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Lake Jackson to fill only existing positions
Published August 27, 2009
After reading Frank Fox’s letter regarding comments indicating the city of Lake Jackson is giving pay raises and hiring people when others are facing tough economic times and taking necessary steps to deal with them, my first reaction was not to respond, thinking he was just misinformed. However, after receiving a few phone calls regarding the same, I decided to respond to hopefully clarify the city’s actions.
The city, specifically the city manager and staff, are doing all possible to deal with a very difficult budget situation. A hiring freeze was enacted early in the year and 25 positions have been open for some time. Our people have done a remarkable job in keeping up with services to the best of their ability short of staff. This shortage of people has put a difficult strain on existing staff, and the cost benefit of savings comes in question when overtime, fatigue and safety become a concern.
With more than 200 water line breaks due to this summer’s drought, we no longer can provide timely repairs with the department being short staff. Therefore, City Council has authorized in the new budget to bring this department up to previous staff levels to handle the load. There is no increase in people, only fulfilling existing open positions. We also must — by directive of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — put in two new water wells accounting for a significant portion of the water rate increase.
Mr. Fox also indicated “substantial” pay raises. Please note there are absolutely no, repeat, no pay raises in fiscal year 2009-10 budget.
All employees received a one-time 3 percent lump sum from the savings in this year’s budget. All performed exceptionally well in doing all possible to keep the city going under very difficult conditions. The tax rate for the city will remain at 0.39 per 100, for fiscal 2009-10, however, this is a 0.2 percent increase over the effective rate. Copies of the budget are available at City Hall.
In two well-advertised public hearings, there was no public input, and on our final meeting Monday, no residents were present to express input or concerns on the budget.
Mr. Fox’s letter points out the need to be involved in your city and express your input. In like manner, it provides for necessary information in order to be well informed. Well informed residents are our desire and we will do all possible to work to that end.
Bob Sipple is mayor of Lake Jackson.
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