Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE CALENDAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 BUDGET WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC HEARING (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
Staff requests the City Council schedule four budget workshops prior to adoption of the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. SCHEDULE budget workshops for March 16, 2021, April 20, 2021, and May 18, 2021.
2. TENTATIVELY SCHEDULE the public hearing to consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget on June 15, 2021.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
1. SELECT alternative dates for budget workshop agenda items.
2. CONSIDER scheduling a special meeting dedicated to a budget workshop.
IV. BACKGROUND
A public agency may not spend public funds without the legal authorization to do so. A budget appropriates public funds, thereby providing the legal authorization from the governing body to expend the funds. The Carson Municipal Code (CMC) Section 2953 requires adoption of a budget for the new fiscal year by July 20th. California Government Code Section 53901 requires the City to file its budget with the county auditor within 60 days after the beginning of its fiscal year (by August 30th).
The City’s budget, adopted by the City Council, is the spending plan to execute City Council policy and the authorization to expend City funds. Prior to adoption of the budget, the City Council provides opportunities for the public to comment on proposed expenditures. Every department and division of the City participates in preparation of budget recommendations. Therefore, it is essential to schedule budget meetings in advance.
To maximize public participation, Staff recommends budget workshops be held during regular City Council meetings scheduled for March 16th, April 20st, and May 18th. This will give staff sufficient time to revise recommendations based upon City Council direction; and improve the City’s ability to adopt a budget on time. A draft budget calendar has been prepared, and incorporates budget-related activities of the Planning Commission and the Measure C Citizens Oversight Committee (see Exhibit A).
Staff recommends scheduling the budget public hearing for June 18th. This gives the City Council a scheduling cushion, with one additional regular meeting available prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. The recommended schedule is virtually identical to the schedule used in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget process.
As an alternative, the City Council may consider scheduling a dedicated budget workshop on a day other than a regular meeting.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommendation.
VI. EXHIBITS
Draft Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Calendar (page 3)
Prepared by: Tarik Rahmani, Finance Director