A. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
B. AGENDA
1. FY2025 Budget Engagement Results and Proposed Budget Outlook
- Results of listening sessions showed that resident priorities are Affordable Housing, Alternative Response Program, Accessible & Efficient Infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, bus routes, bus shelters, bike lanes).
- In participatory budgeting exercise, the top priority across all five districts was “micro gaps for sidewalks to and from parks and greenways.” Second priority was either “computers for distribution” or “grants for community organizations and nonprofits.” Third was “neighborhood poverty education program.”
- A good deal of this presentation is the same as what was presented at the January Council Retreat.
- Median house price is $391,705 so median property tax bill would be $1242. That breaks down to $430 for public safety, $252 for capital & debt, $233 for public infrastructure, $175 for general administration, $127 for leisure services, and $24 for grants.
- Key cost drivers are affordable housing, classification and compensation study implementation, ongoing employee benefits, Dix campus operation, Fire Master Plan, Alternative Response Program, Capital & Deferred Maintenance Needs, Growth & Annexation Needs.
- Next budget work session are March 11 and April 8
- Balanced proposed budget presented on May 21
- Public Hearing scheduled for June 4
- Council Budget Work sessions – June 3, 10, 17 & 24
- First possible date of budget adoption on June 10, 17, or 18. Last case on June 24.
- Councilor Patton thanked staff for being more responsive to suggestions to start engagement earlier and pilot participatory budgeting. She also asked about use of translators and childcare. No one requested translation services. Those who requested childcare services did not show up.
2. FY2025 Human Resources Update
- Staff from the Human Resources Department provided information on proposed employee compensation and potential benefits changes for consideration by City Council as part of the FY2025 budget development process. They also presented results of employee satisfaction surveys.