City Council Meeting - 2021-12-13

Detailed briefing

City Council Meeting — December 13, 2021 - Council opened a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget. Residents repeatedly objected to proposed cuts to City Beach lifeguards and leaf/brush pickup, arguing that lifeguards provide safety at a heavily used public beach and that pickup is important for residents who cannot haul yard waste themselves. - After the hearing, council voted to transfer money from the historical fund to the general fund and not cut services. Discussion identified the transfer as a short-term measure intended to preserve lifeguards, leaf pickup, and brush pickup while the city pursues longer-term revenue solutions. Staff will return with a revised budget for council action. - The historical fund is connected to the Blackburn Museum. Staff said the city has accumulated money in that fund over many years and is discussing future museum management with the Historical Society. The city would remain responsible for the building unless another arrangement is reached. Council discussed retaining some money for potential building needs. - Residents raised questions about the boardwalk closure and urged the city to obtain a structural-engineering assessment before deciding whether full replacement is necessary. Staff said the prior review found the structure visibly deteriorated and that council had not requested a structural engineer. No new boardwalk assessment was approved at this meeting. - Budget questions included apparent inconsistencies in payroll and Social Security line items. Staff acknowledged at least one Social Security figure was incorrect and said revisions would address issues raised. Staff also explained that employee costs are allocated among funds according to work performed. - City staff said the delayed 2019 audit filing and Form F-65 were being completed, with the form expected that week. The 2020 audit was expected to be finished at the end of January, and the 2021 audit was planned for May with filing by June 30. The city also discussed its underfunded pension and potential future consideration of a hybrid or defined-contribution plan. Worth watching: - Whether the revised 2022 budget formally retains lifeguards and leaf/brush services after the historical-fund transfer. - How much historical-fund money is transferred and how much remains for Blackburn Museum obligations. - Council’s promised regular public budget reviews and development of longer-term revenue options. Upcoming: Staff will present the revised budget at the next council meeting; paid parking is expected to be discussed January 17. Why it matters: Council used a one-time fund transfer to avoid immediate service cuts, but members said durable revenue decisions are still needed.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.