12/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e Keller requested clarification as to whether it meant setting a policy or getting more direct involvement. Manager responded, the staff sensed that some Budget Committee members felt they had no control over or effect on what is happening. This was an attempt to create a situation where Budget Committee members have some sense of accomplishment and control. There was some discussion on whether or not the Council should consider Budget Committee recommendations any differently than Planning Commission recommendations, noting the Council does have the final decision on the budget. However, it was pointed out these proposed processes were an attempt to help the Budget Committee find a more workable solution to deal with the budget document. Ms. S~ith also noted it was an attempt to attain general consensus from the Budget Committee once a budget had been decided on. She felt the Council would be placing itself in the uncomfor- table position of overturning what the Budget Committee recommends. Mr. Williams said it was very unusual for the Council to reverse a Budget Committee decision, but in fact, the Council had gone to great lengths to confer with the Budget Committee. Also, he said if policy definition was the allocation of funds to an activity, then he did not see anything un- reasonable about looking at the whole budget. ~1r. Delay felt the use of service sheet summaries was a very significant improvement and would give the Budget Committee a better opportunity to understand the processes. However, he questioned Item Din the proposed budget process, feeling the word "policy" should be changed to "priority." - The elected officials role is to establish policy. He had concerns that Items A, B, C, E, and F were too general in nature and questioned what they meant; and also, Item 2, setting expenditure limitions. In response, Manager noted for Item A (increased discussions about ser- vices the City should provide), this item reflected interest from the Budget Committee members that perhaps certain services are not in the budget and should be discussed. Item B (response to public concerns regarding rising costs of government) was included because of public discussions on Ballot Measures 6 and 11. It was felt that consideration should be given to various proposals which seemed to reflect the dominant votinq patterns of the community in reducing the cost of government. Item C (seek more general public input in reaching decisions) responded to past participation, mainly by various special interest groups during budget meetings. This would be an attempt to get more general concern and take into account the interests of the general public. He continued, Item E (increased commitment of Budget Committee members) W,IS a response to poor attendance at Rudqet Committee meetings 1 ast year. It(~rn F (providing stronger direction by management in recommending budget) he felt to be a clear statement and the City Manager's Office and staff waul d be happy to do so. For Item G (all ow Budget Commi ttee to see where services have been curtailed or expanded), staff would try to provide documentation to answer that concern. He said Item 2 (the expenditure limitations) referred to the recent tax limitation elections. Staff is committed to presenting proposals for setting certain limitations. e 12/13/78 - 3 '1,+