Tuesday, June 28, 2005

The council approved 1 routine item on consent, including introducing changes to a proposed rental inspection law worth $1.5M.

Four major budget and policy items were discussed but no votes were recorded on any of them. The council reviewed the annual budget for fiscal year 2005/2006, which sets spending priorities for police, fire, parks, and roads. They also examined state sales tax collection information from the State Board of Equalization to better understand current revenue streams.

Discussion covered whether to allow leniency for property liens from unpaid false alarm fees. Property owners currently face liens when they don't pay charges for police or fire responses to false alarms. The council considered when these liens might be waived or reduced.

The council also talked about drafting 2 rental tax measures for the November ballot. One proposed tax would be based on total rental income collected by landlords, while the other would use a different structure. Both measures would need voter approval if placed on the ballot.