The Budget Must Reflect Residents' Priorities & Keep 20% Reserve

By Jan Marx

As Mayor, my priority is to see that the Budget reflects residents' priorities and also maintain the City's 20% reserve, even as we struggle with a fiscal picture that is less than rosy.

With lower-than-expected Sales Tax and Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues, the unplanned multi-million-dollar expenditure necessitated by the mandatory arbitration award regarding police salaries, pending unexpected PERS pension fund contribution increases, State take-aways and unfunded mandates, Council must cut the budget and stretch remaining City dollars. But, in doing so, we do must reflect the wishes and priorities of the people who call San Luis Obispo home.

When residents voted for Measure Y, the sales tax increase, they put their trust in the City to use the money generated as promised during the campaign. We have a duty to uphold those promises and maintain our 20% reserve, even as we struggle with a fiscal picture that is less than rosy.

As a former dean of students with a large budget and staff, a 17 year business owner, mediator and former Council Member with over twenty years of involvement in City issues, I am best qualified to guide the city through the next budget process, difficult as it may be.

I will roll up my sleeves and take it on!