Title
2015 Budget Public Engagement Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to provide direction to staff on the Committee's options for public engagement in the 2015 Budget.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of ideas to engage the public in the 2015 process
Staff Contact:
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Presenter(s):
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director
Background and Analysis:
One of Council's goals for 2013 and 2014 is to adopt a sustainable budget. A part of the goal is to increase public awareness/understanding of the City's budget. For the 2015 budget, staff is recommending we augment the base established last year. Below is a list of the tools we now consider the base for public involvement.
* Budget 365 Web Pages - Budget 365 allows anyone, at any time, to get an understanding of the City budget and process. It offers presentations on the budget, and a "How to Get Involved" page that includes a Volunteer Opportunities and Neighbors Helping Neighbors section. Budget 365 shows comparative data for the City pre-, during, and post-recession (2007-2013). Budget 365 includes:
> Budget Saving Practices - Shows our accomplishments, efficiencies, reorganizations and cuts from 2007 to 2013 and also what we did for the 2014 budget development
> Shared/Regional Services - A list of services Olympia shares responsibility, coordinates, or contracts with other government agencies to provide more cost effective/regional services
> Interagency Boards/Committees - A list of interagency boards and commissions that Olympia joins to share costs and talents
> Expanded Budget Dashboard - Allows citizens the opportunity to quickly see how our major revenues are performing
* Budget Summary - A brief version of the City's annual adopted budget document highlighting the most important information. (At...
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