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City Manager's 2005 Budget Memo Page 2 of 27 nificant structural cuts within each Department's budget -- including reducing our full-time workforce by five employees. I appreciate the Council's willingness to consider a levy increase this year. I appreciate the Council's commitment to resolve the structural city budget deficit. It is tough in principle and certainly tough in practice to deal with the fact that the state would break its promise to reimburse us (and other cities) under the state's market value home- stead credit program. Just two more introductory matters. One involves the tone and intent of our budget discussion. The second is some advice. As for the tone and intent of our budget discussion, I hope everyone feels they can offer constructive criticism of our current city opera- tions without fear of being regarded as unappreciative on a personal level for the effort that has been and is being put forth by city em- ployees to provide quality city services. For me, though I recom- mend reducing city staff by five employees, I have no doubt that re- spect to each one of these employees our purpose is true, our efforts well-intentioned, and our passion admirable. I am not criticizing anyone's effort or dedication or passion. Sut we must not mistake our passions for our priorities. I may have a passion for gardening but, as my wife reminds me, there our more household chores with higher priorities than gardening -- no matter how passionate I am about gardening or how superbly I do it. I know she's right; it's just hard to spend less time (and money) on one's passion. Finally, at the risk of sounding preachy, as you go through this budget memo as well as your entire budget process I ask that you ask yourself: "What information might persuade me to change my mind