(May 3, 2008, updated w/ agendizing memo) -- Councilmembers Rae Gabelich and Val Lerch have agendized the following item for the May 6 City Council meeting:

Recommendation to request a Study Session within the next 30 days on the projected budget outlook for the 2009 Fiscal Year, including a report from the City Manager on expected challenges in revenue and expenditure projections and for a discussion on any budget-related items that may require a vote of the people.

An agendizing memo states:

Long Beach will be facing a challenging budget for the next fiscal year . With the declining economy impacting previous revenue projections and additional expenditures, including an expected increase in personnel costs and infrastructure needs, the City Council will face a daunting task to adopt a structurally balanced 2009 budget .

The Mayor has discussed the need for an infrastructure bond this year, and as part of his 2008 budget recommendations, adopted by the Council, requested "updated and detailed projections along with comprehensive funding recommendations for Council consideration no later than December of 2007 . This review should include opportunities for public-private partnerships, sale of City assets and options for revenue enhancements."

Several options that could be explored to address our budget challenges, including certain types of bonds and amendments to the City Charter, would require a vote of the people .

According to the City Charter, the City Manager will submit the proposed budget to the Mayor not later than 90 days prior to the start of the fiscal year, and the Mayor shall present the budget to the City Council with his recommendations and comments not later than 60 days prior, which is August 1, 2008 for this fiscal year .

However, the deadline for the City Council to call a special election to put any items on the ballot in the November general election is August 8, 2008 .

In order to have a thorough discussion, including appropriate public outreach, it is critical that discussions of the entire City Council regarding the outlook for the next fiscal year take place before the formal budget is presented. This will provide an opportunity for the public and the Council to have a thorough discussion, and options to address the budget challenges that require a vote of the people would not be excluded from consideration before the formal budget deliberations even begin.

Recommended Action :

Request a Study Session within the next 30 days on the projected budget outlook for the 2009 Fiscal Year, including a report from the City Manager on expected challenges in revenue and expenditure projections and for a discussion on any budget-related items that may require a vote of the people.