CC 05-16-2023 Item No. 6 City Manager's Third Quarter Financial Report for 2022-23_Written Communications(2)CC 05-02-2023
Written Communications
Item #6
Consider the City Manager's
Third Quarter Financial
Report for 2022-23
From:Peggy Griffin
To:City Council
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:2023-05-16 City Council Meeting Agenda Item #6-City Manager"s 3rd Qtr Budget Amendment
Date:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:53:29 PM
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PLEASE INCLUDE THIS EMAIL AS PART OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEM.
Dear City Council,
I’m not sure what the deadline rule is for pulling items but I am requesting that one of you please
PULL AGENDA ITEM #6.
This is the City Manager’s 3rd Quarter Budget Amendment. With all eyes on this topic, it would be
appropriate to openly discuss this BEFORE you head into budget discussions this Wednesday and
Thursday. Discussing openly about where we are right now and the last minute adjustments you are
making now is important!
REQUEST: I hope one of you will PULL AGENDA ITEM #6
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
From:Tessa Parish
To:City Clerk
Subject:Comment for item #6 of CCC meeting 5/16/2023
Date:Tuesday, May 16, 2023 4:01:01 PM
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City Clerk,
Please submit this as my feedback for CCC meeting May 16th, 2023.
The city is in a potentially dangerous situation. it is important to be viable WITHOUT
the use of the City's savings. Savings are for a rainy day, such as an unexpected tax
bill.
On the subject of cutting expenses, assuming the idea is to be viable, the cuts need
to reflect that.
1. There were proposed cuts to public grants but no cuts to the grant for the Historical
Society. While I believe that preservation of historical items and history is important, I
don’t think it should replace community grants that the community has become
accustomed to and expecting.
The Historical Society does not have a Director to perform or oversee the work paid
for by the grant. My suggestion is hold back the funds back until such time as they
are ready to use the funds.
Another option is to cut both 50% so it’s fair to both. Please consider an option to pay
funds that may not be used for several years.
2. I think that before cutting expenses from City events, we should consider cutting
expenses by reduction of fee waivers, removing free rentals such as those provided
to the Chamber of commerce. The chamber has money to pay for its fees.
2. I am thinking that if I can find these two items, there are others that could be found
before the city uses of their savings or the sale of properties. Selling hard asses in my
opinion should be a last resort.
Are there other places where the city is giving away funds that may reduce the
chance of cutting community programs.
3.Please consider tighter oversight of expenses.
Adopt policies to prevent overspending such as:
0. Prior to spending, write a Purchase Order to be approved by the Dept Director.
1. if you spend it before it is approved by the Director you pay for it.
Ex. 2 If it’s a last-minute item then somebody didn’t plan ahead, you pay for it.
During the crash of 2010 our then manager talked to all the staff and ask
them what for proposal on what they could do to help the company stay
afloat. Everyone cut a little bit and we didn’t have to close.
During times of distress, most companies have to lay off staff. It
appears that the city is increasing the number of staff? Has the
population grown proportionally?
Lastly, if my income is being reduced and there is a potential of a
large tax bill, I'm not going to buy a mansion. The city should
consider earthquake retrofit instead of committing to a new City
Hall that will likely incure additional costs, putting the city in more
serious situation.
Best Regards,
Tessa Parish
Cupertino Resident