ROGER MARIETTA: Albany leads way with cost cuts, service

The city of Albany, under the leadership of Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, the City Commission and City Manager James Taylor, leads the way with significant accomplishments.

As I review, Mr. Taylor’s bold five-year plan, announced three years ago, is coming to fruition. He stated a goal of reducing the number of non-WGL employees from 910 to 860 to prepare for the year 2018 when the MEAG credits would end. We have achieved part of that goal by asking the staff to further reduce and consolidate as retirement and attrition would allow.

Importantly, these goals did not include public safety personnel, such as police and firefighters. The staff came together and cut nearly $3 million in costs from the previous year’s budget. The audit report for FY 2013 (FY ending June 30, 2013) showed that we had built up our reserve fund by $1.5 million while cutting the overall budget.

The same audit showed we have separated out our “Job Creation Fund” of $9.2 million (currently at $11 million-plus) to encourage new industry. This year’s budget is coming in under budget while we tackle new challenges mandated by state and federal governments.

At the same time, our city manager has consolidated departments and, with the help of Tom Berry, interim WG&L manager, has been able to reduce 29 positions at WG&L, saving another $1.5 million.

While operating in a lean and efficient way, our police department has helped by lowering the crime rate for the last three years and reducing the murder rate to the lowest in three decades.

The fire department has continually improved on its stellar performance, even upgrading the 911 system to ensure a more rapid response.

Our public works department has elevated its great customer service in concert with the award-winning 311 system.

Every city department has contributed to improving the city’s service and infrastructure across the board while cutting personnel and expenses.

Recently, an out-of-town developer met with our city departments who gathered together to address all his concerns at one time under Mr. Taylor’s “Business First” strategy. He was delighted with their positive and quick response and came away confident that the project he represents would move forward.

I am thankful that James Taylor had the foresight and leadership to move this city forward in an efficient and business-friendly manner. I know he would want me to give credit to the entire team — every city employee, every appointed and elected official, and especially to the people of Albany. The citizens have helped by cleaning up Albany and by reinforcing their neighborhood watches.

The citizens deserve the ultimate credit for their feedback through the 311 system, for their 1 percent SPLOST fund that has rebuilt much of the infrastructure and upgraded the equipment, and for their tax dollars that fund the operation of one of the best-run cities in Georgia.

Roger Marietta teaches political science at Darton State College. He represents Ward IV on the Albany City Commission.