HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 1, 2006 K-02AGENDA ITEM V%':L
(0 CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Review Analysis of Financial Challenges in Providing Local Services
MEETING DATE: March 1.2006
PREPARED BY: Management Analyst, City Manager's Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review "white paper" analysis of financial challenges in providing
local services.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Staff has prepared a report to provide background and context for a
proposed ongoing dialogue regarding the City's fiscal condition. The preparation of this report began
partly in response to a Council request to consider a City Council sponsored sales tax measure to fund
Public Safety and a Greenbelt Separator. The direct response of this request will be before the Council
on March 29, 2006. It is not included in this staff report.
This report by staff shows clearly that the City of Lodi faces continuing and significant challenges in
providing services at the same level with diminishing resources. With the passage of various tax
measures, there has been a shift from local control to State control of resources used to fund local
services. For example, last year the State shifted $2.1 million (through the Educational Revenue
Augmentation Fund) from the City to the State. While staffing levels have not kept pace with the City's
population growth, the gap between revenues and expenses widens, making it increasingly difficult to
maintain current service levels. Since fiscal year 2002-03, the combined sales and property tax revenues
have not covered the cost of Public Safety. In addition, these levels of service should not be considered
acceptable for future planning purposes.
Also considered in this report are the long-term financial implications of deferred maintenance.
Postponing routine maintenance may provide short-term budget savings, but as demonstrated, the
eventual consequence is often a more costly repair or premature replacement. An argument and
estimates for an annual set-aside for capital replacement is also presented.
These challenges as presented in the attached report will be presented by staff in a PowerPoint
presentation to Council on March 1, 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT: Information only. No revenue enhancements are proposed.
/JAnet L. Hamilton
L Management Analyst
APPROVED: fJ
Blair g, City Manager