Round two of budget discussions will occupy the City Council and
staff members Wednesday night
– and members of the public who wish to attend.
Round two of budget discussions will occupy the City Council and staff members Wednesday night – and members of the public who wish to attend.
The $101 million budget, a general fund surpassing $16 million, falling revenues, a stable of new public facilities to support and the state poised to bite chunks out of any revenue that does appear, will force the council to make some tough decisions.
Of particular interest to the council is the question of how to arrange to pay for the new police station. Options include whether or not to borrow and how much.
The city is in the process of buying a 43,000 square-foot new and never-used building at 16200 Vineyard Ave. for the department and staff has asked the council to consider the purchase’s effect on the general fund reserves.
Of particular interest is council discussion of possible new revenue sources, largely taxes or service fee increases. Council will also hear a “White Paper” on the effects state budget “take-aways” would have on the Redevelopment Agency.
After dealing with the budget, council will consider the timing for funding upcoming projects – the new fire station, BMX and permanent skateboard park. The BMX and skate park are “substantially underfunded”, according to the staff report.
Funding will depend on community partners.
The fire station’s funding issues mainly revolve around the need for more operating funds, which would involve paying for additional firefighters.
The Butterfield Linear Park, a possible new library, El Toro Youth Center , City Hall expansion, improvements to Community Park and the West Little Llagas Creek Trail project are all on the table.
The complete Council agenda in full is available at the City Clerk’s desk in City Hall and on line. City Council and/or the Redevelopment Agency meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in City Hall Chambers, 17555 Peak Ave. Details: www.morgan-hill.ca.gov or 779-7271. Council meetings are broadcast live on cable access Channel 17.
