Item 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Page 2 of 6 water quality, emergency response, street maintenance, keeping City buildings in good condition, quality parks and open spaces, programs for youth and seniors, housing, and more - while also being fiscally responsible. The City’s General Fund budget provides funding for a wide range of services and infrastructure. The City’s Long-Term Financial Forecast and the draft 10-Year Infrastructure Plan identify budget deficits and significant funding needs for repair and replacement in future years, as community-owned assets age. The City is now considering new revenue options to responsibly address community needs and seeking input from the community to ensure residents have the opportunity to participate in this important decision-making process. What are the City’s greatest needs? Based on the community survey, polling results, and service/funding needs, below are services and programs that are valued by the community. Services are presented first and followed by infrastructure. • PUBLIC SAFETY: Maintaining police and fire protection services, 9-1-1 emergency response, emergency/disaster preparedness, crime prevention programs, and alternative response to mental health programs; updating and modernizing police information and dispatch systems. • SERVICES FOR SENIORS AND YOUTH: Maintaining senior services and programs, and after-school programs for children and teens, including maintaining library hours and providing access to books and educational technology. • ECONOMIC VITALITY: Supporting small businesses and attracting new businesses, jobs, and economic activity. • COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE: Maintaining/replacing aging infrastructure including facilities such as fire stations and recreation facilities, stormwater drainage systems, and water and sewer systems to continue providing clean drinking water and quality sewer service. Funding for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to better respond to a wide range of emergencies such as storms and fires. • STREET MAINTENANCE: Repairing potholes and repaving streets and roads. • PARKS AND OPEN SPACES: Maintaining City parks, repairing park systems and equipment, and replacing paths and trails. What is the City doing to manage its finances responsibly? The City has demonstrated fiscal prudence in managing its finances and makes every effort to use resources wisely. Over time, the City has made changes to its organizational structure, compensation packages, and operating strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency, including the implementation of energy efficiency projects (e.g., solar panel installation at the police station and LED lights at the library). Reduced retiree health benefits are being offered to employees, and all City employees now contribute their maximum share towards the employee’s portion of the pension contribution. The City has also been proactive in setting funds aside in a pension reserve and established General Fund reserves to weather economic uncertainties. Like other agencies, the City needs to develop a financial plan when significant expenses beyond the budget arise, making it critical to identify new resources to maintain vital City services and infrastructure that protect the community's high quality of life. Page 218 of 371