Clean up city finances

By John Keener

Pacifica faces tough times ahead financially. I will hold budget forums in plain English, so that we all know where the city's money is coming from, and where it is going.

The city will probably be about $2.5 to $3.5 million short of balancing next year's budget. This is a problem distinct from the $4 million that is missing. How can we make up this shortfall?

New or expanded businesses are often touted as the way to save Pacifica's city finances. However, sales taxes are only about 3% of our total tax revenue. So, while I welcome new or increased business, especially ones which save our residents trips "over the hill", the sales taxes they collect are not a large part of the budget.

I don't expect any new tax measures to pass, based on the fact that the last 3 have been defeated handily by the voters. So the city is most likely going to have to reduce spending in order to balance the budget next year.

The public must be involved in decisions about how to get city finances under control, hence the budget forums. Whatever the final result, it is important that the process be an open one, with citizen participation.