City of Elk Grove To Cut Workforce, Youth Services Coordinator Targeted

According to an e-mail circulating in the community, Elk Grove City Manager Laura Gill will formally recommend to the city council the elimination of the city’s youth coordinator position. The position is held by Jim Miller.

The e-mail says that Miller’s position is being cut because of budget constraints, but urges Elk Grove citizens to lobby the city manager and the council to retain the position. According to the city’s website, the position is responsible for the coordination of “programs, activities and resources among the City’s nonprofit, community-based organizations that will benefit Elk Grove’s youth.”

The e-mail says the recommendation to terminate Miller will be made during the May 13 city council meeting and will be effective on May 19.

Last fall Miller was at the center of controversy regarding allegations of misappropriation of city money at the faith-based Elk Grove Teen Center. Miller, who was executive director of the center prior to his employment with the city, is alleged to have mishandled portions of the $79,000 in grants the youth ministry received from the city.

Brainerd said the proposed cut are part of budget recommendations for fiscal year 2010. Like numerous municipalities, Elk Grove is grappling with falling property and sales tax revenues brought on by the foreclosure crisis and recession.

The author of the e-mail letter, Damon Mireski, could not be reached for comment.