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Rivals rebuke idea to cut city manager
Anderson council incumbent says move would save about $150K a year
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Anderson City Council incumbent Phil Burnett's suggestion for balancing the city's budget - by firing the city manager - is drawing some sharp criticism from his election opponents.
Burnett, a councilor for seven years, said Friday that he knows it's "a wild idea" to suggest the council consider eliminating City Manager Scott Morgan's job to save about $150,000 a year.
But in light of two recent city layoffs resulting from the building slowdown and several retirees' positions intentionally left vacant, there are fewer employees for the top administrator to manage, Burnett said.
"With all of the downsizing that we've been doing, it occurred to me, where are we heaviest? We're heaviest at the top," he said.
Two of Burnett's three opponents, who are competing with him for three open City Council seats next month, shared surprised reactions Friday.
"That's ridiculous," candidate Melissa Hunt said of firing Morgan. She was appointed to the council in early 2007.
Candidate Norma Comnick, a 12-year veteran of the council, said it has the power to remove the city manager.
But she said she sees no need, considering measures the city has taken under Morgan's leadership to operate within its means. Some $600,000 has been cut from the budget, and the city does not offer post-employment medical benefits to employees, unlike many cities struggling under that weight, she said. Anderson is doing well with its sales tax revenue and holds a budget reserve of about 12 percent, she said.
"We've done a good job on the council and I think we're on the right track to keep the city in good shape," Comnick said.
A fourth council candidate and the only non-incumbent, James Yarbrough, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Comnick said Burnett is known for being controversial at times.
"He marches to his own drumbeat," she said.
She thinks Burnett is airing a personal disagreement he has with Morgan over a city employee who Comnick said is "a challenge," but she preferred Burnett say what the conflict is.
Burnett said the budget-cutting issue isn't personal and has nothing to do with the city employee, whom he declined to name. Nor is his suggestion easy to announce, he said.
"It's about the city. It's not about anything Scott Morgan has done, good or bad. It's about the state of affairs of our country and a market that has gone dry," Burnett said.
Morgan, hired as city manager in 1997, also serves as the city clerk and is paid $121,020 annually, plus health and retirement benefits. Altogether, they cost the city $179,855, a city salary schedule shows.
Morgan could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.
The city laid off two employees in the past year from the planning and building divisions, Assistant City Manager Dana Shigley said. But one was reinstated when grant money again funded a job.
Also in the past year, five people have retired and one police officer took a job elsewhere, Shigley said.
Burnett said if Morgan were fired, Shigley could take over for a smaller salary than her boss.
"We already have Dana. Would we really miss Scott? This is what a council person in my opinion is supposed to do; We're supposed to set policy. We're supposed to set direction," Burnett said.
Hunt said she was the only councilor to vote against giving the city's management a raise this spring.
"They are doing an awesome job, but tough times is tough times," she said.
Still, eliminating either Morgan or Shigley's position isn't the solution, Hunt said.
"They know their stuff. They're an asset to the city," she said.
Burnett agrees that Shigley is "very competent" and does a lot by handling redevelopment, planning and finances.
However, when it comes to Morgan, Burnett said, it wouldn't be fair to simply cut his pay.
"I wouldn't offer Scott less. I would just say, 'I'm sorry. We're going to try to do this without you, because the health of the city's finances is worth more.'"
Reporter Kimberly Ross can be reached at 225-8339 or kross@redding.com.
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 5:27 a.m.
This is the kind of action Redding needs to take to finance a new police station, after the streets are repaired. We need a Phil Burnett to reduce unnecessary fat at the management positions in Redding gov. Vote for change, unless your satisfied with the present Larry, Curly and Moeetta scenario.
Posted by NoCalNative on October 13, 2008 at 6:23 a.m.
That's all well and good to cut preceived fat at the top. What if the decision is made and it doesn't work as intended? The City of Anderson would have ruined any reputation it may have had and will NEVER be able to attract a candidate like Mr. Morgan.
It seems to me that it is a knee-jerk reaction by Mr. Burnett. Certainly times are tough all around, but this type of action doesn't put the City of Anderson in position for the long-term to say the least.
Posted by not2bright on October 13, 2008 at 6:35 a.m.
if you like Phil Burnett, you're going to really like Russell Hunt... Scott Morgan can be the city manager till he retires. he's that good. Every village has an idiot, Mr. Burnett is ours.
Posted by Rhino on October 13, 2008 at 7:18 a.m.
Mr. Burnett, When our corporation had multiple locations it was necessary to place a manager in each of the locations. Then we also had a need for a General Manager to oversee each of the managers. When the economy changed and we downsized to just a few locations, we no longer had a need for the General Manager as each of the location managers could just report directly to the board. That was smart business and saved the corporation alot of money. What you are suggesting is no different. Thats a wise decision. You were elected to do a job, even if it goes against the grain and against special interest. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Patrecia_Barrett on October 13, 2008 at 7:22 a.m.
As far as the Redding City Council election is concerned, let's keep in mind that Missy McArthur is an insurance policy should Murray and Dickerson be voted out of office, and is being endorsed by the same members of the local power structure they have always pandered to. She will continue their legacy of driving the city toward bankruptcy by pouring our tax dollars into an endless series of frills at the expense of basic services (which is why there is so much money behind her campaign).
Please vote for Gary Cadd, who is endorsed by fiscally conservative City Council member Patrick Jones. It would be nice to finally have a majority on the Council (Bosetti, Jones, and Cadd) who will address the needs of the average citizen instead of promoting the profit-motivated schemes of a priviledged few.
Posted by Diogenes on October 13, 2008 at 7:31 a.m.
People that reach top levels in an organization usually attain (but not always) that position because they are top performers. Eliminating the top positions just to save money is poor economics. A last in first out mentality is required.
The City Council needs to provide leadership by submitting a plan that reorganizes the positions required with the personnel retained. This may require expanding responsibilities downward across lines of organizations. Those that cannot or will not accept the required multitasking best look for employment elsewhere.
Posted by bigmamajama on October 13, 2008 at 7:36 a.m.
in response to not2bright
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Diogenes on October 13, 2008 at 7:39 a.m.
Posted by Patricia Barrett
"Please vote for Gary Cadd, who is endorsed by fiscally conservative City Council member Patrick Jones. It would be nice to finally have a majority on the Council (Bosetti, Jones, and Cadd) who will address the needs of the average citizen instead of promoting the profit-motivated schemes of a priviledged few".
Well spoken.
Posted by bikeegirl on October 13, 2008 at 8 a.m.
In lean times that we are in now, Patrecia could be right. The council people are spending frivilously. A redesigned less frilly police department would of been just fine. Sidewalks are a great idea by schools that were not built eons ago. Mistletoe is a perfect example since it is now a thouroughfare. Money for parks and recreation is a great idea, just not as high tech as "Big League Dreams". Grants from the state will be harder to get. Hopefully the stimulus package from the federal government will help Shasta County. Cal Trans did a super job building the sidewalk on the miracle mile hill (nice and wide). Just need to convince them to put in an access trail between Hwy 44 and Walmart so bicycles can have a safer travel then getting off at 44 & Victor, heading north on the narrow sections on Victor and Dana or Old Oregon trail hills up to the flat areas, or allowing us to get off at 44 and Victor and continue on West bound ramp of 44 to the access sidewalk or trail to Dana & Friendly. To be used by walkers and bicyclists.
Posted by crosemeyer3 on October 13, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.
in response to Prancer2
I don't have cable. Intertubes feed?
Posted by Patrecia_Barrett on October 13, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.
crosemeyer3,
I just heard on the radio that the candidate's debate will also be aired on Channel 9 (7 p.m. on Thurday the 16th for Redding cadidates, and 7 p.m. On Friday the 17th for Anderson).
Posted by LucidDream on October 13, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.
If the idea is not personal, as Burnett claims, then why is he not advocating the firing of the Assistant City Manager? That would seem to make much more sense if you were to eliminate someone near the top. It tells me that Burnett is acting on a personal feeling and that is not appropriate so guess what? Burnett needs to go.
Posted by taxmancometh on October 13, 2008 at 9:04 a.m.
What a pile of twisted logic by Mr. Burnett.
If you're heavier at the top, start by saying no to the endless parade of pay raises or cutting some of the assistant/deputy city manager types, NOT by lopping off the head of the organization.
I like Councilwoman Melissa Hunt: "That's ridiculous!" She took her own responsible stand earlier, she withheld her vote for giving him a raise. At least she has some common sense.
Burnett just made it easy to decide to which one really doesn't deserve to get (re)elected.
Posted by taueropoo on October 13, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.
Anderson could eliminate its city council and save 250 thousand in insurance benies(5 council memebers at 50 thousand ea.) being payed out -- then they could let Mr. Morgan do the job he's trained for............
Posted by bman512 on October 13, 2008 at 9:41 a.m.
If an organization is not performing it's usually the people at the top who are at fault. They're the people who are most responsible for fixing issues, but it's the people at the bottom who get cut.
It's one of the biggest problems with American organizations. Cut the people who do the work so the heads of staff can keep messing up.
Who knows what the case is in the city of Anderson, but it would be interesting to hear from some of the people who work there outside of city council to hear how they feel about things.
Posted by rockydog on October 13, 2008 at 9:58 a.m.
in response to taueropoo
Are you really saying we should eliminate the people's representation? Are we not still a country with elected representation? Scott's a great city manager but I am sure he would not support that move. And by the way where did you get that figure for the council insurance? Check out the 08-09 budget and get your facts straight. It's right on the city's website.
Posted by ryoung4227 on October 13, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
What stands out to me the most about Mr. Burnett is he feels he could fire Mr. Morgan (Male) and give the same job to Ms. Shigley (Female) for less Money. If she is qualified she should get the same pay as Mr. Morgan.
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 10:10 a.m.
The guy who came up with the idea to sell Burito Bandito 2 city lots for $1 should be fired, but I heard Little Ken tried to hire him to get rid of Some of Reddings excess property.
Posted by not2bright on October 13, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.
in response to 420
those lots were available to anyone who wanted them, provided that they were willing to meet the conditions involved in the sale. burnett's a wingnut!
Posted by justgetitright on October 13, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.
Mr. Burnett should be cautious of his comments and understand his role. Unfortunately, no one can teach common sense - hopefully us voters will recognize an idiot when we "read" one. Clearly he has a personal issue (or is it personnel). Regardless, go read the newly adopted legislature Mr. Burnett before making such ridiculous comments. Good job, Ms. Hunt on making a statement instead of Ms. Cominick who says - ah yeah we can do that...geez.
Posted by gladtobehere on October 13, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
These are tough times, which call for tough decisions. You've got my vote Mr. Burnett. It's time we cut out the fat jobs.
Posted by Clearcut on October 13, 2008 at 12:46 p.m.
Phil, You gotta quit sniffing glue.
Posted by ransomed1 on October 13, 2008 at 12:48 p.m.
That is a BIG salary for such a small town...
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.
in response to not2bright
NO, those lots were NOT available to anyone else- you are incorrect
Posted by not2bright on October 13, 2008 at 1:05 p.m.
in response to 420
"Work has started on the building, which would include another restaurant beside Burrito Bandito. Owners Paul and Sheryl LaBarbera purchased the two parcels in April for a buck. But the deal was they have to spend $1.1 million developing the site."
This was performed with development money. Instead of whinning, perhaps you should contact the city regarding other lots available and the requirements. Maybe you and Mr. Burnett can share a happy meal.
Posted by Another_Acronym on October 13, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
in response to not2bright
420's short term memory must be gone because the fiirst articles about Burrito Bandito buying the lots stated all the criteria they had to meet.
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 1:23 p.m.
in response to not2bright
Don't be rude You are mistaken
Posted by jericho on October 13, 2008 at 1:48 p.m.
in response to 420
Read this -http://www.redding.com/news/2008/apr/01/burrito-bandito-may-buy-anderson-lots/
The lots were for sale to anyone willing and able to comply with the restrictions set forth by the city.
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 1:56 p.m.
in response to Another_Acronym
You two idiots must think putting $250k worth of improvements into a lot and selling it for $1 is sound business. I don't! Even though redevelopment funds were used, after all , it's still taxpayer money. Is this how you run your business? I'll bet you two are Turtle Bay and Big League Dreams supporters, judging how rude you are. This is why most people don't trust the government.
Posted by jrdsmiles on October 13, 2008 at 2:44 p.m.
in response to crosemeyer3
It will be simulcast on CH 9 KIXE
Posted by jrdsmiles on October 13, 2008 at 2:48 p.m.
Let me encourage everyone to watch The Live Candidates' Forum this Thursday (10/16/2008)for Redding City Council Candidates and this Friday (10/17/2008) for Anderson City Council Candidates on Redding Community Access Channel 11 beginning at 7 PM....and simulcast on CH9 KIXE It's LIVE ~
It is important to listen before you vote!
For more info go here:
http://www.accessredding.org/rdgforum.htm
Carl Bott is the Moderator the media questioners are Bruce Ross of the R/S and Colin McAvoy of CH7.
Sharon Waranius is the Producer. Should be a great forum lots of City issues to be considered.
If you want a question asked go to the website and type in the ? you want the answer to!
This would be a good chance to send in a question to the Anderson Forum asking why Phil feels this way?
Posted by not2bright on October 13, 2008 at 3:46 p.m.
in response to 420
I apologize for the rudeness, I let my feelings towards Mr Burnett firing the city manager get to me. Sincerely, 420, if you knew everything that Scott Morgan has done, you'd change you mind. Scott Morgan is no Mike Warren. We don't have a TB or Field Of Nightmares. Anderson has a new teen center and skateboard park for kids. Much money has been spent on infrasture and street repairs. Don't let Mr. Burnett's vendetta cloud your judgement of Scott Morgan.
Posted by thebigfig on October 13, 2008 at 5:36 p.m.
I think there is way to much fat in Federal, State and Local Govt. Also big business. And when times are hard like they are now, the little guy and hourly employees are the ones that take it up the kazoo. The bottom people have to take cuts while the uppers suck things dry until it all runs out.
Posted by 420 on October 13, 2008 at 5:38 p.m.
in response to not2bright
You should be proud of Anderson, I hear good things about the citys willingness to work with new business.
Posted by DemocratsAreTheProblem on October 13, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.
Having been involved with City of Anderson in an official capacity years past,,,I believe removing of City Manager Scott Morgan is a wrong move. Scott has proven time again his worth to the city of Anderson.
I would suggest that the role of assistant manager be scrutinized for removal. I have always felt that the assistant city manager is not a role that is needed. Indeed, this post will come under those that do not agree. But I ask that you investigate the daily duties of the assistant city manager and I believe you will find that it is a role not needed.
The city manager can easily fulfill the additional role of the assistant manager.
Wake up Anderson and review the role of assistant city manager and how easily this position is not needed.
Posted by DemocratsAreTheProblem on October 13, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.
As to Phil, he has indeed been a city council member for may years. During that time Phil has displayed again and again how he loves to throw a wrench at City of Anderson. As history shows for Phil voting record he is a very confused individual.
Phil loves to announce outrageous statements to gain attention for himself. City of Anderson has many wonderful city council members,,,but Phil is not one of them. Phil has proven that he is nothing more than a person that loves to manipulate the press to garnish attention to himself....is such behavior beneficial to the residents of City of Anderson?
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