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| June, 2005: Developing a Sustainable Budget City Council Budget Goals From the Computer of Mayor Dave |
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| At their retreat in February, the City Council set a goal of developing a sustainable budget policy by the end of September of this year. The overall goal is to adopt fiscal policy guidelines to make the budget review and adoption process smoother and more efficient. The Council will also be considering whether or not the City should move from an annual to a biennial budget process. Over the next three months, the Council will be devoting one study session per month to their goal of developing a sustainable budget policy. Citizens of Lake Forest Park who are interested in learning more about the fiscal health of the City are encouraged to attend these study sessions. Study sessions start at 6 p.m. and are held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall. Session I - Thursday, June 23 - Service Level Review - How has the growth of our community impacted staffing and service levels? What public services and functions does the City provide and at what level? How do we compare to similar jurisdictions? Session II - Thursday, July 28 - Budget Review - How has the City budget been impacted by growth? What adjustments and reductions has the City taken as a result of statewide initiatives that have reduced revenues? What does the five-year projection tell us? What policy options are available for consideration, and what are the impacts on the five-year budget projection? Session III - Thursday, August 25 - Policy Development - Which policy options provide the best guidance to meet the service level and revenue needs of the City? I hope you will join the City Council and me as we take a comprehensive look at our services and fiscal health. |
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