REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Annual Public Hearing - Discussion of Potential Council Study Issues and Budget Issues for Calendar Year 2015
Report
BACKGROUND
Council typically reviews all study and budget issues once a year at the Annual Public Hearing which provides the opportunity for members of the public to comment on proposed issues for study or budget consideration, and/or to suggest potential new issues. The purpose of the January 6 meeting is to receive that public testimony.
On January 30, 2015, Council will conduct a workshop devoted to a review of all proposed study and budget issues. At the workshop, Council will rank study issues for completion during 2015 and will identify budget issues to be forwarded to the City Manager for consideration in the FY 2015/16 budget. 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 issue represents a new City service or a change in the level of an existing City service (including possible elimination).
Study and Budget Issues Process
The study issues process provides a method for identifying, prioritizing and analyzing policy issues important to the community. It provides a structured approach for addressing the large number of issues that are raised each year, allowing Council to rank the issues and set priorities within the limits of time and resources.
The budget issues process provides a method for identifying and addressing proposals to add a new service, eliminate a service, or change the level of an existing service.
Major Steps in the Process Leading to the Public Hearing
* Study and budget issues are proposed year round by Council, boards and commissions, the public, or the City Manager.
* Staff prepares study issue papers or budget issue papers for all qualifying issues. These issue papers describe the topic of concern and provide information Council will use to determine whether or not to further explore ea...
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