pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 12 | Councilmember Oddie stated the City has been working hard to increase its sales tax and TOT; the City is less dependent on said taxes; noted there is merit to more frequent updates; stated updates have previously been provided up to nine months after the fact; going forward, Council having more information would be better. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the expenditure line for Police shown is desired or actual, to which the City Manager responded the estimated actuals is projected for June 30th Councilmember Daysog stated the City is aggressively recruiting for Police Officers; should the City end up with more hires, the figure could be higher. The City Manager stated the estimate is based on recruitment; staff is confident in the figure. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Knox White stated previous staff and Council put the City in a position to have a cushion and allow for necessary planning; expressed support for staff's recommendation; stated various scenarios will be discussed in July. Councilmember Vella stated more frequent budget updates will be needed; expressed concern about the burden on staff; stated additional budget asks will require critical information; expressed support for previous decisions related to budget preparations; inquired whether federal aid will impact the budget; questioned whether the City would be in a position to recoup money; expressed support. The City Manager responded anything received from the federal government will be a positive; stated staff is planning to review the budget strategy in October; not all estimates will be available for the May 2020 work session; staff will work with an outside consulting firm for a report back late September. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the item; stated the situation is very fluid; noted the duration of the shelter in place is unknown; stated some restrictions may be loosened; social distancing is making a difference; expressed support for past Council budget actions; stated the City does have reserves, but is spending more than it is bringing in; the proposal presented is prudent; the situation will continue to be assessed; noted the City Manager has experience with budgets. Councilmember Daysog expressed support for the staff recommendation; stated that he appreciates the flexibility of staff and Council regarding the pension reserve; the amount set aside for the pension formula is out of whack and should be discussed further; the City has been holding down expenditures on the Police side. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 2 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |