pages: CityCouncil/2010-05-18.pdf, 3
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CityCouncil | 2010-05-18 | 3 | discussing the issue at the next Council Meeting. The City Treasurer stated the Fiscal Sustainable Committee Report assumes that the City will continue with current policies. Councilmember Gilmore stated everyone realizes there is a need for change; changes will not be in one area but more broad based; a government's function is to provide services to citizens; community discussions need to address service level changes, what is valued, and what cuts people are willing to have made; Councilmembers have to lead the way. The City Treasurer stated government's job is to provide services at a level commensurate with revenue received, not commensurate with demands; Next 10 has a program called the California Budget Challenge; the program is an interactive exercise which allows an individual to try and balance California's budget; that he is hoping to bring a similar program to Alameda. Councilmember Tam stated revenue and expenses are linked; seventy-five percent of the budget goes for personnel; personnel is needed for deferred maintenance; last time, the Fiscal Sustainability Committee discussed what type of development would be needed to generate revenue for the types of services the community wants; the City has sought Measure B funding for pothole repairs, the Paratransit program, street resurfacing, and signage, and funding for Fire safety, but said funding not factor into the burden; the future burden is all on the City; inquired whether a future presentation would address how to grow the pie. The City Treasurer responded the Fiscal Sustainability Committee did not take grants into consideration; stated that he does not know whether grants will continue at the State level; the City should go after grants whenever possible. Councilmember Tam stated addressing the need for more retail to generate revenue is a difficult discussion. Councilmember Gilmore stated the need for retail has to be balanced against the traffic it causes. The City Treasurer stated input needs to be solicited. Councilmember Matarrese stated that he appreciates the presentation; he has requested to have the budget easily available on the website; urged the public to attend budget sessions; stated bargaining units have foregone pay increases; the management team has been contracted; a budget session will be held on June 19th; the reserve level still needs to be discussed. The City Treasurer stated the rule of thumb is to have three to six months of cash; his approximation is that the City has a twenty-two day reserve. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 May 18, 2010 | CityCouncil/2010-05-18.pdf |