Goal-setting, budget remain Council priorities

May 01, 2015
Santa Paula News

For the first time in years the public — and for that matter the City Council — will tackle the city’s future at a workshop devoted to goal-setting.

The Council agreed at the April 20 meeting with consultant Mike Sedell — the former longtime Simi Valley city manager who is donating his services to the city — that goal-setting must be launched, but that the 2015-2016 budget also remains a priority. 

It is notable the council is considering a single-year budget: in past years a 3-year budget was adopted by the then-city council, which was reviewed and renewed thereafter with minimal fanfare. 

Sedell introduced Frank Catania, noting his “unique ability to translate budget numbers,” into understandable language bringing greater insight into the process as well as the use and availability of funds.

Catania, whose long municipal career includes a 12-year stint as Sedell’s assistant city manager, updated the council on the process he has launched to review the books, including analyzing the city’s 50 active funds to identify spending and available monies.

Catania said his review is “entirely based on published financial statements” and although not an audit will help the council “make informed decisions” for the upcoming budget.

Sedell noted, “If there are things you want to make sure he covers,” the council should speak up as the timeframe is short for a study that should have been given double the time.

“I keep getting questions from the public about the goal-setting process and the budget,” noted Councilwoman Ginger Gherardi who asked if there is a “timetable.” 

A draft calendar has been created for both said City Manager Jaime Fontes.

Gherardi said her concern is scheduling issues could prevent the public the input they desire and that the council seeks.  

The draft budget noted Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez will be presented May 4 but Sedell said budgeting and certain goals set are related, but not intertwined.

Gherardi said the council should have time to review the draft budget before the first meeting on the issue “so we don’t walk into it cold…”

Fontes noted the closing of the purchase of the wastewater plant coincides with the day the draft budget would be completed but there would not be staff time for both.

The question, said Fontes, is the first available meeting date that can be set after the draft budget presentation.

Sedell suggested the council could perhaps “Lay out some of their goals,” at the May 4 meeting then at the May 18 meeting start prioritizing same.

After more discussion the council decided on several sessions: at the May 4 and May 18 regularly scheduled meetings the council would address the draft budget, and although public comment is welcome at any time, there will be a special goal-setting session May 21.

There was some discussion on adopting the budget and the council opted to address it further at the June 1 and June 15 regularly scheduled meetings, well in advance of the June 30 mandated adoption deadline.





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