Pleasanton council reviews proposed FY 20-21 budget




On Thursday, Aug. 6, Pleasanton City Manager Johnny Huizar submitted a review for the adoption of the City of Pleasanton’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. This budget workshop was the first of two to go before the council and Mayor Travis Hall before final approval at the next city council meeting on Aug. 20.

Huizar reported that the budget was prepared and built by city staff and council through the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Despite the time, the city stands ready to support our citizens through this latest test of strength,” said Huizar. “Recommendations were developed with a priority on salvaging our programs and initiatives with hardhitting reductions that allowed us to keep our employees from furlough and layoffs. All the while, protecting employees and doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. These reductions allowed us to continue providing our citizens with uninterrupted essential services and keeping them safe.”

Huizar further explained that while it is inevitable the city will experience financial turbulence, Pleasanton is well positioned financially.

“Our budget recommendation considers what qualifies as needed services and what we believe the city council expects in the provision and implementation of our programs and initiatives. The FY 20-21 budget, as proposed, represents this belief.”

The City of Pleasanton’s budget for the FY 20-21 defines the funding for all city programs, capital improvement projects and services that will continue to be provided to the citizens of Pleasanton in 20-21. It is designed to provide financial policy and planning that complements the City Council’s Master Plan 2025 and Strategic Plan. City activities and spending priorities are aligned with city council’s seven key objectives outlined in their Strategic Guide.

“Despite the global pandemic, our local economy has continued to do good in sales tax and property tax this year. Our property tax continues to increase and economic development remains high with the addition of new businesses,” said Huizar. “We still have concerns of how the new norm of social distancing will affect our local economy, but rest assured that we will closely monitor our budget and once again we will remain conservative with our programs, initiatives and goals.”

FY 20-21 Master Plan 2025 Proposed Implementation

1. Begin planning for Phase II River Park Renovation.

2. Continue to implement and enhance security measures at our newly renovated River Park.

3. Begin next Phase of our remaining Street CIP.

4. Begin our next phase of Water CIP project.

5. Complete Oakhaven Street paving and water project.

6. Begin the next phases of our FAA approved airport layout plan.

7. Continue planning and implementation of the Future Land Use Assumptions.

Planning initiatives continue to be at the forefront of the city’s preparation while recognizing the completion of these important CIP projects. These projects are results of proper planning, management and budget design.

The city council has once again taken the next steps outlined in the Master Plan, Parks Master plan, ordinances and initiatives. Staff is now prepared to implement the next phase by the direction of the Mayor and city council.

20-21 Goals, Initiatives and Capital Expenditures

The City of Pleasanton will continue with the implementation of the Master Plan Pleasanton 2025 adopted by the City Council of Pleasanton. The next phases of the Master Plan are already in the implementation stages with several projects and initiatives in process. The Parks and Recreation Department goals are to continue to develop and implement programs for cultural and recreational activities. Its facilities are vital to the betterment and future of the community. It supports both the quality of life issues and enhances economic development. Future planning of CIP projects, facilities and implementation of the next phase of the park’s Master Plan will be considered major goals in the coming year.

The areas that are strongly recommended for consideration are Planning, Economic Development, Streets, Utilities Department, Public Safety, Parks and Recreation facilities, Library, Museum, Human Resources, Information Technology, Judicial and Airport.

Council unanimously approved Huizar’s FY 20-21 budget review. At the Aug. 20 Pleasanton City Council meeting, the proposed budget will go before the city council one last time before final approval.

For the full, detailed proposed FY 20-21 budget, please visit www.pleasantonexpress.com.

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