Minutes 2004 0621 - Laserfiche WebLink

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l\UNUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Economic Development Agency, San Leandro Housing Finance Corporation, San Leandro Parking Authority, San Leandro Public Financing Authority, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-June 21, 2004 demonstrate sound financial responsibility to the voters by cutting salaries and staff before reducing public safety services or increasing taxes. Heidi Finberg, CEO of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council, noting that although the Chamber has expressed support for a business license tax increase, it would also consider support for a modified public safety parcel tax if it included a residential-business split reflective of the use of public safety services, a sunset clause, a moratorium on implementing a business license tax increase during the life of the parcel tax and if it is implemented in combination with other budgetary changes such as the 911 fee, a phased reduction in the non-residential Utility User Tax rebate program and further reductions in general services. Ms. Finberg expressed the Chamber's willingness to work with the Council and staff to identify solutions to the budget crisis. There being no other comments from the public, and without objection, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilmelnber Santos noted the need for the public to be made aware of the $2.8 Inillion assessment to the City from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Governor's deal with the League of California Cities and other local goven1ll1ental agencies which will require that the City of San Leandro and the San Leandro Redeveloplnent Agency give the State approximately $4.2 nlillion over the next two years. He suggested that the City would not need to consider a tax increase were it not for these two issues. Councilmember Santos stated he would not be opposed to a sunset on the revenue nleasures, but pointed out that there is no indication that the State's budget problems will be resolved any time in the near future. Councilnlember Santos requested that the City Council Ad Hoc Committee to Consider November 2004 Ballot Measures review the possibility of an increase in the Business License Tax. He noted that this option would require a lower threshold to pass than would the Public Safety Parcel Tax. CouncihneInber Santos expressed concern about eliminating the non-residential Utility User Tax rebate program at this time and suggested the Council revisit the option in one or two years. He expressed concenl that if companies lose the rebate they vvould resort to layoffs. Councilmember Santos suggested the money proposed for the holiday banner program could be used instead to continue the Arroyo High School video program and summer intern program. Councilnlember Grant stated that she would like the Council to consider exempting low-income residents from the 911 fee. She also expressed concern that the allocation of revenue between police and fire from the proposed Public Safety Parcel Tax be very clear as she heard that this was an issue in a neighboring city. Councilmember Grant asked that the allocation of the revenue from the 911 fee be clear as well.