Jefferson City mayor addresses budget flap
Mayor Eric Streumph is calling on Communications Director Michelle Gleba and Public Works Director Roger Schwartze to rescind their resignations.
He made the announcement during a special meeting Thursday morning.
Streumph said if they wanted to keep their jobs, they would make every effort to find money in the budget for their salaries. He said they were never asked to resign, and it was a shock to the mayor.
The mayor and city council members apologized to the pack room of staff for how their actions affected morale.
JCTV resolution on table to be voted on Monday night will most likely be cut in 2014 budget, that will save $100,000.
There will be no layoffs or furloughs.
***UPDATE WEDNESDAY 7:15 P.M.***
Mayor Struemph issued an update Wednesday on the budget shortfall. He said luckily, the issue was caught early in the fiscal year, and officials have made significant progress over the last couple of days.
Struemph said “In approximately 30 days we will have a pretty good idea of who will take advantage of the retirement plan.” And by that time, he said he is looking “to get a jumpstart on the 2014 budget.”
Struemph emphasized the city is doing what it can to keep the lights on and plans to keep the public informed of their latest plans.
***UPDATE 5:52 P.M***
The Jefferson City Council has called a special meeting for Thursday morning to deal with growing discontent over budget issues. The city issued a notice of the meeting about 5:30 Tuesday afternoon. The one item on the agenda says the council will discuss budget issues, resignations and morale.
***UPDATE 3:41 P.M.***
The city confirmed Roger Schwartze’s resignation will take effect April 1.
Michelle Gleba also stepped down as communications manager on Tuesday, effective March 26.
***ORIGINAL STORY***
ABC 17 News confirmed on Tuesday a top Jefferson City official is resigning.
Roger Schwartze, the Director of Public Works, has stepped down, amid budget battles over a $1.6 million shortfall.
City officials did not have any immediate details behind the resignation or how they plan to fill the position.
