CHANDLER, AZ -- As Chandler works to erase it's budget deficit, the city is weighing several options including layoffs, fee increases and even selling advertising space on the side of its police and fire vehicles.
"We're looking at anything and everything," Mayor Boyd Dunn said.
During this recession, Chandler has fared better than most Valley cities.
Chandler still has reserve funds in city coffers and has avoided massive layoffs and furloughs.
However, it now has a $17.5 million deficit, and officials are faced with some tough decisions including:
- Layoffs for up to 60 positions that may include public safety staff.
- Furloughs for city employees.
- Raising fees for parks and new development.
- Offering severance packages to encourage senior employees to retire.
- Selling advertising space on city vehicles and billboards.
The last proposal to sell ad space on vehicles is drawing criticism from the police department.
And through a spokesman, the police chief said she isn't in favor of the proposal.
"We feel it could really open a can of worms and make it difficult to decide what sponsorships can be used or not," Sgt. Joe Favazzo said.
"We feel only public safety-related things should be used on our cars," he said.
Dunn said the idea is not on Chandler's short list of options.
But he didn't close the door on the idea, saying the city already puts advertisements on buses and bus stops.
The city is holding meetings to get the public's input. The next one is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
