08/24/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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iv l S h/da,t,,e 0.0-1,1/24 c,:c C ft4o 1 August 24, 2009 To: City Council From: Lino Lakes Employees Who Are Members of AFSCME Subject: Serving Lino Lakes Residents in a Challenging Situation We employees of the City of Lino Lakes recognize that the City is facing a situation it has never before encountered. We recognize that the recession has created difficult budgetary challenges for the City Council and the department directors. We appreciate their efforts to deal with the challenges. The people who deliver the services to Lino Lakes residents are concerned about the potential reduction or elimination of services. We hope that the people on the City Council recognize that the services provided to the residents are delivered by people—employees--not by numbers on a list. We provide multiple services that Lino Lakes residents and businesses expect and deserve. Each of our individual roles provides on a daily basis an important part of the services to the community. We know better than anyone how the residents are helped and how they will be affected if these services are no longer available. This is true of those of us in AFSCME as well as employees in other collective bargaining units. Budget decisions will affect not only our lives, but all residents of Lino Lakes. The August 6 memo from the Finance Director offered many budget options for consideration. We are encouraged that you are looking at all possible options. We ask that we be involved in discussions of eliminating the delivery of services which so thoroughly involve and depend on us. The actions that would affect employees and service delivery raise many questions. We ask that you not make assumptions without talking with us. We would like to work cooperatively to solve problems. We believe this is the best way to serve the citizens of Lino Lakes.