Minutes 2004 0621 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~nNUTES Page 5 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 Mr. J ermanis clarified that the 911 fee would be used to partially offset the cost of the Police Department's communications system. He noted that the Fire comnlunications system is covered as part of the contract with Alameda County and would not receive revenue generated by the 911 fee. Mr. J ermanis stated that the City Council Ad Hoc Committee will have further discussion on the various options, taking into consideration the comments and concerns expressed this evening. He stated that it is important to point out that this is not a short- tenn prob1enl. After the State takeaways cease in two years, the City's budget problems will still not be fully resolved. Mr. J enn ani s reiterated Councilmelnber Santos' points that the budgetary problems faced by the City are largely outside the City's control, noting the investment portfolio losses by PERS and the statewide situation cities are facing with the need to reduce Police and Fire services. Mr. Jermanis clarified that the City does not want to give the community the impression that Police and Fire services are on the "hot seat." He pointed out that other City departments have made significant reductions in their operating budgets and personnel, and the Council indicated that it does not want to see similar reductions made to public safety services if they can be avoided. Mr. J ermanis stated that the intent of the proposed 911 fee and public safety parcel tax would be to maintain the level of public safety services at 94 sworn police officers and support personnel in the Police Department and seven 3-person crews in the Fire Stations. He noted that when the econon1Y improves in future years, the Council can revisit these revenue measures. However, Mr. J ermanis stated that he believed the costs are imbedded in the City's operating expenses, and revenues would have to grow sufficiently to cover them. Mr. Jennanis further noted that the issues expressed by the Chamber of Commerce representatives can be considered by the City Council Ad Hoc Committee when it meets later in the week. Mr. J ermanis expressed appreCIatIon for Councihnenlber Santos' suggestions. He stated that City staff has looked carefully at the various programs and funding options. He noted that, for example, the banner program could be funded through the Redevelopment Agency, whereas the video and internship programs would not be eligible. Mr. Jermanis indicated that staff will look into alternative funding sources for progranls such as the Cherry Festival that the Council would like to see preserved. Councilmember Nardine commented that the programs which Councilnlember Santos identified are very positive programs for youth, and she suggested using Gun Tax revenue to fund thenl. Mayor Young commented on the Utility User Tax non-residential rebate program. She expressed agreement with Councilmember Santos that it may be advantageous for the City to do the first year phase-out and review the program after a year. Mayor Young expressed agreement with Mr. J ermanis that a better approach to making changes to the budget would be for Councilmembers to direct their suggestions to the Finance Committee to determine if alternative funding sources exist to preserve certain programs.