AgdaPkt 2018-07-23 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.A. - Page 7 Both polls of likely voters included questions about willingness to support a potential sales tax measure, perceptions of the city's need for additional funds, and priorities around infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. The tracking poll included a question about willingness to support a potential cannabis tax measure. The results of the recent tracking poll indicated support, beyond the margin of error, for a general purpose '/2 cent sales tax (majority vote) as well as for a general purpose cannabis tax measure (also majority vote). The Council received the results of the March 2018 Baseline Poll at their April 9 meeting; the June polling results will be presented to the Council this evening. Fiscal Outlook At this time, there appears to be voter support for a half -cent sales tax revenue measure that could avoid City service reductions that would have significant community service impacts, including reduced library service hours, reduced public safety staffing, and elimination of City support for some after school programs. A half -cent sales tax increase would generate approximately $8.0 million annually; if approved, most of the FY 2018-19 expenditure reductions would be reinstated (Attachment B). If no revenue measure is sought or passed, deeper operating reductions would be required in order to sustain a balanced budget. The operating budget would need to be reduced by approximately $12 million or 10% in order to balance the budget over the next five years, with deeper cuts in following years. A reduction -only approach would have a dramatic impact on community services: because 60% of the General Fund budget supports police, fire and paramedic services, even these essential services would be impacted. Additionally, given the significant community impacts associated with future reductions, City staff will be developing a community engagement strategy for the City's next budget cycle. This would launch in early 2019 and allow the community to provide feedback on budget tradeoffs and inform the development of the FY 2019-20 budget. Text of Proposed Ballot Question The proposed resolution includes the text that would appear on the ballot, if the City Council decides to proceed with this measure. The question is limited by state law to 75 words. It would read as follows: City of Redwood City Essential Services Protection Measure. Shall the ordinance to fund essential city services such as protecting rapid 911 emergency response times; preserving the number of on -duty firefighters/paramedics/police officers; continuing after-school/recreation