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The budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year (which begins July 1st, 2009) will be developed as part of a four month process this spring, beginning in March and ending with final approval of the budget in June. The budget process this year will be especially difficult, because like everyone else, from individuals, to companies large and small, to the State and Federal Governments, San Jose has to reckon with a very bad economy. The economic downturn means lower sales and property taxes, which lowers the amount of revenue we have to spend on services. Our current projections anticipate a $65 million funding gap for 09-10. We may be able to make up some of that amount by adopting more efficient service models and doing more with less, but, unfortunately, we will also have to make service cuts and lay off employees.

Whenever the City has to make difficult decisions, I think it’s especially important for our citizens to be informed and involved. To that end, I want to give you some background information on what services the City provides and how much we spend on them. Our City Auditor’s office recently put out a report that I’ve found very useful in thinking about upcoming budget choices. It’s called the Service Efforts and Accomplishments Report, and it breaks down spending and performance measure data for City services in an easy-to-understand format (take a look at it by clicking here.) It’s an excellent overview of what City government does, and what budget choices we’ve made in the past.

I’d also like to give you a look ahead at the budget process this spring. Below you will find a schedule of important dates in that process, and brief explanations of what happens at each stage. When the Mayor releases his budget documents, you’ll be able to find them on his website (click here,) and when the City Manager releases her proposed budgets, you’ll be able to find them on the Budget Office website (click here.) You’ll notice that the dates in pink are public hearings, opportunities for citizens to tell the Council about their budget priorities. As those dates approach, you can find out more about them by visiting the Council Agenda website, (click here) which will provide detailed agendas for each meeting. You can also watch the meetings online (click here.)

I hope this information is useful to you in learning about San Jose’s budget process. If you have any questions, or would like to give me your opinion on the upcoming budget decisions, please contact my office at (408) 535-4909, or send an email to District9@sanjoseca.gov.

Thank you for your interest,

Are you concerned about crime or vandalism in your neighborhood? Neighborhood Watch is an excellent way of deterring crime in your community. Through face-to-face interactions with your neighbors and representatives from the San Jose Police Department, you can develop solutions to the safety issues facing your neighborhood. For more information about bringing Neighborhood Watch to your area, please visit their website or call the Crime Prevention Unit at (408) 277-4133.

The City Clerk's Office is currently accepting applications for vacancies on the City's boards and Commissions. For a full list of opportunities and information on how to apply, click here.

When: Sat, Feb 21, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Cambrian Branch Library, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.

Puzzled by the new tax laws or which credits and deductions to take? Trained community volunteers can prepare your tax returns and help you with special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Please bring your tax forms with you. This service is available on a first come, first served basis.

When: Mon, Feb 23, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Where: Pearl Avenue Branch Library, 4270 Pearl Ave.

Check out the book of the month from the library. After reading the book at home, come to the Pearl Avenue Library and play the Jeopardy game to win prizes. For children in grades 4-7. This month we read Rules by Cynthia Lord.

When: March 9, 6:30pm
Where: California Theatre, 345 S. First Street

A night benefiting scholarships for students, SJSU Alumnus and Beach Blanket Babylon Founder Steve Silver will be honored. A grand reception followed by the production is open to all ticket holders. Click here for more information.

San Jose's Spring Activity Guide, a list of all programs and classes provided at the City's community centers, will be relased on February 17. It will be available on the Parks Department website (click here.) Take a look at what's on offer in your neighborhood, and sign up early!