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Brought in a financial consultant to advise the City on revenue and <br />expenditure strategies. <br />Consulting with similar-sized cities regarding their deficits and <br />creative budget balancing strategies. <br />Initiated increased external and internal communications to improve <br />transparency and to promote dialogue. An employee portal to <br />solicit budget suggestions has been implemented as well as an <br />email blast communication system for City residents. <br />O Fiscal Principles <br />• Fund ongoing expenditures with recurring revenues <br />• Preserve remaining unrestricted fund balance and build a General <br />Fund reserve. <br />• Utilize internal service funds for intended uses, emergencies, <br />contingencies, cash flow, and transition costs in service delivery. <br />• Negotiate future compensation agreements that can be sustainable <br />and affordable based on City's financial capacity. <br />Councilmember Sarmiento thanked Interim City Manager Walters on <br />transparent discussion of budget situation; many factors contribute to <br />situation; 400 positions already eliminated throughout the City, asked <br />Interim City Manager to make key changes, as needed, to administration <br />that will help navigate and analyze situation - suggested appointment of <br />Assistant City Manager position; City Council to meet on a weekly basis to <br />discuss labor negotiations; and also re-establish Finance Ad Hoc <br />committee. <br />Councilmember Bustamante thanked staff for efforts to bridge gap. <br />*Mayor Pulido left the meeting at 8:39 p.m. and did not return. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez <br />assumed the Chair. <br />Councilmember Tinajero commented on City's high unemployment rate in <br />comparison to State and National levels; unions are willing to negotiate; <br />prepare to make tough decisions. <br />Councilmember Benavides noted seriousness of situation; need analysis <br />of all options including labor concessions; re-active Finance Ad Hoc <br />Committee; and thanked unions for willingness to negotiate. <br />Councilmember Martinez thanked Interim City Manager Walters for efforts <br />on matter; thanked unions; need to make structural changes to alleviate <br />cash flow problem; support Finance Ad Hoc Committee; suggested City <br />have independent Controller/Auditor position and Assistant City Manager <br />position. <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 20 SEPTEMBER 19, 2011