| Santa Clara County, CA | November 2, 2010 Election |
 |
Balanced BudgetBy Althea PolanskiCandidate for Council Member; City of Milpitas |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
There must be a hard look at the budget and what the citizens of Milpitas can afford to ensure a high quality of life.In October 2003, as California's credit rating was nearing "junk bond status", Vice Mayor Patricia `Trish' Dixon led a city delegation to Wall Street in New York City to demonstrate that Milpitas is a unique, culturally rich and financially well managed city. Her efforts paid off as Milpitas embarked on the largest capitol investment plan in our 50 year history. Milpitas received a "Triple A" bond rating, the highest rating given to any city in California at that time with a 4.5% interest rate. The first 200 million dollars in bonds was used to purchase the remaining property around the Elmwood Jail to stop further expansion, for affordable housing, the construction of a new library and new senior center, a medical clinic, a downtown parking structure, implementation of the Midtown Specific Plan (downtown area), parks and trails, and refinancing old debt to achieve a lower interest rate. All of this was accomplished through the Redevelopment Agency while preserving the City of Milpitas' General Fund with a 15% reserve. In 2010, the recession has had a major impact on revenues to the city. Expenses have increased due to salary increases, employee benefits, and the cost of services. The city council has appointed a Citizens Budget Task Force to review all aspects of revenue and expenses for the city. They have been asked to bring recommendations to the council on how to balance the budget without taking money from the Redevelopment Agency or General Fund Reserves. The city council must look at tiered pension plans for employees and employee contributions to benefits. This year, all but one of the city employee groups, including the city council, agreed to a 7% reduction in pay. The union representing the firefighters agreed to defer a 3% raise for one year. This was a good beginning with employees; however, for the long-term viability of the city we must work together to find long-term solutions. I know together we can find solutions that will ensure the citizens of Milpitas will continue to receive the high level of services they have come to expect and deserve. |
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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 4, 2010 17:51
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