The Grand Rapids Press 02/13/12
“Grand Rapids spending from Transformation Fund hits $2.5 million this year”
The purchase of three ‘quick-response vehicles’ for the fire department will push spending from the city’s Transformation Fund to almost $2.5 million in the current fiscal year, according to a report.
Other “transformation” spending from the current year:
10 police officers – The fund will pay $1 million for the cops this year and each of the next three years, with hopes that the police department transforms operations by the 2015-2016 fiscal year to maintain service levels without those 10 officers.
15 firefighters – The fund is paying about $200,000 this year for two firefighters, with a federal grant covering the cost of 13 others. The fund is saving what it would have spent on those 13 firefighters and will use that money to pay the firefighters once the grant expires.
Cemetery sustainability – The fund paid $20,000 for a consultant to recommend how to eliminate a general-fund subsidy to the cemeteries. City officials will explore outsourcing some cemetery functions.
Golf course sustainability – The fund paid $20,000 for a consultant to recommend how to make Indian Trails Golf Course profitable. A report advised adding a driving range and shortening the course to nine holes, and also encourages a management partnership with Kent County.
Police/fire consolidation - The fund is paying $69,000 for a consultant to study consolidation potential with Kentwood and Wyoming.
“Quick-response" fire trucks - City Commission this week OK’d spending $872,900 of Transformation Fund money on three miniature fire trucks that Fire Chief Laura Knapp hopes can help her department become more efficient.
Fee study – The fund is paying $50,000 for a consultant to analyze city fees and fines to make sure the full cost of services are being reimbursed. A report is expected in March.
3-1-1 communication system – City Commission has OK’d spending $225,000 in Transformation Fund money to explore a 3-1-1 customer service system that would give people a single point of access into City Hall.
Transformation Fund money comes mostly from a 5-year income-tax increase that Grand Rapids voters approved in 2010. Administrators plan to spend the money in ways that they think will re-invent public services, making the city financially sustainable for the future.
Common Sense Review
Where do I start?
The Grand Rapids Press 01/21/12
“Road money runs out in Grand Rapids”
City leaders say Grand Rapids will soon run out of money for critical infrastructure projects, including repairs to pothole-ridden or crumbling streets.
The Grand Rapids Press 02/08/12
“Grand Rapids commissioner upset that 'Medical Mile' study looks east, not west”
A nearly $1 million Michigan Street planning process that has garnered several grants and spawned a board game now is drawing fire from a First Ward representative who says the project neglects the city’s West Side.
I get tired of the lies and manipulation for the tax payers money… By the way, I decided to become a consultant; apparently they get paid to give their opinion…
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