Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - May 21, 2013

May 21, 2013

Executive Summary

- Mayor Boyd and City Manager John conducted a budget workshop for fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15, presenting a proposed budget that maintains current service levels and existing reserves while assuming moderate revenue growth - Director of Finance and Information Technology Gavin Curran presented revenue projections showing property tax growth of 2.25%, sales and hotel tax increases of 4% in 13-14 and 3% in 14-15, and stable community development fees at $2.1 million annually - The proposed operating balance for 13-14 is $622,000, declining to $423,000 in 14-15 as expenditures (particularly retirement and health care costs) are projected to exceed revenue growth over the next three years - Director of Public Works Steve May presented a 10-year capital improvement program totaling approximately $5.4 million annually, with major projects including the village entrance ($5 million), Laguna Canyon Channel rehabilitation ($4 million), and various park renovations and beach access improvements - The wastewater system capital improvement program provides approximately $2 million annually, with $4.1 million allocated over five years for the SAQA treatment plant, and upcoming projects in

Key Decisions

- Approved allocating an additional $400,000 for the 800 megahertz public safety radio system, bringing total funding to approximately $2 million toward a $3.7 million goal - Appointed Mayor Boyd and Mayor Pro Tem Pearson to review community assistance grant applications - Directed staff to prepare recommendations for the June 18th meeting addressing potential additions to the budget including view preservation program ($300,000-$400,000), grant-seeking specialist ($60,000), downtown policing program ($40,000), and sidewalk cleaning ($10,000) - Directed City Manager John to prepare an analysis