Review of more than $8 million in reductions on tap at retreat while business meeting to tackle fiber contract, surplus property list and housing initiatives
Ashland.news staff report
The Ashland City Council will hold its annual retreat on Monday, Dec. 1, when it takes a broader look at policy with an eye to longer range direction.
This year’s retreat will focus on finances, with councilors due to receive a presentation from city staff highlighting the more than $8 million in reductions and operational changes Ashland has undertaken over the last biennium to stabilize city coffers as expenses continue to outpace revenue.
Despite recent increases to public safety, wildfire risk reduction, and park fees, the city eliminated its information technology director and multiple positions in the police and fire departments, along with positions in the Parks & Recreation Department.
The parks department has also reduced splash pad and restroom hours and has scaled back maintenance at neighborhood and community parks.
Nonetheless, further cuts, including consolidating or divesting city-owned buildings, are up for discussion. According to city documents, shuttering buildings could reduce maintenance schedules and generate one-time revenues.
The meeting documents note that amid the reductions, the city moved forward with major technology upgrades intended to streamline operations and reduce long-term staffing demands. Funding was maintained for cloud-based software transitions, document digitization, payroll and utility billing system updates, and support for childcare grants and unhoused services.
The meeting documents note that the city also added new fire and emergency services positions within Ashland Fire & Rescue.
Additionally, the documents note that collective bargaining agreements exceeded earlier budget estimates, which prompted further cuts. Meantime, the meeting documents note that healthcare costs have increased across the board, costing the city nearly $1 million.
If time allows, the city will also review its facilities masterplan.
Business meeting Tuesday
During the council’s Tuesday, Dec. 2, business meeting, councilors will review Ashland’s fiber network contract for final approval for nearly $1.2 million.
Staff will also request approval to begin gathering a list of its surplus property for potential divestment or consolidation. The city will also discuss using its affordable housing fund to issue requests for proposals and address housing needs in Ashland.
Monday’s retreat starts at 1 p.m., Tuesday’s business meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Ashland City Council chamber at 1175 E. Main St. Proceedings are cablecast live on Channel 9 (or 180), streamed online at rvtv.sou.edu (RVTV Prime), and posted online the day after the meeting.
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at stevem@ashland.news.
