Unraveling the mysteries of the Santa Cruz City Budget

Unraveling the mysteries of the Santa Cruz City Budget

In June and July, the Santa Cruz City Council will consider and adopt a new city spending plan for 2011-12. Perhaps more than any other action the City Council takes, the adoption of the city budget affects every city resident in dozens of ways.

Here are some of those ways:

* The number of police officers patrolling our streets
* The amount of funds spent on youth programs to prevent crime
* The number of firefighters, paramedics and lifeguards on duty each day
* The level of funding for senior meal programs and other important social services
* The level of maintenance and care my favorite city park will receive
* Whether or not the potholes on my street will be filled this year
* How much my city utilities bill will be this year
* The level of availability of recreation programs for my kids and the cost of those programs
* How long a wait there will be if I'm applying for a city license or permit
* Whether or not the storm drain on my corner will function well this coming winter
* How much more the city will do to help create new businesses and jobs
* How easily I can access city records and city information I need
* Whether or not we accommodate another special event like James Durbin Day

Clearly, budget choices matter.

Yet very few residents actually participate in city council meetings related to the adoption of the annual budget. Some members of the city council believe a key reason for lack of participation on the budget adoption is that few people understand how the city budget works and what issues are at stake.

So this year, the city council decided to offer a basic, easy-to-understand workshop on the city budget. City residents are invited to attend this 90 minute workshop called City Budget 101. There will be a 45 minute presentation with lots of time allowed for questions and answers. Mayor Ryan Coonerty, Vice Mayor Don Lane, City Manager Martin Bernal and City Finance Director Jack Dilles will all be on hand to provide information.
Spanish translation will be provided.

City Budget 101

Tuesday May 31, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room

Center Street near Laurel

The City of Santa Cruz hopes that those who attend City Budget 101 will leave the workshop well-prepared to engage in the community and city council discussions-in June and July- on budget priorities for the coming year.