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sales tax, showing the total California State sales tax over a 32 -year period with data points on the <br /> year -to -year change, noting sales tax is very important to the operating budget. It is cyclical and <br /> follows the economy. <br /> Mr. Culver said further revenue declines are expected due to the economy, sales tax is estimated to <br /> decline 13% in addition to the 10.3% decrease budgeted, property tax shows a 0% change in <br /> addition to the 3.5% growth expected this year, hotel tax at 1.6% decrease in addition to the 3% <br /> reduction this year. The State budget deficit is estimated at $24.3 billion and further take away's <br /> are expected, with dynamics changing daily. He discussed ERAF (Educational Revenue <br /> Augmentation Fund) stating ERAF I occurred in the early 1990's and ERAF II was increased in the <br /> late 1990's, both are on- going, creating an over $90 million cumulative loss. The new proposed <br /> Prop 1A borrowing would be on top of the $90 million cumulative loss and ERAF I and II will <br /> continue regardless of the decision made in Sacramento this month. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan referred to recent State talks of taking away gas tax funds and confirmed <br /> with Mr. Culver that this would be in addition to the $24.3 billion. Mr. Fialho noted that Prop 42, Prop <br /> B and gas tax monies cumulatively equal about $2 million per year. Staff will need to review <br /> assumptions in the CIP this year and his sense is that the loss will be permanent with no provision <br /> to repay cities for the borrowing. <br /> Mr. Culver discussed State proposals to take local revenues which are new reductions in addition to <br /> the property tax taking and would affect 5 sources of City revenues that total about $6.5 million. He <br /> said these have either been included in the Governor's budget, included in the May revise or in new <br /> proposals recommended by the Legislative Analysts' office. New additional Prop 1A borrowing is <br /> estimated from between $4.3 to $4.7 million which is money used for the operating budget. Prop <br /> 1A allows the State to borrow up to 8% of property tax in any given year which can be done twice in <br /> any 10 -year period, but they must pay the first borrowing with interest prior to borrowing the second <br /> time. If this happens, it would represent the first time it occurred when Prop 1A was approved by <br /> voters in 2004 to give local government some protections. <br /> Mr. Culver presented Enterprise Fund highlights, said staff spent time reviewing operating costs to <br /> minimize any future rate adjustments; however, the normal transfer made to the water repair and <br /> replacement fund was reduced in both years to keep the water fund in balance, and rate studies are <br /> underway with results to be presented in January 2010. Regarding the operating transfer to the <br /> infrastructure replacement fund, the rate study will address what the adequate level of funding <br /> should be and will recommend a rate to allow this to occur. <br /> In conclusion, Mr. Culver referred to the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department as a special <br /> revenue fund; costs are split with the City of Livermore, the budget includes funding for continued <br /> succession planning, and staff continues to review additional cost saving measures and grant <br /> opportunities. A recent grant opportunity is that the City would be the lead agency for the <br /> Assistance to Firefighters Grant which will cover 20% of the cost of the new mobile radios that will <br /> provide interoperability with the new East Bay Regional Communications project. <br /> Vice Mayor Cook Kallio opened the public hearing, noted there were no public speakers and she <br /> closed the public hearing. <br /> Vice Mayor Cook Kallio thanked staff for their insight and fiscal responsibility, said it is difficult to <br /> balance a budget and referred to www.nextl0.orq which she said allows users to provide ideas on <br /> balancing the State's budget. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 13 June 16, 2009 <br />