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257 arbitrarily reducing personnel without regard to needs of that department, simply for budgetary reasons. Councilman Weymouth noted that with regard to concern for increasing taxes, it was pertinent to recognize that in the past four years there have been none in Redwood City, despite added services, includ- ing the bus system, and major increases in costs in general. He noted that to keep taxes down, funds have constantly been drawn from the Reserves, and felt that if the City had gone along with the times, the tax rate would have been going up five to ten cents per year. Council also discussed the population decline as it relates to the employee ratio. It was felt that further reductions in expenditures will be necessary in order to cut property tax rate to minimum, and it was stated that the City has one of the highest tax rates in the County. Mayor Bury noted cost of doing business has increased and felt the question was what amount is necessary to spend in order to provide the necessary services. He did not feel that comparisons with neighboring cities was valid because the types and extent of services varied. In continued discussion concerning personnel, City Manager urged that if Council was considering deletion of positions by other than attrition, that the positions not be delineated, but rather that the dollar amount be established, and permit the professional staff to make the recommendations after study of effects on specific departments. Personnel Director referred to Councilman Arnett's recommended position cuts, and advised the majority would be in Public Works, and therefore would have little reflection on General Fund monies. He felt that a personnel study should be done to determine effect on personnel services. In response to question by Council, he added that the study would take approximately two months. It was suggested that other areas of the budget should be reviewed including Budgeted Reserves and Capital Improvements. City Manager referred to his recommendation to Council on Capital Improvements, which it was felt was extremely limited. He noted $200,000 which was allocated to Community Center at the directive of Council, as well as fifth installment toward purchase of Parking District Property of $20,000. Streets and Storm Drains were kept to minimum, and Unallocated was left with substantial balance with view of possible use toward relocation rerouting of Middlefield, or toward Alameda widening. What was believed minimal was left in the City Beautification program, for street trees and "dressing up" entrances to the City. $6,000 in Recreation was for necessary remodeling of shower area, Hoover pool, and a like amount for the remodeling of the Recreation Center to make it more acceptable as a craft center. $25,000 was