Full Text
8/28/2014 1 The City of El Cerrito The City of El Cerrito I f i Ab M R Information About Measure R 1 Measure R Measure R The El Cerrito City Council unanimously placed Measure R on the November 2014 ballot to extend an existing voter-approved to e te a e st g vote app ove funding measure. 2 Why is Measure R Important? Why is Measure R Important? El Cerrito faces a variety of fiscal and service delivery challenges, including continued State takeaways and the slow economic recovery. The City’s reserve funds are at less than half the desired level. El Cerrito needs local control over local funds, for local needs. 3 Proposed Staffing FY 14 Proposed Staffing FY 14-15 15 FY 2014-15 Approved Actual Vacant City Council 5 5 0 City Management 9 8 1 Finance Department 6 5 1 Community Development 13.5 12.5 1 Fire 37 33 4 4 15 approved positions will remain vacant in FY 2014-15 In fiscal year 2009, the Council authorized just over 178 positions; an approximately 16% reduction in actual staffing in five years. Staffing is proposed to remain the same in fiscal year 2016 Police 56.4 52.4 4 Public Works 23.8 20.8 3 Recreation 23 22 1 Total 173.7 158.7 15 Historical General Fund Reserves Historical General Fund Reserves $3.0 $3.5 Millions General Fund Reserve Versus 10% Reserve Goal FY 2008-09 to FY 2013-14 Actual Reserve (Year-End Balance) Minimum Reserve Goal (10% of FY Expenditures) $3.3 $3.0 $2.5 $3.3 $2.3 $1.4 13% 12% 9% 12% 7% 5% $0.0 $0.5 $1.0 $1.5 $2.0 $2.5 FY 2008-09 Actual FY 2009-10 Actual FY 2010-11 Actual FY 2011-12 Actual FY 2012-13 Actual FY 2013-14 Projected What is Measure R? What is Measure R? Measure R was previously approved at the ½ cent rate by local voters four years ago to maintain vital city services. Funding from Measure R has helped the u g o easu e as e pe t e City stay solvent and maintain vital city services during one of the worst economic times of our day. Measure R expires soon. 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- 8/28/2014 2 What Funding Priorities Will The What Funding Priorities Will The Measure R Extension Address? Measure R Extension Address? Maintaining current levels of firefighters, fire protection and emergency medical services Maintaining rapid 9-1-1 response times, neighborhood police patrols, crime ti d i ti ti prevention and investigation Maintaining earthquake and disaster preparedness programs Maintaining after-school programs for children and teens Maintaining and improving city parks, playfields, paths and open spaces 7 Why is Continuing Measure R Why is Continuing Measure R Necessary? Necessary? If Measure R is extended at the one cent rate for twelve years, the City will be able to maintain current levels of fire protection and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention programs, and rapid 9-1-1 response times. 8 Measure R and Fiscal Accountability Measure R and Fiscal Accountability The City is committed to transparent and fiscally prudent financial practices to ensure that all voter-approved funds are spent as promised: spent as promised: community participation in the budget process mandatory financial audits, and reports to the community If approved by the voters in November, Measure R will expire in twelve years. 9 For More Information For More Information The City will continue to keep the community informed about Measure R. For more information, please visit the o o e o at o , p ease v s t t e City’s website at: www.el-cerrito.org/measure-R. 10