Apr 29

Written by: THEODORE STATON
4/29/2008 9:23 AM 

On April 15, we held the 2nd Annual Leadership Luncheon during which Union Leaders and department directors gathered to receive information regarding the budget, the City’s Five-Year Financial Forecast, the impact of Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) on the budget process, as well as City Council’s Strategic Priorities. As you’ll recall, virtually every permanent employee in the City had the ability to provide feedback regarding City Council’s 2008-2009 Strategic Priorities.

This year’s gathering was somewhat less formal than last year’s and lent itself well to frank discussion and exchange of information. All of the unions were well-represented and we have asked that the information shared with them during the luncheon, be shared by them throughout the various employee groups. While the budget news is mixed, East Lansing is still faring well given the state’s economic climate and we will be presenting a balanced budget without a tax rate increase. We greatly appreciate our colleagues in union leadership for taking the time to consider the very complex information that was presented.

Finally, I would be remiss by not taking this opportunity to commend the work of staff and departments who so ably and professionally managed the events and aftermath of Cedarfest. As Mayor Loomis noted during his opening comments at the Leadership Luncheon, the City of East Lansing demonstrates that it is a High Performing Organization on a daily basis and certainly, during events like Cedarfest. I would echo his comments in recognizing the work of the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Department of Public Works and Dispatch, which operated so professionally in a stressful situation. I would also like to recognize the excellent work of the Communications and Information Technology staffs who continue to work behind the scenes with the Police Department as they pursue charges against those who behaved unlawfully during Cedarfest. These employees have not only upheld, but exceeded the high standard of services expected by East Lansing residents.

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