As the Reno City Council works toward ushering in new business with Apple there is local concern about a plan by the City of Reno to outsource jobs currently here.
Earlier this week Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger said that the city is slowing recovering. In fact, he said this is the first time in five years that the city's budget has been balanced without layoffs and without dipping into reserves. And now some of his plans for saving money are being questioned by local businesses.
Clinger says the city can save $250,000 a year by outsourcing payroll. Dave Asher with the Reno-Sparks Local Business Co-op says that job is slated to go to Sacramento and instead it should go to local businesses here in Reno.
"There are number of local businesses that could do that job. We're watching them! They signed a pledge with EDAWN's Buy Local campaign. It's time for this to stop. We need to take care of ourselves first," Asher said.
Asher also says that memos from Reno City Hall show that the city also plans to outsource $250,000 in printing. And he says that could easily be done here in Reno as well.
Officials with local companies like Dynagraphic Printing say they could easily handle any printing jobs the city has. Demographic Printing bills $5-million a year, supports 35 local families with printing and says keeping business in town is critical.
"It's very important," says owner Cindy Mason. "Every dollar we spend here trickles down through the local economy. It goes to other businesses and residents. We need to keep money here."
In addition to supporting local families, local businesses invest in local charities and invest volunteer time and resources into local events. And Asher says it all adds up to a brighter future for Reno.
Written by Erin Breen
