City Adopts a Conservative Budget

The San Ramon City Council passed its annual budget for fiscal year 2010-11 last night, becoming one of the first cities in Contra Costa County to do so.

The Fiscal Year 2010-11 Operating and Capital Budget gives the city authority to spend $85.6 million on all activities between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, the staff report stated. 

This figure represents a 6 percent decline in spending compared with this year's budget, according to the city's Administrative Services Director Greg Rogers.

Tto preserve core services, such as the police force, cuts have been planned to some recreation programs, as well as landscaping and street maintenance.

"It's making sure that we can provide quality programs—that is what is most important to us, trying to provide the best for less," said Mayor Abram Wilson.

Council members did not recommend changes to the proposed budget resolution Monday in the second City Council study session. Since the first work session on April 2, the council has asked primarily for clarifications, Wilson said.

Negotiations during the three-hour long session Monday concerned employee contracts and modifications to the City Pay for Performance Compensation Plan. Instead of increased pay, staff will receive days off.

In addition, council members passed a memorandum of understanding with public works employees in Service Employees International Union Local 1021, the city's only workers' union.

Union workers had not negotiated certain benefits in the past, but the city wanted to ensure they were on level ground with other city employees, Wilson said.

"In this day and age, we are giving our union members vision and dental coverage. So, when everyone else is taking away, we're actually giving and making sure everyone has the same priority," he said.

After the budget was passed, Council Member Scott Perkins and Vice Mayor Carol Rowley complimented staff efforts. 

"In this economic climate, the city is still flourishing because of the staff and willingness to go the extra mile," Rowley said.

Wilson added that residents who have worked with the city on programs and events, and volunteered, have been "an integral part of the survival of San Ramon" and saved the city millions.

"Whether we like it or not we're going to have to deal with (a conservative budget)," he said. "We dealt with it because (staff) understand that so we thank you for working those extra hours. You can't put a price tag on that."