HomeMy Public PortalAboutExhibit L&B 107 Ltr From MAYOR SLAY 8-31-11FRANCIS G. SLAY
MAYOR
August 31, 2011
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF ST. LOUIS
MISSOURI
Mr. Leonard Toenjes
Chairman of the Rate Commission
of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
2350 Market Street,
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Dear Mr. Toenjes:
CITY HALL - ROOM 200
1200 MARKET STREET
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI 63103-2877
(314) 622-3201
FAX: (314) 622.4061
The challenging fiscal environment throughout the country has left the City of St. Louis,
like many municipalities in the region, in the difficult position of balancing the needs of
its residents against the fiscal demands of providing services and paying the City's
employees. The City, for the third consecutive year, is contemplating a declaration of a
fiscal crisis.
To address those challenges, City government has set in place measures to reduce
personnel expenses, minimize overtime and suspend benefits. All of those measures
directly impacted our employees.
There have been no across the board pay increases since October, 2008
Furloughs have been required of employees — (FY10, FYI I and pending for FY12)
40 hours per annum for general service employees and
80 hours per annum for managerial employees
Shift differential pay for firefighters has been eliminated
Vacation and holiday pay for firefighters has been reduced by 40 hours annual
Longevity step increases for Police Officers and Firefighters have been suspended
Increases in health insurance premiums are being shared equally with employees
475 positions (or 6.5%) have been eliminated since FY09
Some positions are left unfilled for portions of the year
These decisions are never made lightly, but faced with dwindling reserve balances,
increased costs and the necessity of essential City services, dramatic measures have been
required to balance. the City's budget.
Very truly yours,
D. Samuel Dotson
Director of Operations - City of St. Louis