MO 1998-026 to 1998-030 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECOMMENDED BUDGET STRATEGIES, 1998-99 The following Budget Strategies form the recommended policy foundation for development of the 1998-99 budget. These strategies were formulated by the City Council Finance Committee and are recommended for approval by the City Council. The Finance Committee developed its final recommendation based on the evaluation of the issues at its meeting on April 13, 1998. The Budget Strategies provide the basis for continued financial stability for the City and allow for the continuation of essential City services. These actions are intended to promote the community's ongoing prosperity and maintain a balanced General Fund. BUDGET STRATEGIES 1. Cable TV Broadcasts of City Council Meetings and Community Events The 1998-99 Budget Strategies recommend funds to purchase video equipment for the purpose of taping community events for broadcasting on the local cable station (TCI). It is not recommended that the City budget funds to broadcast City Council meetings. The funds allocated for this item will be used solely to purchase equipment. To minimize costs, the City will attempt to tap local colleges to hire film students or utilize a volunteer effort. 2. City Support for Neighborhood Empowerment The 1998-99 Budget Strategies recommend the establishment of a new program -- the Neighborhood Empowerment Academy (NEA). The goal of NEA is to give residents the knowledge and resources to create neighborhoods that offer safety, recreation, beauty and other ideal "quality of life" elements. NEA is also designed to eliminate the mystery of government and provide participants with: 1) an understanding of the administration and policies guiding local government; 2) the ability to engage and lead neighbors in developing self -directed projects; 3) access to funds, staff resources, and in -kind support to make neighborhood projects a reality; and 4) opportunities to work in partnership with both government and others. 3. City General Plan Update Requirements The 1998-99 Budget Strategies recommend that the City allocate funds to begin updating the City's General Plan. The City's General Plan is ten years old and in need of an update to keep pace with the changing demographics and environmental needs of the City. While there is no specific mandate to update the General Plan, State law requires the Housing Element of the Plan be updated every five years. 1