Editor:

The current economic downturn presents an opportunity for Fairhope to reduce debt while, at the same time, improve services. For many years Fairhope has consistently added services and facilities with little regard for their cost. Because of the tight economy, the City Council now recognizes that the city has serious debt problems and wants to impose a sales tax to begin to reduce debt.

I believe that there is no alternative to this new tax. However, that is not the only action that can be taken to help the city reduce its debt and regain its reputation as a great place to live. Let me suggest just a few steps that can be taken:

Reduce services where possible. I have already suggested in an earlier editorial that garbage collection can be changed from twice per week to once per week for a significant cost savings, but with little sacrifice of service.

Other opportunities should be studied: for instance the recreation department should determine how to best use its new, but redundant building; and it should determine whether now is the time to redo the golf course.

Study compensation levels for all city positions to determine whether salaries and benefits are appropriate. Does the fact that over 100 people applied for the police chief position suggest that compensation levels may be too high? I think it does.

Make sure that charges made for city services and utilities cover all costs for such services, including amortization and maintenance of equipment and administrative costs. All citizens should be willing to pay the cost of satisfactory services.

Eliminate unnecessary overtime and tighten up whenever possible.

So let us take this opportunity to make Fairhope better than ever.

Fairhope