Topeka budget cuts sink in
Originally published 01:53 p.m., March 24, 2008
Updated 06:16 p.m., March 24, 2008
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What the City Council says, city administrators must do. And, it’s starting to pack a punch.
Topeka city budget cuts, made last year, have forced city leaders to make some uncomfortable decisions.
Some street lights are being turned off, to save money; fifteen police positions aren’t being filled, because there’s no money to pay new officers; and fire trucks are being taken out-of-service on days when too many firefighters have the day off or call in sick.
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On Friday and Saturday, engine company No. 3 was shut down for the day, city spokesman David Bevens said. He said truck company No. 9 was shut down part of Saturday. On Friday, the engine company was also taken out-of-service for the day.
There’s not always enough overtime money to call off-duty firefighters back to work, said Howard Giles, Topeka Fire Chief.
2008 City Budget Stories
- Topeka budget cuts sink in (March 24, 2008)
- All fire trucks, stations running as scheduled (March 24, 2008)
- Fire department forced to cut costs (March 21, 2008)
“I’d rather us not have to be in that position, to take a unit out-of-service because of staffing and budget issues,” he said. “I don’t like the situation. Selfishly, I don’t want it. But, realistically that’s where we are.”
In addition, animal services are limited. If animals are too sick, they might not be picked up by dog catchers. Another example, animals at the zoo won't get the preventive care they need and it will take veterinarians longer to respond to needy animals.
Today's staffing
Tonight, all fire trucks and stations in Topeka are operating normally. Over the weekend, two trucks were taken out-of-service because too many firefighters were off or called in sick. No fire stations were ever shut down. More truck shut downs are expected.
Last August, council members ordered the City Manager to reduce a half-million dollars from the budget. And, we’re just now seeing the results.
The City Manager released a list of cuts to the city council earlier this month, said Bevens.
“There’s some concern, in regards to the services the city will provide,” city manager Norton Bonaparte said. “We are doing within the budget, as allocated, the best we can to manage. But, that does not mean that things will be continuing the same as they had in the past.”
Bonaparte said Topeka isn’t unique. Many cities across the country are also dealing with similar budget problems.
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