San Jose Ca.Gov
File #: 20-1089    Version: 1
Type: Strategic Support Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 9/8/2020 In control: City Council
On agenda: 9/22/2020 Final action:
Title: Government Accountability Measures. - DEFERRED
Attachments: 1. Memorandum, 2. Supplemental Memorandum, 3. Early Consideration Response Form, 4. Resolution

...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 put on the Council agenda for public hearing and review:

  (i) Audits should reoccur every four years;

  (ii) Amend the City Auditor’s 2020-2021 workplan to include an audit of our Police Department, focusing specifically on identifying cost savings and process efficiencies.

(b)  Accept the response from the Administration on the Government Accountability Measures discussed in the memorandum from Councilmember Diep referred to the City Council from the Rules and Open Government Committee on August 19, 2020.

(c) As an alternative to recommendations (a)(1) and (a)(2) above, adopt a resolution amending City Council Policy 1-18, Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Policy, to modify Section 4 (Fund Balance) and Section 15 (Public Involvement).

CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-004, Government Funding Mechanism or Fiscal Activity with no commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. (Diep)

[Rules Committee referral 8/19/2020 - Item G.3]

DEFERRED TO 10/20/2020 PER RULES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE