pages: CityCouncil/2009-06-02.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2009-06-02 | 7 | retirement i even if retirement benefits were changed today, it would still take twenty years to cover people under the current plan. The City Treasurer stated that all options need to be investigated. Councilmember Gilmore thanked the Committee for all the hard work; stated the Committee presented the City with a tool to educate the public and identify and grapple with the problem; that she spoke with an Oakland Councilmember who has no idea of their OPEB liability; identifying the problem is the first step; the City did not get into the problem overnight and will not get out overnight i the City needs to come up with a coherent, long range plan and have milestones along the wayi everyone should have input; the community needs to make choices and trade offs. The City Treasurer stated discussions need to involve what residents want and what the City can afford. Mayor Johnson stated the City has not been living within its means for decades because of non-payment of OPEB and deferred maintenance; choices need to be made now. Councilmember Gilmore stated the City has a structural deficiti if changes are not made, the structural deficit will still exist when the economy turns around; permanent changes need to be made the State is a perfect example of a structural deficit. The City Treasurer stated sales tax revenue would go up when the economy improves, but people will get pay raises because inflation will be higher expenses will go up; a change in the economy will make very little difference. Mayor Johnson stated people advocate different departments ; people need to think about the situation as a whole and not just protect one service. The City Treasurer stated the public needs to think about the magnitude of cuts. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he is impressed with the Committee's expertise. thanked the Committee for finishing the task; stated having a tool for running different scenarios is very important; the choices are to make cuts or raise revenuel the City needs to change structurally; the Committee took the necessary time to deliver the product it is important to take the next stepi he hopes that people attend the public forums. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 June 2, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-06-02.pdf |