• How were adjustments for each department determined?
  After department directors reviewed their business practices and plans, they proposed 10- to 20-percent adjustments to their budgets. Directors focused on the best ways to continue practices that were aligned with city council goals, preserve core services and minimize the impact on other community services. They also developed revenue-generating ideas.
  
  
• How will the citizens’ comments on proposed adjustments be used?
  City Council will receive the public’s comments prior to the first budget workshop on March 23 and will use these as guides in determining any adjustments made to programs and services.
  
  
• How will the proposed adjustments affect police and fire positions?
  The proposed adjustments will not affect the number of police officer and firefighter positions currently budgeted.
  
  
• What is the City Council decision process?
  City Council will start the normal budget development process for next fiscal year on March 23, 2010, when a series of public workshops begin. By the last budget workshop, Council will provide direction to staff on how to proceed with the proposed adjustments. These adjustments must be finalized by June 2010.
  
  
• Why is the capital budget not part of this process?  Are there any more opportunities for reduction here?
  The operating and capital budgets are paid from different funding sources. They also represent two different components of the total city budget. The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses such as salaries, fuel for vehicles, electricity and water for buildings and landscaping, etc. The capital budget is for construction projects similar to a person purchasing a home. Capital budgets already have been reduced to minimize the impact of new operating expenses.
  
  
• What options for increasing revenue have been considered?
  Department directors were asked to develop revenue enhancement ideas for consideration by City Council.  These revenue enhancement ideas will be presented to City Council during the budget workshops that begin on March 23, 2010. 
  
  
• What is the breakdown of proposed reductions throughout the city?
  • Public Safety Division (Police & Fire) – 10%
  • Elected & Appointed Division (Mayor’s Office, Council Office, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Court) – 10%
  • Community Services Division (Parks & Recreation, Community Partnerships, Library & Arts) – 18%
  • Public Works Division (Environmental Resources, Field Operations, Transportation, ) – 19%
  • Administrative Services Division (Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Management & Budget) – 21%
  • Facilities & Financial Management Division (Marketing & Communications, Convention & Media Center Parking Garage, Civic Center) – 22%
  • Internal Services Group Division (City Manager’s Office, City Auditor, Intergovernmental Programs, Community Action Program) – 24%
  • Community Development Division (Building Safety, Planning, Economic Development, Engineering) – 27%
    
    
• What is the total general fund operating budget?
  The fiscal year 2010 operating budget for the general fund only is $155 million.