Gloucester City: Councilman Marchese Says City Union Members must realize Sacrifices Will Have to be Made

Gloucester City Councilman Nick Marchese, (PHOTO) chairman of the finance committee, made the following prepared statement at the February 28^th council meeting on the state of this year\’s budget preparation.

 

\”I want to address this year\’s budget. The Finance Committee has been meeting to complete the review of the departmental budget requests.

We need the support of our citizens and our City employees to understand the financial difficulties the City and the State are having.

 

As we meet with each of the seven unions that represent our employees we want to make sure that the people who work through those unions know exactly what is going on with the negotiations of their contracts.

 

Some representatives are stating that they will not accept any less benefits then they are receiving now.

 

The City\’s current concerns are Longevity and Sick Time buy back. We have made no secret about that. These are things that are not happening in many other places in the state that are happening here now.

 

The City can no longer keep up with the high cost of health costs, increases in pensions, and the many capital improvements the City needs.

 

The taxpayers need the employees to work with us through the tough times and you will be rewarded when things are better. With the cost of living raises that all employees will get will more than cover the loss of the other previous benefits.

 

I personally agree with Gov. Corzine in that spending or misspending must be cut to stop the continued tax increases that we burden our citizens with.

 

We are reaching out to all of the City\’s employees to meet and discuss any question you might have as well as to discuss your future options, pay concerns, and the reality of what is going on state wide.

 

We want to be fair to our employees. We don\’t want layoffs or you paying extra for your health Insurance. We value your efforts to the City and need your support to help us bring Gloucester back.

 

Things have been good for a long time. They are not now!

 

We promise that when things are better we will not forget who stepped up and helped.

 

Are there any questions?\”