City Officials Announce 10-Year Reform Blueprint

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus City Council, City Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian and City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer today announced a comprehensive plan of government reforms and efficiencies that is expected to save the City of Columbus between $100 million and $150 million over the next decade. The plan includes new approaches to employee benefits, public safety reforms and strategic partnerships.

 

“These proposals demonstrate we committed to renewing our city government and making it work more efficiently,” Mayor Coleman said. “Many of these reforms will take time, but we will accomplish them.”

 

The reform proposals unveiled today are part of a three-part plan that includes creating jobs and raising new revenue, to shore up the city’s long-term economic future. They are the result of the recommendations of the Economic Advisory Committee, an independent panel appointed last year by Coleman, City Council and Dorrian to study the city’s long-term finances.

 

“Having already taken measures to significantly reduce expenditures, we are forced to re-examine how City government is run as revenues continue to decline,” said President Mentel.  “We are committed to a realistic plan that will be phased in over time, and the City will be in a better long-term financial position due to the decisions we are making today.”

 

Mayor Coleman said the public can hold the city accountable each year when Columbus produces a report of its progress on these efforts. Specifics of the plan and the city's past efficiency efforts are attached.