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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/27/2005 - 2006-2007 BIENNIAL BUDGET DATE: September 27, 2005 WORK SESSION ITEM STAFF: Darin Atteberry FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION The purpose of this work session is to continue to review and respond to Council questions related to the City Manager's 2006-2007 Recommended Biennial Budget. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Respond to Council questions and issues. 2. What additional information does Council need to begin to formulate its direction for preparation of the budget adoption ordinance? BACKGROUND On September 13, City Council conducted its first budget work session for the 2006-2007 biennial budget. The purpose of the work session was to identify the major issues or questions for Council to address as we move through the final stages of preparing the budget. Council identified a number of questions (responses will be provided in a memorandum from the City Manager on Friday, September 23) and some key issues: Transportation Maintenance Fee (TMF) The biennial budget includes a recommendation to consider a Transportation Maintenance Fee in 2007. Over the next few months and prior to the 2007 Budget Exception process (adjustments to the 2007 budget and appropriation ordinance that occur in late 2006), Council and staff will work with the community and carefully examine the Transportation Maintenance Fee as well as other options, for addressing street maintenance and other General Fund operational needs. Without an added revenue source in 2007, additional cuts must be made to the 2007 budget plan. Employee Compensation and Benefits The 2006-2007 recommended budget includes compensation increases to re-establish the City's pay program—for merit and skill ladder adjustments as well as an annual Cost of Living adjustment. Council identified a number of questions associated with recommended compensation adjustments and benefits. This topic is schedule for a more in-depth discussion at the October 11 Budget work session. September 27, 2005 Page 2 Police Staffing and Services Ensuring a safe community is a key result and priority in our community. Before we determine the specific, future staffing and resource needs related to Police services, a more specific service plan and set of metrics that are pertinent and directly applicable to our community profile and public safety needs must be developed. As a starting point, Council supported the creation of a Council subcommittee to work closely with the City Manager and staff to develop the service plan and metrics. A work session is to be scheduled in January/February of 2006 pertaining to this work. Other key budget topics that Council identified for discussion at the budget work session include: • Transfort and Dial-a-Ride service • Neighborhood Street Sweeping • Human Rights and Education Office • Neighborhood Resources • Mosquito Control Services • Bicycle Programs • Transportation Demand Management • Wellness Coordinator Council Budget Meetings The September 27 work session is the second in a set of three Council Budget work sessions: • September 13 — identify major issues and request information • September 27—continue discussion • October 11 — formulate direction to prepare the budget adoption and the budget Appropriation ordinances Budget Adoption Meetings: • November 2 - First Reading of Ordinance Adopting the 2006-2007 Biennial Budget • November 15 - Second Reading of Ordinance Adopting the 2006-2007 Biennial Budget