Saratoga News

Budget panel would bring minds together

By Don Wolfe

Saratogans are the brightest and the best and deserve to know the truth about the financial condition of our city. The City Council can balance the budget any time by merely cutting services and staff. I'm convinced that in the out years, the quality of our city will suffer with that as our policy. A forward-looking approach toward solutions is needed now, with the widest possible input from our citizens.

I submit here to the readers of the Saratoga News the complete text of the proposal that I recommended to my colleagues on the council, and ask for constructive observations, comments and suggestions from the citizens of Saratoga:

It is imperative for us to focus on a clear vision and policy for the financial strength of Saratoga's future.

The fiscal budgets for 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 that we are presently considering appears to be in balance and provide for the immediate needs of our city. The hard work and dedicated study of staff and the Finance Commission are to be commended.

Long-term stability and an adequate revenue stream, however, are in serious doubt, and a forward-thinking plan that will guarantee the future services and safety of Saratoga is a matter of high priority. Boom or bust economies cause an ephemeral reaction on the part of outside resources. This reality indicates that it is in the best interest of Saratoga to provide for its own basic and long-term financial stability.

Therefore, I propose the establishment of a blue-ribbon panel of Saratoga citizens to examine long-range solutions so as to avoid a financial crisis for our city and to provide for safety and services necessary to retain the quality of our city.

In order to have adequate time to study and evaluate financial conditions and to solicit public recommendations, I recommend that the panel convene for the period to begin Sept. 1, 1998, until Feb. 1, 1999. Should the panel recommend, and the council concur, that creative solutions include a ballot measure for revenue enhancement, such a time frame will allow for applications for the June 1999 primary election date.

I recommend the selection of a well-rounded panel representative of a broad range of community interests consisting of 13 distinguished citizens as follows:

*two persons from the Finance Commission
*one person from the Parks and Recreation Commission
*one person from the Public Safety Commission
*one person from the Planning Commission
*one person from the arts and theater community
*one person representing civic associations
*two persons representing neighborhood groups
*one person representing the business community
*two city staff members
*the mayor to serve as chairperson

As a process for selection of members of the panel, I suggest that commissions, organizations and individuals submit names to the city clerk by Aug. 15 for appointment by the Saratoga City Council.

There are compelling reasons for establishing the Panel for Saratoga's Future. They have to do with the characteristics that we Saratogans identify as necessary to retain the quality of our city. In addition, are the matters of basic health and safety features and services for the residents of Saratoga.

All indications are that future income streams will not be adequate to provide for proper maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, parks and city facilities.

Parks could be in danger of closing due to inadequate maintenance funding. It has happened in other cities. Crumbling roads and city buildings that fall into disrepair will be the result if revenue does not keep apace with actual costs. Do we want less Sheriff's Department services than we have today?

Services to seniors and youth are in danger of disappearing.

We presently fall far short of adequate resources to meet emergency disasters in our hillsides or any natural phenomena that could befall our area.

By putting our efforts together, I am confident that we Saratogans can find the solutions to these vital matters. Those who serve on this recommended Panel for Saratoga's Future will fulfill an invaluable service to our beloved city and will have the gratitude of all our citizens in the decades ahead.

Don Wolfe is the mayor of Saratoga. He first proposed the panel to the City Council in June. Councilmembers, however, voted not to appoint a panel.

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