Laserfiche WebLink
Question/Answer Period <br />The presentations were followed by an open question and answer period. The following <br />questions or points were raised by members: <br />Some members will not be able to attend all three meetings. Will the City make sure that <br />any information handed out at the meetings is sent to those who can't make it? <br />Staff responded that this would be done. <br />Since the Department Heads have already made their recommendations, please clarify the <br />Committee's role. <br />Staff responded that the Committee's role was to review and understand the <br />Department's recommendations, suggest changes as appropriate, and surface additional <br />issues and questions. <br />Can Staff provide Committee members with information in advance of the meetings, so <br />that there is ample time to review the material and have a more meaningful dialogue? <br />Staff responded that it was assembling a packet of information and would be mailing it by <br />Friday (August 24), giving Committee members three or four days to review the material <br />before the next meeting. <br />Can information be sent as e-mail attachments, rather than by surface mail? <br />Staff responded that it would look into this possibility, and that persons interested in <br />receiving reports electronically should leave their e-mail addresses on the sign in sheet. <br />Several years ago, the City shifted fire services to the County to save money. Why have <br />we not seen a reduction in the cost for these services? <br />Staff responded that the shift has enabled the City to hold these costs relatively constant, <br />instead of seeing them increase with inflation as they have in other communities. There <br />has been a savings in this regard. Also, the cost offire services had already been <br />reduced per the recommendations of the Committee of 51. A number of other factors <br />were discussed. <br />What is the City's total indebtedness and how has it changed over the last 10 years? <br />Staff responded that there were different types of debt. Debt is generally larger now than <br />it was ten years ago due to several capital projects, such as the Library and City Hall. <br />These projects were financed through bonds. <br />What is the schedule for repayment of internal debt (to operate the golf course, marina, <br />etc.)? <br />Staff responded that a schedule has been established, and the time frame varies <br />depending on the source. Repayment schedules vary from six years to over 20 years. <br />-z- <br />340 <br />