Committee members reviewed and discussed the draft FY27 budget calendar, which staff presented as a living document that front-loads partner-agency engagement in January–March and intends to hold a budget retreat in April. Miss Flick walked members through draft dates (potential joint meetings on Jan. 28 and Feb. 15) and staff flagged April 11 as the retreat date after members weighed conflicts with Easter weekend and Folk Fest.

Members asked for additional opportunities to meet with partner agencies and for flexibility on retreat dates; Chair Wall said staff will continue to solicit feedback as the calendar is finalized. The manager and staff emphasized the intent to gather public input earlier in the process and to meet with partner agencies (airport, Docks and Harbors, Bartlett, Eagle Crest) before the formal budget retreat.

Later in the meeting Assemblymember Kelly moved that the committee forward an ordinance to amend the uniform sales tax to exempt residential composting equipment. Staff said the proposed exemption is residential-only, noted there is one vendor in town (so fiscal impact estimates are constrained by confidentiality), and judged that the revenue loss would be negligible for current budget planning. The committee unanimously agreed to forward the ordinance for formal introduction in February so that it may be noticed and publicized.

Next steps: staff will finalize the calendar with member feedback and present the ordinance for introduction in February.