The Sunnyvale Sun

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Public will offer its ideas on city budget

By Cody Kraatz

The Sunnyvale City Council is set to take public comment on the proposed 2008-09 budget, which totals $282 million.

Among the likely sticking points, some council members say, are a list of 19 budget supplements.

These are either new ongoing services or new one-time projects. Because they are outside the city's normal operations, and some are controversial, they are likely to get some attention.

One supplement that has generated extensive comment from local environmentalists is a "sustainability coordinator" position. City manager Amy Chan is recommending a part-time coordinator position at a cost of $74,900 this year and roughly $68,000 each year after that.

Others have argued for a full-time position, which would cost $152,100 this year, $156,100 next year and $121,800 each year after that. They say that the cost would be reduced by new jobs, energy savings and grant funding.

The 19 supplements would total $2.2 million this year. Most of that, $1.9 million, would come from the General Fund.

Another $200,000 in gas tax funds would pay for parking lot access under the Mathilda Avenue bridge over Caltrain and improvements to the south side of Hendy Avenue nearby.

The supplements would have a total $21.5 million cost over 20 years, according to Chan's report.

Some, such as projects to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions and buying an automated check-in system for the Sunnyvale Public Library, would save $491,000 and $2.5 million over the next 20 years, respectively.

Chan also expects the Environmental Impact Report for the controversial but ongoing Mary Avenue Extension project to be completed this fiscal year.

"It will be necessary for the city council to weigh short-term and localized impacts against long-term, citywide benefits," Chan wrote in her budget summary.

Other key budget elements include an ongoing study of parks and recreation offerings, optimal staffing studies for all departments, and Town Center redevelopment, which is expected to net $1 million annual sales tax after opening in 2009.

Final budget

The council is set to adopt the final budget on June 10 in the council chamber, 456 W. Olive Ave., at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/Finance/Budget/Recommended or the slides from the city manager's presentation at tinyurl.com/4r5gem.