Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

NORTH PROVIDENCE -- The town could save more than $2 million and potentially avoid layoffs and tax hiked if employees take no pay for 10 work days between now and June 30, Mayor Charles Lombardi said yesterday.

Thus far, he said, none of the union's counter proposals to the request are workable.

The discussion is part of Lombardi's calculations for absorbing a projected cut in state aid this fiscal year. The governor's proposed mid-year budget would slash North Providence's aid by $3.6 million.

Lombardi said he hopes the proposed cut can be downsized can be reduced, and he also hopes that the town can save other additional money through changes in pensions, staffing requirements for firefighters and other reforms changes.

With those changes, he said, the town might be able to sustain a significant cut in state aid cut without layoffs or additional taxes, he said.

He said he fears an extra $500 in taxes might push some families over the edge. So so he is proposing that all town workers, including himself, work 10 days for free.

"Maybe it's time to give back to a town that's given so much to you," he said.

Lombardi put the request to employees during talks with union leaders over the past month.

Lombardi met with unions representing 77 police officers, 106 firefighters, about 60 municipal workers, 400 teachers, and about 34 public works employees. He has been offered counter proposals from the municipal workers and teachers unions.

He limited his comments on the discussions, saying that he hopes he can reach some agreements with employees in the near future.

He emphasized that the town is not in a position to repay employees at some later date for any concessions they might make now in the current budget year.

"That's basically not saving," he said. "That's basically not saving. We will be creating another unfunded liability."

 Tags  North Providence RI

Comments

peter said:

"Maybe it's time to give back to a town that's given so much to you," he said.
WHAT?

how about including free drycleaning for all town employees? that sounds like a fair trade-off to me, little man. but you dont want your pocket to take the hit, just them, right...? right.

Link | February 3, 2009 11:30 AM
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John Doe said:

I think that Charlie Lombardi lives in a fantasy land. Does he realize that many of the town employees have mortgages, kids and TOWN TAXES to pay. Maybe town employees that live in the town should have their taxes reduced by the amount they are losing. This is what happens when the town elects somebody with short mans complex.

Link | February 3, 2009 11:34 AM
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dude3 said:

There are only 70 police officers, not 77.

Link | February 3, 2009 11:59 AM
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msdpok said:

Does anybody realize how much monet the town would save by removing the SUV the dictator is driving, and also asking him to work for no pay? I mean after all it's not like he doesn't have other income?? It also appears that the mayor has a vindictive side to him when it comes to the Firefighters? AND I QUOTE!!
"Lombardi said he hopes the proposed cut can be downsized can be reduced, and he also hopes that the town can save other additional money through changes in pensions, staffing requirements for firefighters and other reforms changesIt also appears that the mayor has a vindictive side to him when it comes to the Firefighters"
GOD HELP YOU PEOPLE IF YOU LOSE YOU FIRE DEPARTMENT!! I would suggest you impeach this mayor!!

Link | February 3, 2009 5:36 PM
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Ve said:

I would totally give a few days back to ensure I still had a job, health benefits, seniority, etc. If I was there for the good, I should be there for the bad. Beats having nothing at all and competing against hundrens of others for jobs in this market.

Link | February 3, 2009 5:45 PM
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