As a team, we the Common Council and Mayor Mike Tucker, Mr. Mullaney, and Mr.

White have worked very hard to construct a budget that balances the needs / services, and
revenues / expenses for our City of Lockport. I am pleased with what we have
accomplished. However, we all know that we face extreme challenges throughout 2011.
These challenges primarily due to the changes associated with refuse and early retirement
framework will certainly be time-consuming. Even though we have made great strides on
the 2011 budget, I believe we potentially confront an even greater challenge when facing
the 2012 budget. I purpose the following list of prospective budgetary considerations;
these ideas are neither groundbreaking nor are they an innovative all encompassing
panacea resolution for our excessive tax burden, however I believe they must be
considered. I concur with Mr. Genewick and believe these “tasks” should be researched
thoroughly by committee and the findings should be brought to the Council for
consideration.

Please thoughtfully consider:

• Create a long-term strategy to transition our Fire Department into a “Hybrid

Department” with the intent of employing paid Administration, Drivers and
Ambulance / EMT Professionals, while augmenting additional personnel needs
by establishing a volunteer force.
• Design and execute a comprehensive plan to reroute Police / Fire Dispatch to the
County.
• Examine the NTCC contract and prepare a plan to shift funding to a Lockport
targeted marketing program.
• Thoroughly scrutinize the Street Light Contract with NYSEG and examine cost
saving alternatives.
• Establish a Consolidated AR / Accounting Department.
o Construct a web based / online payment center to assist the AR
/Accounting Department.
o Create a Consolidated Office Supply services managed by Accounting
Department.
• Renegotiate medical benefits with Unions and encourage an expanded buyout
program.
• Create a consolidated vehicle services / fleet management program that transcends
departmental budgetary ownership.
• Convert current mail service to flat rate system.
• Examine the possibility of requiring a minimal (i.e. $1.00-$2.00) admission
charge to cover the costs of all City of Lockport sponsored concert events.

Therefore, I support the 2011 budget.

For the betterment of the City of Lockport.

Sincerely,

Andrew D. Chapman