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Q&A
Discussion on Parks Department staffing levels and budget cuts
3:12:28
·
96 sec
Council Member Krishnan questions Commissioner Donoghue about the current staffing levels in the Parks Department following recent budget cuts. The commissioner explains the additions to the budget and the use of seasonal staff, while Matt Drury clarifies that there is still a net loss of 700-800 positions.
- The Parks Department received funding for additional positions, including mechanics and marine debris removal.
- Despite these additions, there is still a net loss of 700-800 positions due to budget cuts.
- The department relies heavily on seasonal staff to supplement their workforce.
Shekar Krishnan
3:12:28
Thank you so much Chair Brannan.
3:12:30
Thank you for your testimony Commissioner.
3:12:31
So just taking a step back for a second.
3:12:34
So we had our preliminary budget proposal from the mayor.
3:12:39
We had seen roughly about an 800 or so give or take reduction in staff because of all the cuts over time.
3:12:48
Now with our executive budget there are a few one shot positions restored.
3:12:54
How does that compare to the 800 positions that we've lost because of successive cuts?
3:13:44
Got it.
3:13:44
But where does that roughly leave us compared to the 800?
Sue Donoghue
3:13:01
Thank you councilmember for the question.
3:13:04
We were pleased with the additions to our budget which I talked about in testimony, the second shift funding.
3:13:12
We had money baseline for mechanics, money for our marine debris removal division that we just talked about.
3:13:20
So we were pleased with the additional staffing that we did receive, and we know we will continue.
3:13:27
And then always at this time of year, have a large influx of seasonal staff that's incredibly helpful that buttresses our resources and our staffing.
3:13:36
So we feel like we are positioned to be able to move forward and get our work done for the summer.
Matt Drury
3:13:48
That is still the if I may.
3:13:51
So the net impact with all the savings targets that have been implemented since the adoption of FY23 moving through FY26, all those saving targets, the net loss will be in the 700 to 800 lines.
3:14:03
So we're still that is still the case.