City 'falls short' half million

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WESTFIELD The rising costs of doing business across the city have produced some "surprising" shortfalls in seven departments' FY2008 budgets, collectively totaling an approximate $552,000 deficit, according to city officials.

At last Thursday's City Council meeting, the council opted to refer the FY2008 shortfalls to the Finance Committee for review. The shortfalls have also produced requests for additional funding in several departments' FY2009 budgets, which will be submitted to Mayor Michael Boulanger on Friday.

The seven departments which submitted shortfalls include the Purchasing Department for $60,263.48, the Fire Department for $70,000, the Police Department for $81,000, the Veterans' Department for $160,000, the Health Department for $146,500, the Treasurer's Department for $10,500 and the Personnel Department for approximately $25,000.

Ward One City Councilor Christopher Keefe, also member of the Finance Committee, noted the importance of reviewing these shortfalls prior to the submission of next year's budgets. He explained that the city has approximately $650,000 in free cash, which can be used to cover the shortfalls.

"Historically we haven't had extra money and we probably won't again this year," Keefe said, adding that despite the shortfalls he was "pleasantly surprised" that the city's $120 million budget hadn't produced more obstacles. Keefe also noted the $750,000 in the city's stabilization account which would take a two-thirds majority to use but he added that those funds are not likely to be touched.

Frank Ciancotti, veterans' agent for the Westfield Veterans' Department, said the FY2008 shortfall is due entirely to an increased need for Chapter 115 funding state benefits for military veterans and their families.

He explained that four years ago the department had a budget of approximately $150,000. Ciancotti added that his current budget is for approximately $700,000 due to the increasing number of World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Iraqi War veterans. He said the number of veterans and families in Westfield who receive Chapter 115 funding has risen from approximately 70 to 115 in the past year.

Regardless of the increased cost, Boulanger praised Ciancotti for his diligence to ensuring that Westfield veterans and their families acquire their deserved benefits. He added that he is "not overly concerned" about the shortfalls because "there is still plenty of time" to shift funds within departments as well as utilize the city's free cash.

Margaret Doody, head clerk of the Health Department, said her department's shortfall is due to rubbish hauling fees. She explained that the Westfield landfill had to be closed upon reaching capacity and now the city's rubbish is transported to New York for disposal.

Treasurer Gregory Kallfa said the Treasurer's Department's shortfall includes $6,500 for general expenses (bank service charges), $2,000 for purchase of services (direct deposit stubs and checks) and $2,000 for interest on short-term debt. He added that his FY2008 budget of $1,827,055 will be "pretty consistent" with his proposed FY2009 budget request.

Ward Five City Councilor Richard Onofrey Jr., also member of the Finance Committee, said he and the other members of the committee will be conducting an "extensive review of the [FY2009] budget line by line" in order to ensure proper spending for a balanced budget.

He explained that the committee met with approximately 60 percent of the city department heads when creating last year's fiscal budget. Onofrey also noted last year's large shortfall in the School Department's budget totaling $824,468. He added that he is "confident" the new superintendent, Shirley Alvira, will provide the committee and the council with an extensive review of their budget as well as plans for improvements.

Reviewing the budget every year is "challenging," Onofrey said, adding that he is confident the committee and council will provide the city with a sustainable FY2009 budget.