02-05-09 Council Retreat - Brainstorming Session #1

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Council Retreat Minutes of February 5, 2009 Page 3 the Council is looking into how the delayed tax billings can be corrected since $3/4 million has been spent by the city on interest for loans as a result of these delayed billings. (See: Slides # 15 - # 18) Council Member White noted that the emphasis should be on priorities framing the budget, with the Council working collectively with the City Administration. She again noted that with public safety being # 1 priority, the process requires information to be gathered, shared and discussed. As the Council reaches consensus, those priorities need to be advanced. Tonight is the beginning of that conversation and it wilt require a different way of working with the Administration. (See: Slides # 19 - # 20) Council Member LaFountain stressed the need for the citizens need to know, so that they do not see the budget process as ~~back room dealings"; but rather that there is common sense communication by the public officials who are the servants of the public. He noted that priority- based budgeting is all inclusive - it requires communication and information sharing with the Council, the Administration and the citizens. Priority-based budgeting results in a ~~hierarchy of goals and then we work with the numbers". (See: Slides # 21 - # 23) Council President Dieter suggested that additional internal work sessions of the Council will be needed for the process to be successful. He then passed out a 1-page ~~Council Assignments" sheet which focused on five (5) topics: TIF Funding, Major Moves, Redevelopment, Stimulus Package, and South Bend Budget vs. General Budget (copy attached). He also suggested that an ad hoc committee may be needed to bounce ideas and concepts with to gain different perspectives. (See: Slides # 24 - # 25) Council Member Rouse stated that the ~~wagon may be in front of the horse". He suggested that the Administration should be at the table and should be part of a collaborative effort. He noted that the process could be a ~~win/win" if both the Council and Administration are at the table, especially in light of serious reductions in funding.