City Council Passes Midyear Budget, Cuts Grounds Supervisor Position

A midyear budget that will result in laying off a city employee was passed Tuesday night by the Lemon Grove City Council by a vote of 4-1, with Councilman Howard Cook opposing.

The grounds supervisor position was cut from the midyear budget. The layoff will become effective no sooner than April 15, according to City Manager Graham Mitchell.

“We’ve been pretty clear for over a year ... there’s going to be hard times,” Mayor Mary Sessom said. “As hard as it is to know the individual and the consequences, we’re weighing one individual against all our residents and that’s not an easy thing or a nice thing.”

Sessom said the action was necessary to do what’s best for the city.

Councilman George Gastil echoed those words.

“There’s worse coming down the pike,” he said, referring to possible cuts needed in next year’s budget.

Cook opposed Tuesday night's action, saying the City Council might have a chance in a few months to balance the 2011-12 budget and save a job.

He voted against approval and suggested the City Council make some sacrifices and lead by example by giving back car allowances. Sessom said she gave back her car allowance two years ago, and that Gastil gave up part of his salary in a cost-savings effort for the city.

 “We’re leading by example, just in different ways,” the mayor said.