Patch Blog: Public Input Wanted For City Budget

The City is conducting a series of three public budget meetings. 

The first two meetings have already been held. They provided an introduction to municipal finance South Pasadena-style. An overview of the City’s most current budget was presented describing where the money comes from and what it gets spent on. The meetings were led by City Manager, Sergio Gonzales, City Finance Director, Chu Thai and me, your City Treasurer.  

Those who came demonstrated a high level of engagement asking many great questions. From the feedback I have received, those who attended felt they learned a lot. 

We were also able to clear up a few misconceptions, too. One attendee didn’t realize that the City and the School District have separate budgets and entirely different funding sources. Another did not realize that when a city employee retires the City no longer has to pay towards that employee’s pension. 

My only disappointment was the rather light turnout. As passionate as we all are about our City, I am sure that many more residents than came to the meetings have strong opinions about where the City should be spending our money. I realize that municipal finance is complex and highly technical. And, only a few of us find it interesting. Even so, all of us are affected by it. 

Which is why I invite everyone who wants to have a say in next year’s budget to come to the City Budget Workshop. It will be Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the

This will be a roll-up-your-sleeves session where you will get to meet with the City’s department heads, and tell them what you think the City’s financial priorities should be. All the public input gathered at the Workshop will be collated and presented to the City Council as a part of this year’s budgeting process.  

Let your voice be heard.