AgdaPkt 2003-06-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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/D.,¢ -/9 BUDGETIMPACTSfrom page 6••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••.....a•••• • Already cut 5 percent from budget and eliminated one police officer. If cuts were ongoing, an additional officer would be cut. If there is an additional RDA hit, nearly all funds are committed to bond repayment, so general fund absorption would mean an additional 1 -2 police officers cuts in FY 03 -04. Potential state cuts of $4.3 million for next three fiscal years would mean cuts of 15 -18% h future years which would require significant d6sp cuts in service levels, impacting public safety and addressing a deteriorating infra- structure. • 70% of general fund revenues go to public safety and 10% to human services. Potential $600,000 state budget cut would mean: two motor officers positions not filled, reduced training and equipment for Special Enforcement Team; eliminate DARE officer at local high school; eliminate one additional paramedic unit in fire department, which is critical to city's call load; and eliminate Summer Extravaganza recreation program that served 400 children last year and reduced hours at youth center and skateboard park. - City has already reduced general fund by $9.9 million over last two years, which meant eliminating 41.5 positions and impacting all areas including public safety. The reason for the reduc- tions is a significant and structural change in local revenues. Based on factors of local economy, city estimates that state economy will recover faster than region thus ongoing shift of local revenues will have serious impact. City faces a $10 million shortfall in FY 03 -04 and increases to $14 million in FY 04 -05. Through frugal planning, $ 12 million in reserves and $8 million in cuts will be used to meet two -year budget. Potential state cuts of $1.2 million will mean cuts in all areas, including public safety. • Current fiscal year potential $1.28 million reduction equates to 12 police officers plus benefits with continued challenges in this era of underfunded homeland security. • City has adopted FY 03 -04 budget with year -to -year reduction of $900,000 and reduced $700,000 from current year. Sustained state reductions of local revenues will severely impact crucial services including law enforcement, which is the largest expenditure. Currently facing flat revenue growth and increasing costs, which has forced $4.3 million in • FY 03 -04 Budget cuts already include: keeping 2 sworn officer positions unfilled and further reduction of one officer through attrition, leaving 17 officers for population of 27, 000; reduc- tion in training for officers and dispatchers and deferred purchase of police car and other safety equipment; closure of one of three fire stations in non -fire season with slower response time and smaller engine crews; and cancellation of crossing guard program with school district and police reserve program. Any state cuts will force across - the -board layoffs and further reduction in the public safety program in Paradise. • A state budget hit of $541,000 would require layoff of 7 employees, which based on ratio of current staffing would mean 3 police officers and one sergeant. City and county funds also provide backstop to nonprofit agencies that serve seniors and youth. • Potential state cut of $800,000 is equivalent to 15% of fire suppression resources or 98% of funds dedicated to fire protection and paramedic services. • Even if state does not take local revenues, city faces flat revenues and 3.5% inflation in ex- penses with an anticipated shortfall of $465,000. Cuts for next year already include reduction of one deputy sheriff and reduction in street maintenance, state cuts would mean these services would be further cut. City just lost $9 million annually from utility users tax. Current FY 03 -04 budget already increased fees and implemented cuts that included eliminating a fire station scheduled for opening and not hiring five new police officers. Potential state cuts of $1.4 million per year would mean 25% of the annual cost to operate 6 fire stations; OR annual cost of keeping 14 of 103 police officers on the streets; OR 35% of annual parks and recreation budget. Continued on Page 8 Visit the League's Official Web Site-- www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUSMAGE 7