STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-March 31, 2020-In an effort to stay ahead of the anticipated impacts of the coronavirus, the city is adapting to the changing environment now, so that it can be in a better position in the coming months.
“While we believe this situation is temporary, I think it is prudent to plan for the long haul,” said City Manager Gary Suiter. “There are no easy solutions and we don’t have all the answers yet, but by addressing these shortfalls now, we’ll be in a more resilient position when the community starts recovery.”
With early calculations showing the city’s general fund operating budget being impacted between $3.5 to $4.5 million because of the coronavirus, city staff and services will see changes to accommodate the projected shortfall.
City management has identified about $1.5 million in operating cuts and another $900,000 in payroll reductions. In addition, city staff will be recommending to City Council that unappropriated reserve funds be used to cover the balance, in the amount of approximately $1.6 million. These three areas- operating cuts, salary reductions, and use of reserves-will get the city to the $4 million target. The city will also consider cuts to this year’s capital projects if necessary.
“The city’s focus remains on maintaining city services to the highest possible levels in light of the reduced revenues while avoiding further reductions in services and layoffs,” commented City Council President Jason Lacy. “As we know, the road we travel is an uncharted one, but I truly believe by acting now and working together, we’ll come out the other side better.”
Salaried employees will see a 10% pay reduction. In addition, full-time employees working 40 hours per week will be reduced to 36 hours. City offices will soon be closed on Fridays. These measures will take effect beginning April 12 and provide $900,000+ toward the budget deficit.
Select positions in the Police Department, Fire/EMS Department and transportation (SST) will continue to work their regular shift hours. City offices, including City Hall, Centennial Hall, Parks & Recreation, the Steamboat Springs Police lobby and streets, fleet and SST offices, will soon operate Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 5:30pm and be closed on Fridays.
“I’m extremely proud of how city employees have stepped up during this stressful time, while making personal sacrifices to ensure our city continues to operate,” praised Suiter. “I’ve never been prouder of the work of our staff and how the entire Steamboat Springs community has come together.”
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Contact
Gary Suiter, City Manager, 970.871.8204 or email
Jason Lacy, City Council President, 970.819.8643 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email