McDonald among eleven released by City due to budget cuts
After extensive discussion on ways to meet the necessary cuts to the FY2010 budget, the City of Maricopa announced today that ten positions within the City government will be eliminated. In addition, the position of Community Services Director, currently held by Marty McDonald, will be “downsized”.
McDonald was originally hired in 2004 by then City Manager Rick Buss as Parks and Recreation Director. When current City Manager Kevin Evans took the reins early last year, he implemented a restructuring plan which saw McDonald become the Director of the new Community Services Department that included Parks and Recreation as well as Code Enforcement.
McDonald is credited with the creation and major success of the City’s two signature annual events, the Maricopa Salsa Festival and Founder’s Day, as well as several smaller events. This year’s Salsa Festival drew a record 11,200 attendees. He also worked hard on the creation and implementation of the City’s popular youth and adult sports leagues, as well as the planning and construction of Pacana Park and the new Maricopa Public Library.
Also receiving pink slips are City Budget Manager Corrine Wilcox-Cornn, who has been on administrative leave since April 21st, and City Engineer Karen Wonders.
The City’s Assistant Planner, plus an Administrative Assistant, Building Inspector, Permit Technician, and three consultants from the Development Services Department will also be cut, as well as the Geographic Information Systems Technician from Support Services Department.
Currently, there are no similar staff reductions anticipated in any field operations, including Public Safety, Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Libraries. In addition, the new Maricopa Public Library will require three additional positions, and those impacted by this announcement will have the opportunity to apply for those positions.
McDonald is currently using accumulated leave to spend time with his family and ponder his next move.
“Just because this is the prudent business decision, it is not any less difficult,” said Evans. “These co-workers have been part of our team and we will miss their contributions. Nothing is more painful than saying goodbye to our friends and colleagues. It’s a story that has been played out across the state and country as governments are faced with the responsibility of adjusting budgets in this harsh economic downturn.”
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3 Responses to “McDonald among eleven released by City due to budget cuts”
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This is too bad. He has done a stand up job. You will be missed.
It was disqusting to be at the budget meeting, hearing them how are they going to make cuts. Well for one the Teen Center and skate park were mentioned and probably will be put on hold due to costs. I thought we the citizens of Maricopa voted for such a park to be built for the Teens? There were so many other cuts that could be made. Like not paying for cell phones for city workers or paying their mileage. Also what about all the consultants still on payroll? Or even pay reductions?
All this brings in the question. Why was McDonald laidoff? To save some money??? or was there another agenda?
I find it interesting how people like Mr/Ms “Budget Cuts on May 13th, 2009 7:00 am ” speaks on paying for cell phones for city workers or paying their mileage…My city does NOT pay for either of those and I work for what would be considered a “Nicer, more Upscale City” in Arizona…We all took heavy pay cuts across the board, from the high levels down. If the City of Maricopa is paying for all these items, then sign me up, because I’m not seeing this at any of the surrounding citied. Among all that, the contracted workers “consultants on the payroll” are needed to contract jobs….how do you think they get done? Another agenda may be likely, but you’ll never know. Regarless, unless you’re on the inside don’t judge the situation. I see the inside and it’s just as confusing and not easily fixed. Everyone’s getting screwed now a days!