City Council Study Session Summary 2009 04 14

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City Council Study Session Summary DATE Page 3 of 3 Council and Staff discussed the need to explain how to bring the information to the voters. The difficult and fundamental issues are to help provide a better understanding of the different types of taxes. Services will need to be cut if revenues are not increased. An approach is needed to emphasize to citizens the impact the economy will have on the City. Council felt presentations should continue. Council and staff discussed additional ways to increase attendance at scheduled meetings. Mayor felt that RTD, County, and City of Boulder will have ballot measures. Council would like to see a more representative and statistically valid survey to provide a snapshot of the current public opinion. Public comments Comments from the audience are as follows: If the City will not put forward a tax issue on the ballot, the survey should not be conducted. Council members need to be willing to actively campaign as individuals to support an increase in taxes. Making the case that City reserves need to be built is important. The survey can help the general population to understand between cost and investment, use tax, and other critical issues, as well as why the City is having revenue shortfalls, and why this will continue. A case cannot be made based on the budget process, rather a description of how the budget is affecting the services. When contemplating taxes, consider administering an exemption in a $7,500 - $10,000 range - resulting in 99% benefit and a significant decrease in political opposition. Council and staff discussed the advance agenda. Discussion Items for Next Meeting April 28 Adjourn 9:00 p.m. Submitted by Rhonda We/born, Executive Assistant to the City Manager's Office Date Apri/ 15, 2009