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City manager outlines need for fiscal sustainability study as staff updates 10‑year forecast
Summary
City staff told the council the city's 10‑year forecast is improving but still faces structural pressures from labor costs, pension liabilities and deferred capital; staff proposed launching a fiscal sustainability project to develop a portfolio of revenue and expenditure strategies.
City Manager Jovan Grogan and Finance Director Ken Lee (presentation summarized by Grogan) told the council the city’s 10‑year financial forecast has improved since the pandemic era but significant structural challenges remain. Grogan said progress has been made — reserves rebuilt, debt managed and several grants secured — but that the city still lacks sustainable recurring funding to restore frozen positions, address capital maintenance and cover long‑term liabilities.
Grogan described a proposed “fiscal sustainability project” that would engage outside consultants and dedicate staff time to produce a menu of strategies: revenue enhancements, expenditure reductions, service‑delivery model changes, and targeted investments to achieve long‑term balance. The goal, staff said, would be to produce an implementation action plan that sequences policy decisions and operational adjustments.
Council indicated support for beginning a formal review and asked for depth on specific policy options, such as the document transfer tax, business license adjustments, and clearer cost allocations for major events. Several council members stressed the importance of transparency and community engagement when considering revenue changes.
Next steps: Staff said it will prepare a draft scope and request‑for‑proposals to engage a consultant, integrate the fiscal study into the upcoming budget calendar and present policy options during the May budget study sessions. No formal decisions were made at the workshop.
