CityScape

February will be a difficult time for the City Council,
department heads and employees. As noted in the January 27 Tribune,
the City is facing a general fund shortfall in excess of $1
million. Enterprise funds have not met reserve policies and lack
funding for capital replacement. A mid-year budget review is
scheduled for February 16 (6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers),
the purpose of which is to present detailed financial information
pertaining to the 2009-10 budget and to make recommendations to
reduce the deficit. I expect this topic will generate much
community interest, particularly due to the implications for
staffing levels, programs and services.
It is my responsibility to keep you informed. That is why I
believe it is important for you to know what we have been doing to
address our fiscal issues. Since the adoption of the budget last
June staff has worked diligently to reduce expenditures and look
for ways to increase revenues. All employees have been encouraged
to submit their ideas and suggestions; to participate in the effort
to attain financial stability.
Departments have been reorganized and positions have been
consolidated. Effective February 1, the Assistant City Manager
position was combined with a department head position. This alone
will generate a savings of $230,000 per year. We have also
redefined job responsibilities. From top management, down through
the organization, employees have been taking on additional
assignments to absorb work previously done by employees in
positions that were eliminated. The lines between job
classifications have been blurred in order to facilitate service
delivery.
We are reevaluating how we do business. A consultant has been
hired to review our fee structure to determine whether or not we
are capturing sufficient revenues to cover costs. Managers are
seeking opportunities for the City to provide contractual services
to other agencies. Surplus materials and equipment have been sold,
generating sales proceeds that can be returned to operations.
Through the implementation of new policies, controls and oversight
we have reduced spending for supplies.
The smallest savings is viewed as a success as it represents our
willingness to look at everything in order to reduce costs. As we
move through the balance of this fiscal year we will continue to
question how we spend money; we will continue to seek ways to
enhance revenues; we will continue to streamline operations.
Fiscal Year 2010-11
February also marks the beginning of the 2010-11 budget cycle. I
anticipate grueling meetings as we wrestle with revenue shortfalls
and increasing expenses. Financial gaps that are not rectified in
this fiscal year will plague us as we strive to develop a balanced
budget. It will become increasingly difficult to meet all of our
needs. We recognize that transparency and education are critical to
the public’s understanding of our financial crisis. That is why we
are initiating some changes to the budget process. This year the
Finance Director will be conducting educational sessions on the
City’s budget. The sessions are tentatively scheduled for
March.
A Promotion at City Hall
Congratulations are in order. David Mickaelian has agreed to
accept the Assistant City Manager position while continuing to
oversee the Community Services Department.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California
Chapter has awarded the City’s new wastewater facility Project of
the Year in the Environmental category for projects between $25 and
$75 million dollars. This prestigious award recognizes the City’s
$32 million investment in improving water quality and our
commitment to enhancing the environment and our quality of life in
the region. The Northern California Chapter of APWA covers 11
counties including Sonoma, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa,
Marin, Solano, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and
northern San Mateo.
Foss Creek Garden Project
Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Foss Creek Garden
Project will move forward next month. The City has received cash
and in-kind commitments totaling $16,250. Funds will used to expand
Healdsburg’s community garden program at the Foss Creek Community
Center. The project will include the removal of asphalt,
construction of garden plots, and the installation of a retaining
wall, fencing and irrigation systems. Volunteers will provide the
majority of the labor.
Marjie Pettus is the Healdsburg City Manager. To submit ideas or
questions for this column, email ci*******@ci.us.