10B Action 2009 1019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SAN LEANDRO STAFF REPORT DATE: October 14, 2009 TO: Stephen Hollister, City Manager FROM: Lianne Marshall Assistant City Manager PROJECT DESCRIPTION: APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO CITY COUNCIL Stephen L. Hollister City Manager MATTER OF MOTION TO CREATE AN AD HOC CITIZENS' BUDGET TASK FORCE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION The Mayor has recommended establishing an ad hoc Citizens' Budget Task Force for the purpose of providing community input regarding City programs and services to be used in preparing the 2010-11 General Fund Budget. Staff recommends that the City Council make a motion creating the ad hoc Task Force. BACKGROUND The City continues to face difficult economic circumstances and is considering two revenue measures that, if passed, would significantly reduce anticipated operating deficits in future years. The five year forecast shows an average General Fund shortfall of about $5.5 million per year. The revenue measures include (1) cone-quarter percent increase in the City's Sales and Use Tax and (2) a city wide Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (CLAD). The Sales Tax measure would generate approximately $4 million per year and the CLAD could raise around $2 million per year. However, if the revenue measures either do not move forward or are not passed by the voters, the City will be forced to implement significant cuts in programs and services. Even if one or both measures are enacted, the City would likely still require significant reductions in order to balance its operating budget. It is important for the Council to receive input from the community concerning the priority of the various programs and services. The Mayor has proposed the formation of an ad hoc Citizens' Budget Task Force. Input from the Task Force and other public input will be considered when developing a list of potential reductions in the budget. This proposal was discussed by the City Council at its budget work session in September. Each Council Member would appoint one member to the Committee. In addition, the Mayor would appoint one representative from each of the three labor groups; one representative of the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from two HOAs. Council Members should submit the names of their appointments to the Mayor no later than Tuesday, October 27th, for City Council ratification at the November 2na City Council meeting. The Committee would convene in November and complete its work by February 2010 so that its input can be considered in the development of the 2010-11 Budget.