When I began writing this blog, I knew that not all of my opinions would be very popular. This is one of those times. Today starts the count down to the end of the contract for Fort Lauderdale City Manager George Gretsas. To some, July 31 will be a momentous day for this 99 year old city, to others a sad day indeed.
On Wednesday, July 7, the City Manager will present his proposed budget for the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year. Tthe process to balance this years budget is not going to be an easy task. No layoffs, no raise of the mileage rate and no cuts in city services as directed by the current City Commission. The city does have a large reserve, or rainy day fund. I am sure that the fund will be reduced to acceptable standards as well as a way to help balance the budget. This years budget is just like the large container ships currently docked at Port Everglades and is in need of an experienced captain.
In his 6 years as City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, George Gretsas for good or bad has spearheaded the budget process. His tenure began as the city was just recovering from the brink of bankruptcy. Our reserves bloomed and our rainy day is here. Is now really the time to relieve the captain of his duties?
So, on July 31 what do we do? The obvious scenario is that George Gretsas is put out on the street, assuming he has not landed other employment. The City Commission would then have to appoint an Acting City Manager whose main task is to be brought immediately up to speed and complete the budget process by the October 1 deadline. This writer feels that this is an unacceptable option.
What I am suggesting that we do is to keep Mr. Gretsas on a month to month basis until the completion of the budget process. This will allow the citizens of Fort Lauderdale continuity of leadership. The budget process, though difficult will have an easier path towards its passage. This will also allow the City Commission to begin the long awaited process of seeking a new City Manager, either through a search firm (i do believe a RFP would be required), or through direct interviews. Let us not allow this ship to sail without an experienced captain at the helm.
So I put this question to the City Commission, what happens on the 32nd day?
On Wednesday, July 7, the City Manager will present his proposed budget for the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year. Tthe process to balance this years budget is not going to be an easy task. No layoffs, no raise of the mileage rate and no cuts in city services as directed by the current City Commission. The city does have a large reserve, or rainy day fund. I am sure that the fund will be reduced to acceptable standards as well as a way to help balance the budget. This years budget is just like the large container ships currently docked at Port Everglades and is in need of an experienced captain.
In his 6 years as City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, George Gretsas for good or bad has spearheaded the budget process. His tenure began as the city was just recovering from the brink of bankruptcy. Our reserves bloomed and our rainy day is here. Is now really the time to relieve the captain of his duties?
So, on July 31 what do we do? The obvious scenario is that George Gretsas is put out on the street, assuming he has not landed other employment. The City Commission would then have to appoint an Acting City Manager whose main task is to be brought immediately up to speed and complete the budget process by the October 1 deadline. This writer feels that this is an unacceptable option.
What I am suggesting that we do is to keep Mr. Gretsas on a month to month basis until the completion of the budget process. This will allow the citizens of Fort Lauderdale continuity of leadership. The budget process, though difficult will have an easier path towards its passage. This will also allow the City Commission to begin the long awaited process of seeking a new City Manager, either through a search firm (i do believe a RFP would be required), or through direct interviews. Let us not allow this ship to sail without an experienced captain at the helm.
So I put this question to the City Commission, what happens on the 32nd day?
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