01-17-2012 - Request from Councilmember Steve Herfert Requestin - Item 16 (2).doc City of West Covina
Memorandum
A G E N D A
ITEM NO. 16
DATE January 17, 2012
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Chris Freeland, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: REQUEST FROM COUNCILMEMBER STEVE HERFERT REQUESTING THE CITY COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO INSTRUCT CITY STAFF TO PREPARE A REPORT REVIEWING COST SAVING OPPORTUNITIES OF CITY COMMISSIONS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council direct staff accordingly.
DISCUSSION:
Per the City Council Standing Rules, Councilmember Steve Herfert is seeking the City Council’s consensus to instruct City staff to prepare a report reviewing various cost saving opportunities
of City Commissions.
On Thursday, December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court upheld Governor Brown’s elimination of redevelopment agencies. The elimination of West Covina’s Community Development Commission
will have an immediate impact on the City’s budget. The projected budget deficit of the City’s General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 could increase from $3.8 million to $8.6
million.
Councilmember Herfert is requesting that the City of West Covina consider various cost saving measures in the operation of City Commissions, as these Commissions are funded by the General
Fund. Those measures could include: the reduction, combining, or elimination of City Commissions; reduction or elimination of Commissioner allowance accounts; and the reduction or
elimination of Commissioner stipends.
Under California State Law, cities are only required to have a Planning Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Annually the City of West Covina expends approximately $42,000 in General Funds for the operations of City Commissions. This estimate does not include associated staff costs to administer
the commissions.
Prepared by:
Chris Freeland
Deputy City Manager