City Council Study Session Summary 2009 01 27

Home Browse Search

City Council Study Session Summary DATE Page 2 of 5 Mr. Mamet discussed in detail varied information and facts about CML to include the following; CML has a staff of 14 people, with an office near the Capital and seventy percent of CML revenues derive from annual municipality member dues. The dues are assessed according to population. The remaining revenue comes from sources such as workshops, and various other education related opportunities Issues - Mr. Mamet discussed Congress and the economic stimulus package. He recognized the challenges faced by municipalities. He emphasized the need for municipalities to take advantage of the funding package, which totals over $800 billion. Approximately 50-65% is proposed to be distributed to State and Local governments. One of the criteria for funding is meeting specific time frames detailed in the bills. A large percentage of the funding is for transit and transportation. Other avenues of interest and federal level issues in the stimulus package. State could receive funding for current programming through the stimulus, such as Community Development Block Program, funding for water, sewer water, affordable housing, etc., and benefits for State and Local government interests. Mr. Mamet expressed concern over the collective bargaining mandate for Police and Fire that is being proposed at the state level. CML is very concerned about this potential bill, as to the fiscal impact and fundamental issues of local control. Mr. Mamet suggested focusing on adopting a budget to keep Government operating. Mayor Sisk amplified some points. Sisk refereed to a special meeting on the Stimulus Package with DRCOG on February 4th. He indicated this was very important and a perfect example of the effects for municipalities. He suggested the City of Louisville keep in touch with Congressman Polis, as well as Senator Udall, and Senator Bennet. State Issues: There will be budget shortfalls in this year and the next fiscal year for the State of Colorado. The Governor has issued a series of proposals to reduce the budget for this year and severe cuts were proposed. $30 million has already been taken out of the Energy Impact Grant Program for local governments. Transportation funding is provided in Senate Bill #108, proposed by Senator Dan Gibbs. In this proposal on the plus side, $30 million in new revenue will come back to municipalities statewide based on the distribution formula. $10 million in the bill is slated for transit and multi-modal projects. Some concern with the bill is the section dealing with tolling. This bill could raise important new revenues, and municipal government needs to be engaged players. Federal legislation on the authorizations of SAFETEA LU is also occurring at the federal level. Urban Renewal is an important economic development tool and is being discussed at the Legislative Session. Currently there are proposals that would restrict Urban Renewal Authorities.