Four City Workers Will Be Laid Off

FORT MEADE | Four city employees will lose their jobs today so the city can balance its budget.

City Manager Fred Hilliard told commissioners Thursday night that he'll lay off two utility workers and two in public facilities.

"There isn't anything else we can do," he said.

Commissioners said they had no interest in raising taxes from the current rate of $2.86 for every $1,000 in taxable property value. In August, when Hilliard presented the budget, he asked for a $2 increase to generate about $230,000 for the city. The proposal got a cool reception from commissioners then, and little had changed by Thursday's budget meeting.

"I'll do about anything before I'll vote to raise (taxes) a quarter of a mill," said Commissioner Rick Cochrane.

One mill represents $1 for every $1,000 in assessed property value.

Commissioner Bob Elliott said he, too, opposed a hike in municipal taxes.

"I'm not going for a mill and a half increase," he said, "so we are going to have to turn a different rock over."

At the current tax rate, homeowners whose houses have an assessed value of $150,000, with a $50,000 homestead exemption, will pay $286 in municipal property taxes.

Faced with a deficit totaling more than $300,000, commissioners chiseled away at the proposed budget over the summer to avoid a tax increase. Eliminating the jobs will save another $150,000, Hilliard said.

The city also will lose its building inspector, but only on the payroll. Fort Meade is contracting with Bartow to provide that service, and the building inspector is shifting over to Bartow's payroll next month. Though the details have to be approved, the tentative agreement calls for Fort Meade to pay Bartow $35,000 annually for its share of the inspector's services.

Hilliard is eliminating a sixth job, this one in the parks department, which has been vacant. In total, the city is losing six positions, bringing the city's workforce to 45.

The commission will hold a public hearing and final vote on the proposed budget Sept. 16. The new fiscal year will begin Oct. 1.

[ Suzie Schottelkotte can be reached at suzie.schottelkotte@theledger.com or 863-533-9070. ]