Palm Springs Airport Considers Changes To Landscapers, Other Employees

The Palm Springs International Airport is looking at reducing it’s quarter million dollar budget deficit. And at least one commissioner is considering replacing city landscapers and general maintenance with private contractors.

Recently appointed airport commissioner Ben Hall took a look at the airport’s budget and said he couldn’t believe what he found — more than 2 million dollars spent on landscapers, janitors and other maintenance workers.

According to Hall’s numbers, it adds up to a total of 26 employees making approximately 49 dollars an hour.

“I was shocked. It made my stomach hurt when i put the numbers all together,” said Hall.

The Palm Springs Airport faces a $300,000 to $400,000 budget deficit.

Airport commission chairman Norm King said they’re working to make cuts.

“Any commissioner has the responsibility to raise possible ways to be more efficient,” said King.

According to Hall, city employees serve as the airports landscapers, janitors and general maintenance workers.

Under his plan, those jobs would go to outside contractors.

Hall says his plan could save the city a million dollars.

We spoke with one landscaper, who didn’t want to be on TV, who says they only earn $17 an hour. He said the city already cut jobs and hiring outside contractors could be a security risk.

Hall doesn’t think so.

“We contract out for window washing and we contract out for carpet care. We contract out for everything that has a higher skill level and why not contract the basic kind of cutting the grass and cleaning the toilet,” said Hall.

The airport’s budget committee will look into it and discuss it.

The final decision is up to the Palm Springs City Council.