County Board reverses privatization moves

Steve Schultze

Nov. 9, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The Milwaukee County Board began its slog through County Executive Scott Walker's 2010 budget Monday by reversing privatization moves, restoring county parks jobs and resisting program cuts.

The board voted to reject the outsourcing of housekeeping and security jobs at the courthouse complex and other county buildings. Supervisors also turned back Walker's proposed outsourcing of 15 mainframe computer technician jobs and 25 airport firefighter jobs.

Together, those moves would add about $5 million to Walker's budget, which counted on privatization to help freeze the property tax levy for 2010 at this year's $257 million level.

The board also voted to restore 20 of 39 parks worker jobs; restore money for a youth sports program; and restore funds for indigent burials.

Some of those moves could come up again for reconsideration before the board finishes later Monday, Supervisor Elizabeth M. Coggs warned. If the full board fails to approve a new $20 motor vehicle registration fee, or "wheel tax," some of the outsourcing rejections could be reconsidered to balance the budget.

The board's finance committee recommended the fee, which would come on top of the state's $75 fee and, for residents of the city of Milwaukee, a $20 municipal wheel tax. The $20 county wheel tax would raise about $9 million.

Supervisors opposed to outsourcing said such moves in the past haven't worked out well, including this year's privatization of food service at the Mental Health Complex. That move has led to complaints about food portions and some patients getting the wrong meals, said Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic.

The county should be cautious about turning over public jobs to for-profit companies, which may not provide the services with the same level of expertise and care, Dimitrijevic said.

But Supervisor Paul Cesarz said the county has found itself in a financial squeeze because overly generous benefits were granted to county employees over the past 20 years, including the generous 2001 pension enhancements.

Key votes expected later Monday were on Walker's $41 million in employee concessions, which included a 3% pay cut, no seniority raises, higher health insurance costs for employees and a new worker pension contribution equaling 5% of salary.

--

Newstex ID: KRTB-0130-39574991