Minutes 03/12/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1998 the framework in which the Budget Process would be carried out, and the process and not the detailed budget itself would be the topic of discussion. He then introduced Mr. David Blackman, of Blackman and Associates, who proceeded to facilitate the balance of the discussion. Mr. Blackman called the question of what the Council needed to know to make informed decisions. Council agreed unanimously that one fact that everyone needed to know was that there would be no increase in any taxes in the coming fiscal year. The following were listed by Council as subject areas about which more information and discussion would enhance their decision making process: · Knowledge of resources, financial and other, available to carry out the work needed · Forecast of Revenues · How resources are allocated and what results are achieved with them · A Program Budget which shows the "big picture" with a focus on policy implementation · Analysis/summary of what was accomplished with previous years resources · An understanding of how the community performed in Education and Economic Growth · How resource deployment will impact Council objectives · An understanding of the process by which staff will measure the effectiveness of their efforts · An understanding of what the various Departments will need in order to maintain and improve performance · An "accountability check" on performance, particula~y as it relates to the Council's Goals and Objectives for the previous year, and an understanding of self evaluation measures to be used by City staff * A process which more successfully communicates the Council' s policies and objectives to rank and file City employees · Ways to more fully include the Sheriff' s Department and the Education system in the overall process · Ways to focus on efforts that will create revenue