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................................................................................. 7. STAFF REPORT — BUDGET STUDY SESSION A. Budget Status and Financial Projections. City Manager Ingram introduced the item and explained the plan for the evening and how staff sought Council direction on the preparation of the budget. B. Neighborhood Survey Results. Magda Gonzalez, Deputy City Manager, introduced the consultants with Godbe Research. They presented the results of the neighborhood survey (presentation on file). Council asked how best to use this information and secondly how to analyze disparities in different areas of the city. Council was appreciative of what staff has done regarding the tree trimming program and one Council Member shared concerns with possible inequity issues on access to information. The quality of the school system was discussed and it was suggested that these results be shared with the school districts. It was suggested that the survey results be incorporated with the Council's strategic initiatives and finding ways to publicize the results. Council wants to tie the survey data to the measurable results from the strategic planning process. Mayor Foust would like the survey results online and in the next newsletter with a brief contextual explanation. Council took a break at 8:35 p.m. The Council resumed at 8:55 p.m. C. Strategic Initiatives Report. Finance Director Ponty provided a detailed financial overview (presentation on file). Council asked about subvention and Mr. Ponty said that he will be in touch with the Port in mid-March. It was mentioned that there might be some precedent for the Port to contribute more than the usual formula. The Business License Tax was discussed and Mr. Ponty said that the last time it was increased was July 1, 1994. He added that the Finance Committee has shown an interest in placing this on a future ballot, but it would be a phased increase. One Council Member asked about cuts for this year such as leaving current vacancies open. Mr. Ingram announced that there is a program that has kept vacancies open. Council was pleased with the current reserve levels but various Council Members said they felt more comfortable with an 18% reserve level versus the 15% reserve policy. Questions were asked about process and what has been done in the past. City Manager Ingram said he hopes to use a mix of reductions to make the reductions fair and equitable. One Council Member explained that the cuts will represent a sacrifice to staff and to the public as well. One Council Member likes to give staff lots of lead time. Council asked about current vacancies and Bob Bell, Acting Assistant City Manager and Personnel Director announced that currently there are a little over 40 vacancies that have not been filed. One Council Member inquired what the $4.4 million deficit represents and Mr. Ponty REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2009 MINUTES PAGE 6 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 314