Poll: How Should The City Spend Your Money?

About 40 people came out to  Thursday for the third and final session of the  

“You have a very well-managed City, and that is why we are here today with 30 percent reserve,” Interim City Manager Sergio Gonzalez announced to the group.

Many people in attendance were excited about the City's push to enhance transparency. Some even came to thank the South Pas employees and councilmembers for a job well done. 

Repaving The Roads

Pam Dong and Rosemarie Curtider, for instance, were there in appreciation for capital improvements project slated for Orange Grove. 

"We don't have much sidewalk. The streets are all torn up. ... pot holes," said Dong. "It's a public safety issue."

"The city council has been very responsive, so we are pleased with their effort," she continued.

Selling Caltrans Homes

But not all were entirely happy.

Don Justin Jones Y Lobato wishes the City were more aggressive in taking ownership of the approximate 100 homes in—a goal South Pas City Council has included in its Mission Statement.

"I'm wondering why those houses are not contributing to the tax fees—why the property taxes are not being collected? ...17 percent of [the homes] are left vacant."

An Interactive Process

Residents not only had the opportunity to speak and share ideas with City Council, but there were also 12 tables set up around the room.

From  to City , employees explained each of the department's responsibilities, priorities and finances. (See attached PDF for an overview.)

The City currently has $8 million in unrestricted reserve funds and $2.2 million in restricted reserve funds. General Fund expenses equaled around $2.1 for FY 2011/12.

"I like the idea of having the community come and ask the questions," said . "It's been five or six years since the City has done this, so it is very helpful to our City officials to have a forum for the public."

Those in attendance also expressed the following priorities: The need for a cut in employee wages and benefits, , the continuance of  and the 

The Big Picture

Councilmember Philip Putnam cited low attendance at Thursday's meeting—and emphasized the importance that all residents' interests are considered.

"There are 25,974 people whose opinions aren’t being heard here tonight,“ he said. 

He 

City Council will discuss the budget proposals at an upcoming City Council meeting and ultimately approve the budget after a public hearing takes place June 6. 

Patch Asks: What are your priorities? How would you like to see the City's money spent?