Monday night, Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer went before city council to explain why he needs five staff members. This is one more cabinet member than the previous mayor had, officials said.

Spencer said the extra position will not cost the city money, but generate savings over the long run.

"We're going to be able to streamline the operations," said Mayor Spencer, "and in the long run, provide better service for citizens."

To do this, the mayor is proposing downsizing the Citizen's Service Center in City Hall and moving some of those workers over to the Reading Area Water Authority.

"They would be willing to pick up 50% percent of their salary," said Spencer.

But some were against splitting up the center.

"I don't think you could continue to call the service center a center because there is no actual center if it's in two different locations," said Councilwoman Marcia Goodman Hinnershitz.

The mayor also said the city can save money by consolidating recycling, water and sewage bills for residents.

He said those savings could help pay for the extra staff member he wants.

Councilwoman Donna Reed said if any city positions are to be added, they should be within the city's fire and police departments, which have had to endure cutbacks.

"Someone sitting in the Mayor's office, with all due respect, no matter how talented they are, are not going to be able to get to the crux of the problem in this city, which is a safe city, a clean city," said Reed.

City council says they will make a final decision on this issue around the end of February.