Title
Discussion of Scope of Work for Budget Sustainability Research
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the scope of work for additional budget sustainability research.
Staff Contact:
Joan Lutz, Budget and Finance Manager, 360.753.8760
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Throughout 2024, budget sustainability was a key topic of discussion. To balance the 2025 budget and move to a more sustainable budget, the focus was on reducing expenditures, which resulted in personnel reductions totaling 26.75 full-time equivalents (FTE's) with 18 of these reductions coming from the General Fund.
In January 2025, during the Council retreat, the discussion shifted towards priority-based budgeting and exploring various revenue options. This approach aims to align resources with community priorities and outcomes, ensuring a more strategic allocation of funds. The Finance Committee, as part of their 2025 Work Plan, is requesting for additional research as it relates to budget sustainability.
Staff will discuss Finance Committee research needs which will include Business and Occupation Tax revenue options and additional information requests as part of the Comparable Cities research presented to Council at their Annual Retreat.
Climate Analysis:
The Climate Analysis framework will be completed when the scope of work returns to the Finance Committee.
Equity Analysis:
The Equity Analysis framework will be completed when the scope of work returns to the Finance Committee.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Items on the Finance Committee agenda will be of interest to the community and Council-appointed advisory committees, commissions and boards.
Financial Impact:
Financial impacts will be discussed when the scope of work returns to the Finance Committee.
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