A postcard in the mailbox

The elephant in the room...

Here we go again...

Another postcard from the city of Saratoga - and this time it's a "Budget Brief"

I am not sure what the purpose is. The city council seemingly is publishing such notices to inform citizens, but there is a glaring omission and this postcard has unfortunately missed the mark.

The postcard forgot to mention the deficit our city is facing today...
That is the elephant in the room!

With projected deficits reaching $4.8 million by 2026.  At the peak of the recession, our city had 37 employees. Today we are at 57. I am concerned about the hiring of a new deputy city manager,  a new Director of Administrative Services - these positions are not cheap for our taxpayers.

While our staff has grown, this is not sustainable with our current budget outlook. Before expanding further, we must look within and find ways to optimize resources. Even our Capital Improvement budget has a deficit aka we don’t have money to keep up with road repairs.

I have vehemently opposed recent parcel taxes and bond measures for this same reason - we must pursue austerity measures first. As salaries and sheriff's contracts already account for over $17 million each year, new labor negotiations could potentially add another $500,000 if COLA increases are granted. Rather than accepting continual tax hikes, I believe we must challenge the spend approach, and make difficult but fiscally prudent decisions.

Please email the City Council to make your voice heard here https://www.saratoga.ca.us/FormCenter/City-Council-8/Council-Comments-Form-47

Make your voice heard: Educate the city council on the need for an optimal budget, reduce the deficit - NOT via a tax increase, and let us not add to the headcount.

Most importantly - do you really want a tax increase? 

Now is the time for constructive dialogue and creative problem-solving. Together, we can set Saratoga on a financially sustainable path.

Thanks

Rishi