Cut and Paste
As budget gap looms, more spending cuts and fees coming to Pacific Grove.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More service cuts and money-makers are needed to balance the city budget, Pacific Grove Budget Director Jim Becklenberg told the City Council Wednesday night.
In early March, the council directed Becklenberg to come up with ways to close a $1.3 million projected budget gap for the 2009/10 fiscal year, which begins in July.
The 15-page report, which the public can access by clicking the link on item 7A of the April 15 council agenda, outlines $2.2 million in revenue-generating strategies and $2.5 million in potential cost-cutting measures.
Revenue generators include adjusting golf fees, allowing short-term vacation rentals, charging for city services at community events and increasing recreation, planning and library fees.
Cost reducers include leaving staff positions vacant, implementing employee pay reductions and furloughs, and reducing departmental services.
Over the long term, the report warns, the city may need to consider other revenue-generating measures such as installing parking meters, marketing the community to attract more film events, levying a storm water utility fee and increasing the hotel tax.
The council is expected to vote on the budget recommendations May 20.
In a separate vote, the council approved the final reading of fiscal year 2008/09 budget adjustments, including $15,000 more for the P.G. Natural History Museum, $33,250 more for emergency equipment, $45,000 more for unemployment benefits and $150,000 more for the risk management fund. Much of the added funds were offset by a downward adjustment of $195,000 from the workers compensation fund.
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