Phoenix Budget Crisis II: Government Union Shenanigans Never Stop

Posted: 2014-04-11

From the desk of Councilman Sal DiCiccio:

Mayor Stanton and some on the Council are already talking of tax increases and fee increases as the way to balance the $38 million budget deficit.  The politicians are talking about raising the food tax and even placing a tax on 911 calls – yes, calls for emergency services.  

They want to take more from you so they can give more to their pals.  The government unions.

Here are some facts that staff is hiding from you – buried in the budget – not presented at one budget hearing.  Read them and then decide if you think your family should bear the brunt of the cuts and tax increases:

• $150 million – amount of pay raises doled out since the food tax was imposed on you and your family.
• $19 million – amount in new pay raises in this budget.  More pay raises for themselves and budget cuts for you.
• 40.5 days – number of days off an entry level clerk gets in their first year.  The budget adds more days off for themselves.
• $17 million - amount for a second retirement 401k plan.  In addition to their pensions.
• $107,470 - current average cost per employee for over 14,000 employees.  Proposed budget will raise the average cost higher.
• 12 million hours - amount of accrued vacation and sick leave taxpayers still owe employees.  Staff gets to roll over time off year after year then cash it in at the higher retirement rate.
• $283 million - amount of total retirement paid out this year alone (pension, medical, comp).
• $8.5 million - amount paid out last year alone for time off payouts at retirement.
• $2.4 billion - amount of unfunded pension debt Phoenix owes today (you owe).

The Solution is easy: Stop the pay raises, no cuts to police or their pay, cut vacant positions.  Cutting the pay raises saves $19 million alone.  Staff has identified $9 million in savings through deferred vehicle replacements and efficiency measures.  And through a combination of cutting vacant positions and selling surplus property, Phoenix can climb out of the looming deficit.

To suggest we make those seeking medical attention, victims of crime or those reporting a crime weigh whether their emergency is worth a 911 tax is not only irrational, it’s also irresponsible.

http://arizonafreedomalliance.ning.com/group/watchingphoenix/forum/topics/phoenix-budget-crisis-ii?xg_source=msg_mes_network

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