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Department Approval <br />�� ,�: �� <br />Item Description <br />l�'�, <br />Jy <br />REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />Update on the 2010 Sudgeting Process <br />Date: 7/20/09 <br />Item No.: 13.a <br />City Manager Approval <br />� / <br />BACKGROUND <br />On April 13, 2009 the City Council authorized the hiring of Springsted Financial Advisors to calculate the <br />true costs of all property t�-supported programs as precursor to an eventual budget priority setting process. <br />Springsted is nearing the completion of their work and expects to report back to the Council in mid-August. <br />At this same meeting, the Council also authorized the scheduling of several community meetings for the <br />purposes of sharing program and budget impact information and to solicit citizen preferences. Four <br />community meetings have been scheduled and will take place over the next two weeks. The input received <br />at these meetings will be compiled and shared with the Council at the conclusion of those meetings. <br />Looking ahead, it is suggested that the Council schedule a separate budget priority setting meeting(s) for <br />the purposes of reviewing citizen responses and to determine where funding ought to be allocated for 2010. <br />It is suggested that this meeting take place in mid-August to allow sufficient time for the preparation of the <br />City Manager Recommended Sudget, which would reflect the Council and Community's priorities. This <br />Recommended Sudget and accompanying t� levy request would serve as the basis for the 2010 <br />Preliminary T� Levy and Sudget that is scheduled to be adopted on September 14, 2009. <br />The Council is reminded that a preliminary tax levy must be set no later than September 15th of each year <br />and once the preliminary levy is set, it generally cannot be increased (although there are some exceptions). <br />POLICY OBJECTIVE <br />Establishing a budget process that aligns resources with desired outcomes is consistent with governmental <br />best practices, provides greater transparency of program costs, and ensures that budget dollars are allocated <br />in the manner that creates the greatest value. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACTS <br />Not applicable. <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff recommends that the Council establish a budget priority meeting(s) for the purposes of reviewing <br />citizen input and to determine where resources ought to be allocated for 2010. <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />