If you're "5-0," obviously you realize that police's schedules can be adjusted for court appearances so that overtime isn't incurred. That's hardly rocket-science or something requiring 10 MBA's to figure out how to make a schedule that accommodates officers being in court.

I failed to see in the budget plan the idea of "breaking the law" or "forcing people to work overtime but not paying them for it." I really missed that part completely.

Actually, the Peachtree City Library DOES have an organized volunteer program. Fayetteville, on the other hand, does not. Maybe you got them confused?

Definitely cut the items that can wait but there are other "revenue opportunities" with some of these items. The Fireworks show doesn't have a "presenting sponsor" (Coca-Cola will gladly hand over $25K to sponsor an event that has 50 thousand eyeballs). The cart path extension on the way to Publix, Steinmart, Starbucks...a little sponsorship of the new path by the commercial beneficiaries (with small, tasteful signage) would work. In short...there are corporations that will gladly pay for eyeballs with PTCs demographic make-up and it can be done in a tasteful, appealing way.

Let's be careful on this one. Some politician might get the idea it is okay to sell the naming rights off to more then we can handle. How would you like to meet your friends at the Bank of America public library or the Depends Undergarment Ampitheater?

Aren't costs associated with the 4th of July fireworks and parade covered in part by the parade entry fee's??

How about charging the public a small fee (say $20) to reserve viewing spots for the parade and fireworks?

I fully agree with eliminating the 'printed' copy of PTC newsletter and making it available online. The city could also consider charging a small subscription fee (help defray the costs of printing, postage, etc) for those who really want the printed version.

I also think staffing the library with volunteers is another great idea. Yes, you will need to have some paid staff but the library can operate. Maybe the city and school could work something out and award 'elective' credits for students who do volunteer.

What world is your thinking from?
The entry fees won't pay for the town employees overtime for cops and clean-up.
Yeah, charging the public is a great idea! The day is ABOUT EVERYBODY celebrating--not the few who can blow $25. Want to tell me how to catch the cheaters? Out of the woods and everywhere? You are not thinking.
So now it is required to have a computer and know how to operate it---old folks and all? Otherwise you get NO NEWS. Stupid.

Subscription fee? You might get 5!

And now to the library "volunteers." You want a few low-paying jobs eliminated, and allow a bunch of librarian want-to-Be people in there trying to keep everyone quiet?
Maybe it will work in the fire-department also? How about "volunteer" cops? Mayors, city Managers? Engineers?
Hey, not a bad idea after all for the depression coming!

It's been my experience that volunteers do not want to work regular hours - and are picky about what they will and won't do. After all, they're not getting paid. It's fine to augment staff with volunteers, but not to the point of eliminating jobs. Quality will suffer.

I have seen larger library systems then this one operate quite fine with volunteers. Naturally, you would need to keep a full time paid employees on hand to supervise things but you really do not need to pay a dozen people to put books on a shelf.

As for the fireworks and parade, it was my understanding in speaking with a city official that a major portion of the costs associated with the event came from Parade entry fee's, vendor fee's, etc.. If you can show me otherwise then I'll be more then happy to listen to your argument but until then.. As for the reserved spaces, there is always room there to negotiate. The city could set-up a reserved section and charge $20. As you pointed out these events are suppose to be FOR EVERYONE to enjoy and I think this is a far better alternative then NOT having them at all.

The city newsletter, There is no reason the city can not have printed copies available at city hall. My question to you is how many people actually read that newsletter? I am guessing the costs associated with printing and mailing this newsletter out to exceed $30,000 a year. I see no reason why if you want the newsletter mailed you that you should not help defray the costs of postage. If $5.00 is to much for you then make it $1.00. That should be good for at least 3 mailings (considering bulk rates).

What is wrong with volunteers in the fire department and police force? You might find this hard to believe but volunteers have be assisting in Fire and Police Departments all over the world for years. The whole department can not be made up of volunteers but there is no reason volunteers can not be used to handle some of the lighter tasks.

The real point friend is that myself and other suggesting options are trying to come up with ways for the city to cut costs and it's a lot more then what you are doing!

The "Citizen" would print a decent sized report for the people to read at little or no cost---the paper is free in your drive-way! The paper is fuzz on the peach for employees, just as a dog or helicopter is for the police!

Copies at city hall, you say? Who goes there?

There is quite a bit more to running a library than "putting books on shelves," although that part of it is usually done by simply trained people. Maintaining a library that is "up to current standards of content and service," requires some talent and effort. I would agree that you won't see any sweat break out from hard work on town employees of any kind.

Why don't you just build you a stand on the parade and firecracker route, pay for it, maintain it, and only you use it?

I can give the city a great way to make some additional revenue and spare many of these programs.
Just have a couple of police officers on Highway 54 in the afternoon giving tickets out to all the idiots who block the intersections. Shouldn't take to long for the city to make up the shortfall.