JAMESTOWN – The Mayor’s Joint Task Force on Efficiency and Cost Reduction met Monday to continue to review a list of possible cost-cutting recommendations between the city and the board of public utilities. However, none of the recommendations have yet to be finalized and put forward as viable options for the city.
Among the items discussed was health insurance – including a program that could save money on prescriptions as well as a wellness program that could reduce the cost of insurance. The task force is also considering consolidating fleet management between the city DPW and Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, as well as several other recommendations pertaining to contingency budgeting, debt service and janitorial services.
The task force also discussed the Allen Park Ice Rink, weighing the cost of continuing to operate the facility on a limited basis vs. the demolition of the facility. Officials say that they’ve tried to find increased usage for the building but so far they’ve had little luck. In addition, it is in need of significant repair that could cost as much as $1,000,000.
Despite the discussion regarding the ice rink, the task force stopped short of finalizing any recommendation on how it should be handled in the future.
At the start of this year, Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi created the task force – which is comprised of both city and BPU officials – to review and evaluate 35 ideas suggested as cost-saving measures for city government from members of the BPU, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier.
It will meet again Monday, July 13, and will continue to go through the list. Eventually, a report will be put together and presented to the mayor and city officials for their consideration.
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