memo update

City Manager memo, dated 2-21-08," As you all know, the recent tax reform easily passed statewide by roughly a 2-1 margin. The margin was even greater in Miami Springs where 72% of those who voted wanted this amendment." The people overwhelmingly want some form of tax relief. One way to provide some relief is to cut expenses. Of the ELEVEN possibilities listed to do that NONE have been implemented. ZERO. ZIP. NADA. 1) No COLA suspension 2) no salary freezes 3) no reduction or adjustment in free health benefits 4) certainly no Across The Board reductions OR any reductions, period 5) no pension buyouts 6) no hiring freeze (in fact tried to add two positions) 7) no end, reduction, or suspension of longevity pay 8) no Part-time city on a 4-day workweek 9) no consolidation or elimination of any depts 10) no elimination, suspension, or reduction of training benefits 11) no govt consolidation of services. The City functions as it always has- no reductions or pain shared there. What DID happen? 1)Garbage and trash fees increased 2) recreation and childcare fees increased significantly, along with building permits and occupational licenses 3) millage rates are up from 6.3% to over 6.4%. All of the changes wound up costing residents more in fees and taxes. When the City Manager says,"None of this will be accomplished without pain", he is obviously talking about the pain to the residents in higher taxes and fees, because City officials have not suffered at all so far- only the struggling residents. Why are they not sharing the pain? There is plenty to go around. A large majority of people voted for tax relief and, instead got their taxes and fees increased significantly by a Mayor and Council that are only focused only on their personal legacies. Their answer to residents losses of jobs, homes, and futures? have another garage sale... just dont ask US to make any sacrifices or share in any way the pain we have caused !!!!