New Hires Dispute Splits Budget Vote

Originally published 5:57 a.m. June 19.

This story was written and reported by Gloria Tierney.

The Coronado City Council approved a $52.2 million dollar operating budget, which included $1.28 million for community groups and $4.9 million for capital improvements.  

The budget also includes $20 million in council-mandated reserve funds.

The vote was 3-2 in favor of the budget. Councilwoman Barbara Denny and Councilman Al Ovrom cast dissenting votes. 

Both opposed the budget because it included adding eight full-time staff and one consultant to the city payroll.

“I can’t support hiring people, we don’t need more people,” said Ovrom. 

The budget included hiring 8 full-time employees, including lifeguards, a transportation planner and an arts consultant. 

The last two positions would assist the newly formed Cultural Arts Commission and the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 

“I respect fiscal conservatism as much as the next guy and I don’t like adding staff,” said Mayor Casey Tanaka said. But the City Council had voted to establish the new commissions and they need staff to accomplish their mission. 

“I’m not going to stiff these groups,” Tanaka said. “I’m going to vote to help [them] get [their] work done.” 

Denny and Ovrom also objected to efforts to set aside $228, 250 for the Coronado Unified School District, which asked the city for money to hire an elementary and middle school counselor. 

Superintendent Jeffry Felix asked for money at the June 4 council meeting, arguing that it would benefit the community.  City Attorney Johanna Canales pointed out that under California State Constitution cities cannot for school district staff. 

Still there was strong sentiment on the council to help out the school district and City Manager Blair King was tasked with working with Felix to find a legal way to pay for the counselors.

Tuesday's vote was the last stage of the city ‘s annual budget processes that begins with a budget workshop in May, the acceptance of budget proposal at the first meeting in June and a final vote at the following council meeting.

A five-year Capital Improvement Program plan was also approved Tuesday. 

Visit the City of Coronado website to download the budget or capital improvement plan.