Departments told to submit '0 budget'; Jackson warns cuts could hit training

During the committee meeting, Faye Jackson told members that the mayor had requested each department submit a "0 budget" for the upcoming fiscal year—meaning carry forward current allocations—and also asked for a 5% reduction in departmental budgets. "I'm presenting 0 budget, and then they asked for a 5% reduction," Jackson said, warning that operating and contract line items used for training could be targeted to meet that reduction.

Jackson emphasized that most salary increases for unionized employees are determined through negotiated contracts and therefore are not controlled by department operating budgets. She said the union contract has been approved and that increases will take effect on July 1; she stated she believed the percentage increase would be about 2.5. Committee members and staff discussed that reforecasting and finance reports will show actual expenditures and guide further budget adjustments.

The committee noted the budget guidance will affect small operational budgets and prioritized confirming exact figures and lines that could be cut during the next budget cycle.