Solid Waste seeks $2.4M transfer from salaries to cover shortfalls; committee sends request down with no recommendation

Philip Davis, director of Solid Waste, asked council committees on May 20 to reallocate $2.4 million within the division’s special revenue fund. The requested transfer would move budgeted dollars from full-time salaries into accounts that Davis said face shortfalls — employee benefits, debt service, shop charges, claims and lawsuits, part-time wages and utilities.

Davis told the committee the action is budget-neutral within the Solid Waste special revenue fund and would avoid shortfalls in key operating categories. Council members asked for specifics: Councilwoman Green asked how many positions would be affected and how much unspent funding remained in vacant positions. Davis did not have a precise headcount at the briefing and said he would provide the breakdown.

Committee members expressed concern about using vacancies as a routine source of contingency funding. Councilwoman Green and other members pushed for tighter controls and asked for a position-control review across departments so vacancy savings are not repurposed at year-end without clearer oversight.

After discussion, Councilman Spinoza moved and Councilman Dr. Warren seconded an amendment to forward the request to full council with no recommendation until the committee’s questions are answered. The committee voted to send the Q3 reallocation to the council with no recommendation and same-night minutes. The Solid Waste director was directed to supply a breakdown of affected positions and remaining vacancy funding before final council action.