The COVID-19 pandemic is one reason not to move city budget talks to December, according to a new report.
City Council will vote tonight on whether to start budget discussions earlier, which their staff say is not feasible this year.
The idea was brought up in early March, when Council asked if an earlier budget process would allow the construction bidding process to start earlier in the year. A report from staff says they have learned that is not the case.
It also says if they chose to move their budget discussions, preparations would have to start immediately, but the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected city administration’s workload and priorities.
The move would also affect outside boards like the Library and Social Services Administration, and would not be doable in election years because new Councils are not sworn in until December. It would require more preparation during the summer months, and more overtime for Recreation and Culture staff during their peak season.
