01/14/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ In response to a question from Ms. Ehrman about the Municipal Court's jail contract, Mr. Gleason said he would have to research the exact figures. Mr. Greene questioned the role of the Budget Committee. He believed it should deal only with policy. Mr. Boles felt that the council should not close budget options further than necessary. Mr. Gleason responded that staff was trying to keep the FY92 budget as close to that of FY91 as possible to allow flexibility. In response to concern from Mr. Nicholson about determining what the public wants, Mr. Gleason said the council will get information about public priori- ties through the strategic financial planning process. He mentioned that staff is also trying to keep the cost of all the City's intergovernmental contracts at their current rates. e - II. FY92 BUDGET PREPARATION AND REVIEW PROCESS Mr. Wong reviewed the recommended FY92 budget review schedule, noting the change toward fewer meetings and documents. Mr. Gleason commented that the budget is basically finished unless staff is directed to review various de- tails. Councilors discussed the Budget Committee's role and the council's role con- cerning the budget process. In response to a question from Mr. Nicholson about the function of the Budget Committee and in response to his concern about how changes in the schedule would affect the oversight function, Mr. Gleason said the legal statute gov- erning the budgetary process is not very specific beyond the requirement that the Budget Committee review the budget's general categories and make recom- mendations to the City Council. He did not believe that the oversight pro- cess would be impaired by scheduling adjustments. In response to a question from Mr. Boles, Mr. Wong said the City's approach meets the letter and spirit of State law. Mr. Boles felt that reviewing the budget was a "cut-and-dried" exercise. He said the Budget Committee was most needed for its expertise in financial strategy. Mr. Gleason agreed, further clarifying that the new strategic financial planning focus was to reduce the Budget Committee's role and increase public involvement. Mr. Rutan agreed with the three meeting schedule, but favored reducing the nine-hour, April 23 meeting. Ms. Bascom did not favor reducing the nine-hour meeting if it meant having a fourth meeting. Mr. Nicholson said it was his understanding that the council decided to cut the capital budget and maintain existing programs at the most modest level possible, which would naturally shorten the budget review process. Mr. Gleason responded that the budget is a planning document in which work plans are coordinated with fiscal estimates. It is not an effective vehicle for MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session January 14, 1991 Page 2