Budget Investment Technology 2023/06/21200 S. Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, California 92805
City Of Anaheim
FINANCE P l ENT
June 21, 2023
TO THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL:
The Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission (Commission) is pleased
to have the opportunity to provide you with its comments and recommendations
concerning the City's proposed annual budget. The Commission (previously
known as the Budget Advisory Commission) was established by the City Council
in 1991. This Commission is charged with the examination of the City's financial
condition, policies, and procedures, as well as the review of the annual budget
proposed by the City Manager under Section 1.04.996 of Chapter 1.04 of Title 1
of the Anaheim Municipal Code. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24 proposed budget
marks the thirty-second proposed annual budget the Commission has had the
opportunity to review.
The Commission's first meeting of FY 2022/23 was in September 2022.
Throughout the year the Commission heard presentations from various City
departments. The Commission received monthly Transient Occupancy Tax
(TOT) reports and periodic updates on the current year's budget and the
investment portfolio.
The City Council approved several successful programs to help residents during
the economic challenges of the pandemic. As the economy recovers, the
Commission recommends that the City continue programs that increase access
to and usage of City resources by residents without substantially increasing
costs. Examples would include increased outreach to residents regarding
available City services and the promotion of the City's technology platform. The
Commission also recommends that the City provide increased educational
programs for the City's youth and community members that do not necessarily
require the purchase of additional equipment.
As the status of the recovery of the economy is still uncertain The Commission
would like to recommend caution for FY 2023/24. The Covid-19 crisis had an
unprecedented fiscal impact on the City's finances and economic health, which
was only weathered by healthy reserves and fiscally responsible policies. While
FY 2022/23 looks promising and recovery so far has been healthier than
expected, it would be wise to prepare for any future disturbances to the
economy and City's revenue stream.
Homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse are some of the most
significant problems in our state and our region. The Commission would like to
encourage the City Council to continue, and the Commission supports the
expansion, of the City's efforts to address the homelessness, mental health, and
substance abuse crises: the Commission supports additional funding for
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homeless shelters, Be Well OC, and the uaumnd Homeless Taskforoe, as
recommended in the proposed budget. This includes City outreach toconnect
individuals experiencing horno|emoneon, untreated rnen&m| health ieeueo, and
substance abuse disorders with supportive services and shelter to help assist
thenn, as well as the City /#torn8y'n community prosecution unit for those who
violate City ordinances. Aahomelessness, mental health, and substance abuse
are prub|mnoa throughout Southern California, the City should also continue its
efforts with regional partners for regional solutions to address hUnla|eSeD8SS in
the area.
The Commission would like t0stress the importance ofmaintaining safe streets
and the Citv's infrastructure programs. The Commission supports the []tv's
continuation of its significant iDc[e8S8 in funds for previously deferred
maintenance projects aaproponadintheneoonnrnendedbudged.
The Commission would like to highlight the investment in Code Enforcement
under the Planning and Building Department inthe proposed budget, focusing
on the organics program and the second homeless task force. As ongoing
issues of perking and code enforcement are felt by the oornrnunih/ the
Commission reC#m[D9DdG 0UDibmhnQ of the ongoing needs of Cud*
Enforcement.
The Commission is suggesting, after input received from residents, that
Anaheim Police Department review its traffic response. Many residents are
uVncmmnnU about street racing and e perceived increase in speeding and
violations of other traffic regulations. We applaud the Police Department's
cunnnnun|tv youth outreach pnoQnsrna, byadding six additional resource officers
in partnership with the |oon| school districts. We also appreciate the Police
Department's use Of alternative methods in decreasing response times and
enhancing officers' sofety. Additionally, the Cornnniooinn requests quarterly
review of the Fire Department budget in light of anticipated higher levels of
wildfires during the summer and fall pfthis year.
The Commission recognizes the considerable effort that City departments have
focused upon Federal and State financial grants and recommends that this effort
not only continue but also expand by individual departments to fuUi|| their own
particular needs.
The Commission applauds the City Counci|'sincrease inthe Library Services
budget and hopes that the increased level of service by this division can be
continued. We congratulate the City, Library, and staff for continuing to receive
ovvand recognition from the American Library Association and wish to further
support its efforts asanationally recognized library.
The Commission recommends annual or term -basis reviews of all city contracts
to determine if the contracts are meeting key performance indioatoro, which
vvnu|d ensure expenditures of taxpayer dollars are being nnmtohmd by defined
expectations.
The Commission supports the goals of the Anaheim Economic Development
Team to bring additional growth to the city, including OUtMe@Ch programs,
partnerships, and incentives to attract new businesses and retain existing
businesses. The Commission recognizes the 8uminmmn Storefront Improvement
Program as an important step in assisting small businesses within the city.
In addition, the Commission recognizes the importance of the /\Dahann
Convention Center to the city'seconomy. With alarge number of jobs and
businesses that depend on the Convention Center, the Commission urges the
CODUnuHd pursuit and growth of the number of high -profile conventions to
increase City revenue.
The Commission also recognizes the importance of the Angel Stadium of
Anaheim and surrounding pnUp8dv for the oit/m economic gn)vvUl and
development. We encourage discussion among key stakeholders, ranidmn[e.
and City staff.
The commission recognizes the SOOaid*nab|a efforts of the C:dv Council and
district staff; we encourage o discussion on a potential increase as the previous
increase was in 2001, within the limits of the City Charter and Government
Code.
Anaheim has made great strides in improving its investment in our City parks.
We applaud the $2,3K4 investment in our (}kv Parks vvh|Ch is 8 CUDUnu8d
investment in improving pork aesthetics and increasing park ennoniUeo like
shade, playgrounds, and greenery.
Weare thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of Anaheim and grateful
for the time and information provided by City staff. The Commission hereby
Respectfully submitted,
ANAHEIM BUDGET, INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION
Jorge Gavino, Chair
Ms. Ryann Higgins, Vice Chair
Mr. Paul D'Allura
Mr. Peter Duncan
Mr. Jaime Naranjo
Mr. Christopher Nguyen
Mr. John Noteboom