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of Hacienda Business Park. In addition, a new Stoneridge Mall co-owner brings the potential <br />for expanding operations there with more retail space. <br /> <br />However, Pleasanton will always be subjected to factors outside its control, such as the <br />economy, State Budget impacts, and potential future restructuring of local revenues. <br /> <br />Since 1991-92, the City has lost $76.5 million in revenue combined with increased costs for <br />added responsibilities, as a result of statewide property tax shifts initiated by the State during the <br />recession of the mid 1990s. Included in the above is the latest round of State Budget impacts <br />that started in 2003-04 and extend at least through 2005-06. These include $1.1 million in <br />Vehicle License Fees in 2003-04 ("VLF Gap Loan"); $1.9 million in additional property tax <br />shifts in 2004-05 ("ERAF III"); and an additional $2 million of ERAF III funds in 2005-06. <br />However, the State is scheduled to pay back the VLF Gap Loan in 2006-07, as required in <br />Proposition 1A adopted by the voters in November 2004. <br /> <br />In addition to the sluggish economic recovery, State budget deficit, and planning for General <br />Plan buildout, increases in personnel costs add to the list of items that will impact the City's long <br />term financial future. There are three factors that have driven personnel costs upwards over the <br />last few years. These factors are: workers' compensation, medical premiums, and the City's <br />required contribution rates to the State's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). All <br />three factors have grown at rates higher than inflation. As the City concerns itself with fiscal <br />sustainability for the long term, personnel costs like all other costs will have to stay in line with <br />revenue growth to make the equation work. <br /> <br />But there is much to be optimistic about. While mixed, there are signs of an improving <br />economy, and the City is positioned well to capitalize on it. The City has an opportunity in the <br />300 acre Bernal property to provide an incredible amenity for the community and future <br />generations. Long desired plans to renovate the Veterans Memorial Building, convert the <br />historic downtown fire station into an arts center, and continued revitalization of our downtown <br />are all moving toward fruition. In addition, the much anticipated Callippe Preserve Golf Course <br />and Open Space is scheduled to come on line later this calendar year. <br /> <br />The City's long-term planning has continued for years to be a key factor in its financial strength. <br />While the City has been doing long term fiscal modeling for years in many forms, for the first <br />time, a General Fund five-year projection model is included in the Budget Plan (in Appendix E). <br />One of the City Council's goals for the coming year is to develop a short and long-term analysis <br />to ensure financial planning remains consistent with expenditure and revenue projections, and <br />this 5-year projection model is one of the first steps in that process. In addition, efforts are under <br />way as part of the General Plan update process, to develop a strong and proactive economic <br />development attraction and retention program, a component which the City Council has <br />recognized in its Shared Vision as vital to the City's continued fiscal health. <br /> <br /> b-7 <br /> <br /> <br />