HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2013 0220 CCSA REG ITEM 09B ITEM 9.13.
City Council Meeting
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL a j-,9013 _
AGENDA REPORT
TO: The Honorable City Council -
FROM: Ron Ahlers, Finance Director
DATE: February 14, 2013 (CC Meeting of February 20, 2013)
SUBJECT: Consider Hiring a Consultant to Provide a Citizen Opinion Survey
SUMMARY
The Finance, Administration and Public Safety (FAPS) Committee met on Wednesday,
February 6, 2013. The FAPS Committee recommends to the City Council that we retain
a consultant to conduct a voter opinion survey to determine the feasibility of increasing
taxes or assessments.
BACKGROUND
During September 2007 the City conducted a Voter Opinion Survey. The survey asked
questions regarding voter satisfaction with Parks, Traffic and their willingness to support
an increase in taxes to support city services. The survey results showed insufficient
voter support for either a bond measure or a business license tax. A special
assessment might be an option to consider.
These past few years, the City's General Fund has been under increasing pressure to
reduce costs and/or increase revenues. The City's property taxes, sales taxes, property
taxes in lieu of vehicle license fees and interest earnings have remained flat-lined.
However, costs continue to increase each year. The City's contract with the Sheriff's
department has increased each year. Health insurance costs continue to grow and we
shall be experiencing increased costs for retirement benefits with CaIPERS. The
Community Development Fund and Parks Maintenance Fund each require
approximately $1 million annually from the General Fund.
Staff is recommending that the City conduct another survey to ascertain if there is voter
support for an increase in the parks assessment or some other revenue enhancement
measure. If the Council concurs, staff will solicit proposals from a number of qualified
firms and present them to the City Council with a recommendation.
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Honorable City Council
February 20, 2013
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff estimates the cost of the Voter Opinion to not exceed $20,000. An appropriation
should not be needed at this time since there is savings in certain administrative
budgets of the City Council and the City Manager.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff to obtain proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a voter opinion
survey.
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