Winslow Councilwoman Revisits Council’s Retire/Rehire Decision

By Sam Conner
   During Tuesday’s Winslow City Council meeting, Councilwoman Judy Howell read a news article on the cost of early retirement and rehires’ double dipping. The council adopted a retire-rehire program in late 2009 by a 4-3 vote after much heated discussion. The article noted that Utah and New Mexico officials are considering changing their laws on this subject.
   Howell also asked that the Smartworks contract be a future agenda item on March 23, and that the city contact state officials and other states for information on the cost and effects of the retire-rehire program.
   City Engineer Mark Woodson reported on Renaissance II projects that included work on downtown streets from Williamson to Berry avenues. Renaissance III from Fleming to Hipkoe in west Winslow should be under construction by about June. Renaissance V is nearly ready for community input and planning. Renaissance IV funds have been swept back by the state. Work from Transcon Lane to east Winslow will be in that project when funding becomes available.
   Allan Rosenbaum reported on proposals for a well field and new wastewater treatment plant.
   Librarian Docia Blaylock reported briefly on planning and progress for the city’s new library facility.
   City Manager Jim Ferguson reported that the state legislature has not yet been able to prepare requests for proposals (RFP) for the proposed private prison project. This will likely not be completed and a contract awarded until June or later. Other communities have become interested in these projects in these tough economic times. Winslow is still a serious contender for the projects, and Ferguson believes the community has a good chance of success.
   Sixteen city employees received awards for their years of service. Diane Yazzie, Eve Zaccarias and Marshall Larsen were honored for five years of service; Allan Rosenbaum, Lawrence Basat, Ramon Baca and Afton Foster, 10 years; Linda O’Haco and Susie Kaufman, 15 years; James Hernandez, Melcor Salazar, Roger Conatser, Dale Patton and Tom Gilbert, 20 years; Steve Lopez, 25 years; and Ben Montiel, 35 years.
   Finance Director Regina Reffner gave the November financial report and concluded that even with only four or five months of data recorded, it is apparent that the city can no longer “ride out” the economic recession. Although the general fund expenditure budget for the current year was reduced already by $2 million compared to last year’s budget, staff will need to revisit the budget and make more cuts to keep the budget balanced. She did note that the city is still in better shape financially than many communities in the state.