Council to discuss actions to further reduce, prioritize operating costs
–At its regular meeting tonight, the Paso Robles City Council will be discussing actions to take to further reduce, prioritize operating costs.
Measure J-20, if approved, would generate approximately $10 million per year. The City Council passed Resolution #20-117 specifying that the priorities for those additional revenues will be police, fire, and streets. However, Measure J-20 may not pass. Given that possibility, key questions some residents are now asking include, “Given the identified needs, what will happen if the majority of voters don’t vote to approve Measure J-20?”, and “How then will the City adjust its budget?” The agenda item looks at plans for this outcome.
Measure J-20 asks voters: “To maintain essential/general services, such as fire protection/paramedic services; wildfire/natural disaster emergency preparedness; 911 emergency response times; public safety; equipping first responders; fixing streets/potholes; addressing homelessness; supporting local jobs/small businesses, shall the City of Paso Robles adopt a measure establishing a 1¢ sales tax providing approximately $10,000,000 annually until ended by voters, requiring annual audits, independent citizen oversight, public spending disclosure, and all funds only for Paso Robles?”
In the event Measure J fails, council directed staff to analyze cost-reduction steps already underway and being discussed with labor groups (such as a Voluntary Retirement/ Resignation Program), as well as additional reductions in the amount of $1.5 million to $2.5 million this fiscal year. Council directed that lessor impacts be applied to police, fire, street, water, and sewer services. The analysis is to address the associated service level reductions. Given that the city is three months into the fiscal year, this reduction would largely match those needed to minimize the use of reserves in future years if Measure J-20 does not pass.
Click here for more information about this agenda item and other financial contingencies.
Paso Robles City Council and Planning Commission Meetings are streamed live and available for play later on YouTube. During the meeting, you can tune in to KPRL 1230AM to listen to the meeting on the radio.
The call-in number to provide public comment via phone during live meetings is 805-865-PASO (7276). Submit written public comments via email to cityclerk@prcity.com (City Council meetings) or planning@prcity.com (Planning Commission or DRC meetings) prior to meeting start time (please provide the agenda item number you are commenting on).
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