and animal control, fire, golf course, visitors center, parks and pool, South Hill Slough, and Economic Development Coordinator. 

Each department head had a chance to express their concerns with the proposed cuts.  Council members asked their questions about each expenditure and where additional  cuts could be made. 

Creating revenue for the city was also discussed, ways to bring in more money such a a fee for renting out the pool for birthday parties and events.

A possible “Adopt a Flower Basket” program.  Community members  could sponsor and  care for one of the cities 70 flower baskets to help the city with these costs. 

Larson said that this meeting was for review and ideas and the next  meeting will give more detailed information on each departments budget cut specifics.

The city is $96,075 over the proposed budget.

Department heads will reconvene and present their budget reduction proposals to city council at 7p.m. Tuesday, Aug., 4.

“We need to find another $96,000 to come out of the budget,” Langs said.