Portage facing pending deficit, mayor says

PORTAGE | Mayor James Snyder warned the City Council during its meeting Tuesday night the city is facing major issues.

And, with each day, he said, new issues are arising.

"We are still getting surprised every day with issues. Before we have a plan, we need to assess the situations and then we can get together to do planning," Snyder said.

Snyder's comments came after Portage Councilman Mark Oprisko suggested a strategic planning committee be put together of himself, Snyder, Council President Sue Lynch and staff members to address needs of the city.

Issues in the city, facing a $1.9 million budget deficit, is trash pick-up and recycling, health insurance and personnel, Snyder said.

"I still understand cars are important, stickers are important," he said, addressing Oprisko's call to inventory city vehicles and have them identified with decals. "We have to assess the situation. We are holding the city employees highly responsible."

Snyder called on city department heads to outline some of the issues they're facing.

For Fire Chief Tom Fieffer, it is having to change radio equipment to meet federal government narrow banding requirements by the end of the year and purchasing equipment, such as turnout gear for firefighters.

For Police Chief Troy Williams, it is the radio issue and the need to replace weapons.

And for Park Superintendent Jen Orsburn, it is the need to find $245,000 for an elevator at Woodland Park to meet ADA requirements.

"We have serious issues we are dealing with," Synder said, adding they are working on some issues such as taking away several take-home cars and enforcing strict comp time rules.

"It is our priority to get this under control," he said.