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While historically funded through transfers from the General Fund, certain categories such as <br /> parks are funded by development fees. Street maintenance has traditionally relied on <br /> Proposition 1b, Gas Tax, and Measure B monies. The lack of transfers from the General Fund <br /> really hits what could be classified as the "amenity list," things like expansion of the library and <br /> Phase 2 Bernal. <br /> Councilmember McGovern requested information on the Urban Forestry Fund and staff agreed <br /> to return with that on June 7m <br /> Ms. Wagner noted two new General Fund transfers to the Water Discount and Sewer Discount <br /> Funds, both of which support the low-income and senior discounts approved by the Council. <br /> She reviewed General Fund reserves, noting again that the budget presented is balanced and <br /> that reserves will be maintained at the current level of approximately $25.4 million. The <br /> Temporary Recession Reserve is the largest at $10.8 million, followed by the Economic <br /> Uncertainties, Undesignated, and Golf Course Debt Service Reserves. She discussed various <br /> scenarios that would cause the City to look to its reserves, the most notable of which is the <br /> state's contemplation to realign certain services to the local level. <br /> Councilmember McGovern asked how long the reserves would be capable of carrying the City <br /> in the event of something significant and unforeseen. Ms. Wagner stated that most agencies <br /> believe the appropriate reserve level to be 15% of the General Fund budget, which would $12.5 <br /> to $15 million for Pleasanton. She noted that due to the timing of property tax payments, the <br /> City is carrying that portion of the cash flow for the first 6 months. <br /> Councilmember Thorne asked if the City would benefit from a formalized contingency plan to <br /> deal with these potential scenarios. Mr. Fialho said yes, though cautioned that the state <br /> strategies lack the clarity needed to prepare a successful plan at this point. Ms. Wagner has <br /> attempted to set aside roughly $500,000 for unexpected impacts and the Temporary Recession <br /> Reserve remains intact to cover those scenarios initially. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan asked if any thought has been given to what would happen if the <br /> Governor fails to realize the tax extensions he is seeking. Mr. Fialho said in his experience, the <br /> ramifications of the state budget process are generally unclear until the budget is adopted in the <br /> September/October timeframe. Once adopted, staff can translate that in terms of local impacts. <br /> Ms. Wagner reviewed the Enterprise Funds. Water Operation and Maintenance revenues are <br /> projected to increase 5.5% annually due to an anticipated Zone 7 rate increase and growth in <br /> the number of residential consumers and water sales. Expenditures are balances by the same <br /> Zone 7 increase and the Water Fund tentatively ends with a positive net income. Sewer <br /> Operation and Maintenance revenues are anticipated to grow 3% for the same reason, with a <br /> corresponding increase in expenditures related to supplies, energy costs and DSRSD fees. <br /> She discussed the Golf Course Operating Fund's revenues and expenditures. Staff anticipates <br /> a slight growth in fund revenues based on a modest increase in the number of rounds played <br /> and price of goods sold. Expenses also increase modestly and the fund is expected to end each <br /> fiscal year with a net income of$500,000. Added to the General Fund subsidy used to make the <br /> debt service payment, the beginning fund balance of roughly $1.2 million is maintained. This <br /> beginning balance, combined with General Fund monies, provides the two years of debt service <br /> reserves required by the City's fiscal debt policies. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 10 May 17, 2011 <br />