Episode #2: Feb. 12, 2009
Ventura’s Fiscal Flash is an electronic newsletter with the latest information from the City of Ventura as staff and the City Council work with the community to achieve fiscal balance in these tough economic times.

Council to Review Immediate Mid-Year Spending Reductions Feb. 17; to Further Discuss Sales Tax Measure
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Ventura City Council will review proposed mid-year spending reductions equaling approximately $3.6M of the City’s $94M budgeted General Fund. The initial cut precedes a budget reduction effort aimed at closing an $8-12M revenue shortfall over the next two fiscal years. The reduced two-year budget will be proposed to Council in March.

Tuesday night, the City Council will also continue discussion of a potential sales tax measure and undertake a request policy consideration to reduce the Council budget by 20 percent in the next fiscal year. The policy consideration was introduced by Deputy Mayor Bill Fulton.

• Administrative Report: "Budget Reductions to Close FY 08-09 Revenue Shortfall."
• Administrative Report: "Voter Revenue Measure to Fund Vital Services."
• Ventura County Star "Ventura workers hope pay slash can stop layoffs, chip at deficit" 02/12/09

What you can do:

• Attend the Feb. 17 City Council meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 501 Poli Street.
• Take our budget priorities survey.
• Log into My Ventura Access to share your suggestions with the City Council.
• To set up a meeting with a Council member for your community organization, neighborhood group or club to discuss Ventura's budget priorities, please call Anne Hallock at 805-658-4739 or e-mail ahallock@cityofventura.net.