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Iorio Lays Out Budget Puzzle

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By GEORGE WILKENS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

Updated: 10/15/2007 08:22 pm

TAMPA PALMS - Construction costs for pricey parks like one nearing completion in New Tampa are just the tip of the financial iceberg for financially strapped cities, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio told Kiwanians during her annual address to the local club.

In March, when the 40-acre New Tampa Community Park is scheduled to open, the city must begin paying operating costs, estimated at $500,000 for the initial year, Iorio said at the Kiwanis Club of New Tampa luncheon Oct. 10 at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club.

'We have money to build two more fire stations in New Tampa,' but staffing both facilities around the clock will add millions to the city payroll, she said.

'That's the dilemma local governments face' as populations continue to grow, property tax revenue declines and expenses mount, Iorio said.

'I've got to figure out a way we can do business smarter. We've got to be creative' in reducing operating expenses, 80 percent of which are for wages, benefits and related personnel costs.

'I've got to find a way to reduce that overhead, to reduce the number of people who work for the city,' Iorio told the group of about 65 members of Kiwanis, students in the Kiwanis-sponsored Key Club and guests.

For example, creating partnerships with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs might provide a way to economically staff city recreation facilities, Iorio said.

Reflecting a 10.5 percent cut in the city property tax rate, the mayor's budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 resulted in the elimination of more than 200 full- and part-time positions.

Job cuts, which focused on the parks department, generally spared the police department. 'I just don't want a single officer to be eliminated,' Iorio said, while adding that New Tampa enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the city.

On another topic, Iorio said the Tampa Bay area desperately needs efficient mass transit.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority board created by the Legislature in May is a step in the right direction, but devising a plan for the seven member counties will take about two years, Iorio said. 'You're probably looking at a good 10 years away' before some sort of system is operational, she said.

The club presented Iorio with a $250 Mayor's Youth Corps contribution.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4847 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

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