Tacoma City Council Study Session - March 6, 2012

At today’s study session, the Council heard an update on the City’s budget. Finance Director Bob Biles presented updates on how budget forecasts compared with actual revenues and expenditures for both 2011 as a whole, and for the month of January 2012. Some items were up, some were down. Overall, the good news is that it appears that we’re a little ahead of where we expected to be, but any optimism should be cautious, as there are a few numbers that need a closer examination.

The council also heard staff recommendations on reductions in funding to external agencies. It sounds like the current recommendation is for 10% across the board cuts to all programs and events that fall into this category. Any more than that, at this late date in the year, and cuts could be seriously damaging to the effectiveness of the organizations. Staff is suggesting that Metro Parks and the Neighborhood Council program not take any cuts, as reductions already made this budget year have had an impact on their budgets already.

In agenda review we hear that a resolution will be added to tonight’s City Council meeting agenda expressing the City of Tacoma’s intent to be included in the new Pierce Transit boundaries, and the City’s support and approval for the new boundaries as proposed. At this time Dupont, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Orting are opting out. A hearing for the proposed boundaries will take place this Thursday. If no changes are made, the proposal will move on to the county for approval, and then implementation.