Tacoma City Council Special Meeting - December 20, 2011

Highlights of this week’s special session include a furthering of the conversation around the budget, and the much anticipated selection of Tacoma’s choice for the new City Manager.  This is the final meeting for 2011, so it’s all about tying up what loose ends we can, and setting the table for 2012.

PROCLAMATIONS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Council heard a series of presentations on 2012 General Fund Budget Reduction proposals including: internal services budget reduction presentations from the City Manager’s Office, Finance, Government Relations, Non-Departmental, Hearing Examiner, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Legal.  “Looking for efficiencies” just about sums up the presentations. 

Interim City Manager Arellano reported that the City is identifying an external agency to review the budget.  Out of 10 firms considered, two submitted proposals, and the City hopes to have their choice by this Wednesday, and have the work finished by January 10th.  The City will also continue to negotiate with labor unions in the coming weeks, and look at proposed cuts and revenue increases.  In January, the task will be to bring those various strands together to reassess the big picture for Tacoma’s budget.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Comment today consisted of budget-related concerns, which, while not technically items on the agenda, are nonetheless at the front of everyone’s mind, and underlying every conversation.  One speaker spoke in support of early learning programs (which are not on the table for cuts at this time).  A second speaker addressed union concerns over the speed with which layoffs are being handed out, and expressed a sense that the decision process has not given unions sufficient opportunity to be involved.

REGULAR AGENDA

FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance No. 28044 Amending Chapter 6A.20 of the Municipal Code, relating to admission tax, to remove the exemption provided to those attending events sponsored by non-profit organizations in Section 6A.20.030.E; and require non-profit organizations with annual admission revenues over $250,000 to collect a 5 percent tax on all admission charges exceeding $250,000, effective July 1, 2012.

The Council considered a motion to set over this ordinance to the City Council meeting of January 31, 2012.  The motion passed.

Ordinance No. 28047 Decreasing the annual gross income threshold to $150,000 beginning in 2012 and amending the Small Business Tax Credit to incrementally increase the taxes paid for gross income over $150,000 and up to $200,000.

Again a motion was considered to postpone this ordinance to a future date to be determined, in order to allow for time to consider potential unintended consequences.  The motion passed. 

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

City Manager Selection

After a discussion of the merits of each candidate, the Council ended up with five in support of Broadnax, three for Neiditz, and Council Member Mello as the one member naming Arellano as his first choice.  A motion was made and passed for the City to enter into contract negotiations with T.C. Broadnax.

Council Member Walker presented on the neighborhoods and Housing Committee (Held over from December 6, 2011).

Mayor Strickland presented Deputy Mayor Walker with a Plaque acknowledging her service over the last year.

The Council made presentations to outgoing Council Member Manthou to acknowledge his years of service.  Manthou walked away with a Tacoma Rainiers jersey, an AED, and a laughing bear, among other gifts.

And that about covers it.  We’ll see you for the next City Council Meeting in 2012.