REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Annual Public Hearing-Discussion of Potential Council Study Issues and Budget Proposals for Calendar Year 2025
Report
BACKGROUND
A study issue is a topic of concern that can result in a new City policy or a revision to an existing policy. A budget proposal represents a new City service or a change in the level of an existing City service (including possible service reduction or elimination). The annual study issues and budget proposals process provides a structured approach for identifying, prioritizing, and analyzing policy issues important to the community, and evaluating potential changes to City services. It provides a method for allocating limited time and resources to address the highest priorities among the large number of issues that are raised each year.
Study issues and budget proposals may be proposed year-round by Council, boards and commissions, the City Manager, or the public with support from Council. Staff prepares brief papers on study issues and budget proposals to summarize the issue and any potential fiscal impacts. These provide information Council will use to determine whether to further explore each issue. Study issue papers are shared with boards and commissions prior to Council's annual workshop. They review and rank proposed study issues related to their scope of work; these rankings are forwarded to Council for consideration.
During an annual workshop, scheduled for February 13 this year, Council reviews and ranks study issues to advance during the year ahead and identifies budget proposals to be forwarded to the City Manager for consideration in the upcoming budget (FY 2025/26).
The annual public hearing on study issues and budget proposals occurs prior to the annual workshop. It provides the opportunity for members of the public to comment on proposed study issues or budget proposals, and/or to suggest potential new issues or proposals. The public may provide further testimony regarding study iss...
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