"This is an important and necessary first step in our ongoing effort to refocus this city on a Common Sense Budget," Benjamin said of the proposal which would return nearly $100,000 to Columbia's General Fund. "It may not be the most significant in terms of dollars saved, but it is vital because of the message it sends."
"Council needs to lead by example and demonstrate to our city employees and residents alike that we are all in this together."
Benjamin also identified five other specific areas where Columbia could realize seven-figure savings without limiting services or laying off employees including Technology Integration, Fleet Management, Administrative Restructuring, and Equipment Purchasing. Combined with a hiring freeze for all non-essential positions, Benjamin's plan would save the city well over $8 Million in the first year.
"We're talking about common sense measures now like paying all city employees with direct deposit and fully integrating our IT infrastructure," Benjamin explained. "The city has been debating these issues for years and it's time to act."
Benjamin says that the city could realize more than $2.7 Million by fully utilizing technology that is readily and cheaply available and could save over $1.3 Million by reducing Columbia's bloated civilian fleet.
"Not counting public safety, the average city has one car for every ten employees while in Columbia that ratio is more like one for every three," Benjamin explained. "That is unacceptable especially when we're asking police officers to work four to a car."
Still, while the savings would be significant, Benjamin explained that the key to maximizing Columbia's promise is through consolidation with Richland County.
"From day one we've been saying that consolidating services like Law Enforcement, Human Resources, and City Planning holds a potential that we can scarcely imagine," Benjamin said. "Furthermore, it's time we took a serious look at any way that we can reduce taxpayer burden."
Benjamin Budget Recommendations
| Council Pay Cut | $ 49,400 1 yr (98,800 for 2 yrs) |
| Hiring Freeze | $2,000,000 |
| Administrative Restructuring | $1,600,000 |
| Fleet Management | $1,300,000 |
| Equipment Purchasing | $400,000 |
| Technology Integration |
$2,700,000 |
| Total Savings |
$8,049,400 |
