City Council Meeting Budget Recap

City Council Meeting Budget Recap

• January 10, 2025

On January 9, 2025, the City Council held a Budget Workshop and discussed two budget related items as the City prepares to kick off its two-year budget planning process. Here's what was covered:

Budget Workshop

The first of several budget workshops was held before the regular City Council meeting on January 9, 2025. The workshop gave the City Council and the public a broad overview of the City's budget, including financial challenges, budget principles, and key financial policies. The goal was to gather input to help guide the upcoming budget development process. During the discussion, City Council priorities focused on long-term fiscal stability, protecting core and essential services, and prioritizing infrastructure.

Budget Development and Engagement Plan

The City is beginning its two-year budget planning process with several community engagement events to collect input and provide transparency. The City Council approved a community engagement plan that includes a town hall event and online tool to capture community input. In addition, they approved several opportunities for community members and City Council to participate in in-depth conversations, including a Budget Advisory Committee and two more budget workshops at future City Council meetings. The City Council also voted to conduct an independent review of the City's financial health.

Budget Advisory Committee

A new Budget Advisory Committee will be made up of 11 members: one person selected by each member of City Council, one member from each of the City's three labor groups (Police, Fire, and non-public safety/general employees), one member of City management, and two at-large community members. The Budget Advisory Committee will meet at least three times before the two-year budget is approved to review financial challenges, provide community input, and recommend cost reduction strategies. Their work will ensure City spending aligns with community priorities while maintaining transparency. Budget Advisory Committee meetings will be announced like City Council meetings and will be open to the public.