...Title
Government Accountability Measures. - DEFERRED
...Recommendations
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on August 19, 2020:
(a) To assist City Hall save money and eliminate wasteful spending as we brace for difficult financial challenges ahead, as well as to create a more accountable and transparent City Hall to better serve our residents, discuss and consider committing the City to the following, with direction to the Administration to work with the City Attorney’s Office to return to Council with the appropriate action, as applicable:
(1) In any year where the City Manager and the Budget Director report a budget surplus in their October budget update, at least 50% of that surplus will be set aside to our Budget Stabilization Fund, until an amount equal to 15% of the General Fund balance has been achieved or be used to pay municipal debt.
(2) A standing commission shall be created consisting of appointed residents of San José to provide oversight of any ballot measures or policy proposals proposed or endorsed by the City that result in tax increases or additional revenue. The commission shall produce a public report annually to certify whether the Council has allocated dollars as promised when the measure or ordinance was proposed.
(3) Prior to the start of the annual budget season and priority setting session, the intergovernmental team shall report to Council about the latest trends and chatter coming from Sacramento and Washington about potential policy changes and funding opportunities relevant to municipalities so that we may strategically align our priorities and resources to maximize benefits for San José residents.
(4) Direct the City Auditor to commence regular performance audits of three key departments that are constituent-facing - such as Police, Fire, Planning, Housing, Transportation, Public Works, Environmental Services, and Parks - every year henceforth, to identify cost savings and process efficiencies, with results...
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