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Council reviews budget document standard, narrows annual goals approach
Summary
Council members reviewed a draft budget document being developed to meet a statewide award standard and discussed limiting the city’s annual strategic goals to a short list; staff was directed to revise the proposal and return it to the council.
Umatilla City Council members discussed shaping the city’s annual budget document to meet a statewide award standard and reviewed a draft goals list at their recent meeting.
The discussion centered on a budget document “standard” staff said the draft is being developed to meet. Staff said the award is given in Oregon to a minority of cities: “241 cities in Oregon, if I recall right, about 15 per it ranges between 15–20% each year receive the award,” Staff member Dave said. Council members discussed how the council’s participation primarily occurs through strategic planning, goal setting, adoption of a long-term master plan and adoption of the annual budget.
Why it matters: Council members said adopting a clear, award-oriented budget document could improve public messaging, planning and graphics and help tie annual work back to council priorities. Several speakers said keeping the council’s annual goals short and revisiting them regularly improves clarity and implementation.
Staff presented the draft budget document and a proposed goals list and answered council questions. One council speaker said, “I mean, the really, the council participation is through strategic planning, goal setting, long term master plan adoption, and just adoption of the annual budget. Beyond that, the rest of the work is really on staff.” Mayor (unnamed) directed staff to incorporate suggested edits: “K. So I guess Dave make those changes to bring it back to us.”
Outside attendee Emmett Ray, who said he was listening in, urged linking goals directly to budget and performance: “I like that you're, it seems like on an annual basis visiting... I think being under 5 goals is good and, and having a short term plan.”
No formal vote was taken on the budget document or the goals list at this meeting; council direction was limited to asking staff to revise the draft and return it for further review. The council did not adopt the draft or an official set of goals during the session.
Staff indicated they will incorporate council feedback and return an updated proposal for further consideration.
