Question 5 for Saline City Council Candidates: How Will You Make Spending Decisions?

Question: Saline has cut back in many departments and rolled back employee benefits, and depending on the economy and state government, more spending cuts may necessary. Describe the approach you will take to spending decisions.

Linda TerHaar

Seek ways to reduce operational costs before reducing services. Consider one-time investments in equipment or technology if they will provide reduction in ongoing costs. Similarly, look for opportunities in grants or special programs that would enable the city to reduce ongoing costs.

Jim Peters

This is a national problem. We will need to take a case by case approach when reviewing spending.

Jim Roth

The burden of cutbacks (when needed) must be done fairly in every budget category. Spending funds on special projects should be assessed and be a part of the cutback equation.

John Heller

I believe that if cuts to employee benefits and compensation need to be made, they should be made at the top. There are a number of city staff members that are now making salaries in the six figure range. For a city the size of Saline, that seems out of proportion, and therefore it is a good place to look when making cuts.

As your question indicates benefits for all employees, especially the lowest paid have already been cut.  That being the case, I believe it's time to look at cutting those most able to withstand further stringencies—those at the top.