011-1999 DM CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Department Memorandum No.
To: All Department Directors Date: September 12, 1997
Division Heads
From: Jo. se Garcia-PedrosT~~Budg
At last night's Budget Hearing, the City Commission tentatively adopted our proposed millage rate
of 7.499, but instructed us to present an analysis of budget reductions throu~:~out the City.
Specifically, we were asked to state how an average cut of 1% of the over-all budget could be
achieved, starting from the top and proceeding downward -- meaning that the starting point is to be
administrative costs at the highest levels in each department or area.
In order to comply with this dimctive, it is imperative that each director of a department, division
or area recognized as a separate budgetary entity present to me the following information and
analysis no later than 5 P.M. on this coming Monday, September 15:
1. Where you would cut 1% of the budget of your department, division, or area, beginning from
the top down, and what effect each cut would have on the delivery of City services; and,
2. What additional cuts you would make to increase the reduction from 1% to 2%, again
beginning from the top down, and ~vhat effect those additional cuts would have on the
delivery of City services.
The idea is not to eliminate or reduce important services, but to decrease costs, find any additional
efficiencies, or find other means that would permit us to do at least as much at a lower cost.
This work needs to be completed promptly so that senior staff and the Finance and Budget personnel
may prepare a timely and accurate response to the Commission's directive. I realize the time
considerations and want to express my sincere appreciation in advance for everyone's cooperation
in completing this important assignment as requested.
JGP:pp
c: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Managers
Special Assistant to the City Manager
Executive Assistant to the City Manager