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City Manager's Budget Message INTRODUCTION The budget has a Temporary Recession Reserve with a beginning balance of $10.9 million that can be used to offset any borrowing that may occur if the State should suspend the constitutional local revenue projection provisions of Proposition 1A approved by voters in 2004. The self- supporting Enterprise Funds, primarily the Water Sewer Enterprises are currently undergoing rate studies. It is likely that staff will be bringing forward rate adjustments in the near future as it has been almost a decade since rates have been adjusted. In addition, we will take this opportunity to recommend some rate restructuring to make rates more equitable and to encourage conservation measures. This area will need to be addressed to keep our municipal utilities in good operational order. During the past few years we were fortunate to have a level of funding in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that allowed the City to complete four of five City Council high priority projects; the Alviso Adobe Community Park, renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building, phase I of the Bernal Community Park, and restoration of Kottinger Creek. The remaining high priority project, the downtown Firehouse Arts Center is under construction and is expected to be completed by spring of 2010. The CIP focus as presented in this budget will be on retaining our maintenance standards and continue active planning and design for new CIP projects. The CIP remains consistent with City Council priorities and, as an example, has some new projects, but in the design phase only: Phase II of the Bernal Community Park, Alamo canal extension, and Lyons Wayside Delucci Park improvements. Construction of these projects in the short term will be highly dependent on the economic recovery. CONCLUSION In closing this budget message, I would like to express my appreciation to the City Council for providing the positive leadership and direction on behalf of the community. Members of the City's commissions, through their expertise and input, have also provided valuable assistance in the development of the Capital Improvement Plan. I also want to recognize the City staff for their dedication and effort, not only in the preparation of this budget, but in their commitment to providing the highest quality service to the Pleasanton community. I would like to specifically acknowledge the work of the City's budget team. They have successfully assembled a budget document that is comprehensive, accurate and easy to read. Steve Bocian, Julie Yuan -Miu, David Culver, Dave Iremonger, Emily Wagner, Mike Patrick, Kathy Kitterman, Lois Webb, Maria Lara and Sharon Svitak were responsible for all the detailed coordination. design, compilation, analysis, photography layout and graphics. I would also like to thank the entire Finance Department staff for the assistance they provided and Central Services staff Mary Wayda and Cindy Seerley for the reprographic services.