Staff Report.Proposed Budget Final
PREPARED BY: Stephen Conway
Finance Director
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/18/2021 ITEM NO: 7
DATE: May 13, 2021
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets
A. Consider the recommendations of the Finance Commission and staff, and
provide direction on the Town of Los Gatos Proposed Operating and
Capital Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/22 and on the Proposed Capital
Improvement Program for FY 2021/22 – FY 2025/26; including but not
limited to:
1. Determine the use of the accumulated $1.2 Million Measure G funds
through June 30, 2020
2. Determine the use of the Measure G proceeds in FY 2020/21
3. Determine the use of Measure G proceeds in FY 2021/22
4. Determine the use of the of Measure G proceeds for the remaining
years of the forecast period
5. Provide direction balancing the FY 2020/21 Budget
6. Provide direction on any changes to proposed expense/revenue
assumptions for the FY 2021/22 Budget and the remaining forecast
period
7. Provide direction balancing the FY 2021/22 Proposed Budget
8. Determine the use of $1.2 Million in Surplus Property Reserve
(Winchester property sale proceeds)
9. Provide direction on the Proposed Operating Budget
10. Provide direction on the Proposed Capital Budget
11. Consider the FY 2021/22 List of Potential Donations consistent with
the Town’s Donation Policy
12. Clarify the Council’s Strategic Priority for revenue enhancements
RECOMMENDATION:
The Town Council should conduct a public hearing, consider the recommendations of the
Finance Commission and staff, and provide direction on the Town of Los Gatos Proposed
PAGE 2 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021/22 and the Town of Los Gatos Proposed
Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2021/22 - 2025/26, including but not limited to:
1. Determine the use of accumulated $1.2 million Measure G funds through June 30,
2020
2. Determine the use of Measure G funds for FY 2020/21
3. Determine the use of Measure G funds for FY 2021/22
4. Determine the future use of Measure G funds for the remaining years of the forecast
period
5. Provide direction balancing the FY 2020/21 budget
6. Provide direction on any changes to proposed revenue/expense assumptions for the
FY 2021/22 Budget and the remaining forecast period
7. Provide direction balancing the FY 2021/22 Proposed Budget
8. Determine the use of $1.2 Million in Surplus Property Reserve (Winchester property
sale proceeds)
9. Provide direction on the Proposed Operating Budget
10. Provide direction on the Proposed Capital Budget
11. Consider the FY 2021/22 List of Potential Donations consistent with the Town’s
Donation Policy
12. Clarify the Council’s Strategic Priority for revenue enhancements
BACKGROUND:
On April 19, 2021, the Town Manager’s Proposed FY 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budgets
were posted on the Town’s website for the public’s review and comment (see Attachments 1
and 2). The Proposed Budgets were published a month earlier than prior practice and 22
business days before May 18, 2021 (Council’s public hearing on the Budgets), in accordance
with Measure A. The transmittal letter in the Proposed FY 2021/22 Operating Budget provides
an executive summary of the budget, including the fiscal outlook, key budget assumptions, and
other information.
The Proposed Operating and Capital Budget for FY 2021/22 (Attachment 1) is the Town
Manager’s recommended comprehensive financial plan to provide services to the Town of Los
Gatos and address the priorities set by the Town Council. The Proposed FY 2021/22 – 2025/26
Capital Improvement Program (Attachment 2) is a five-year capital improvement plan which
identifies projects to construct and maintain the Town’s infrastructure.
Both budget documents were prepared with contributions from all Town Departments. Of
particular note, the Finance Department took the lead in developing revenue and expenditure
forecasts, ensuring that the most current information was used in the preparation of the
proposed budgets. In addition, the Department of Parks and Public Works identified high
PAGE 3 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
BACKGROUND (continued):
priority projects for inclusion in the Capital Budget based on its familiarity with the Town’s
facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, and its work with various Town Commissions on these
assets.
The proposed Budget also acknowledges the economic realities associated with the global
COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen budgetary impacts. As stated in last year’s Budget
message and remains true today, the ultimate impact to the organization is not expected to be
known until the depth and breadth of the pandemic recession is fully understood. Even with
areas of continued uncertainty, this Budget positions the organization well for continued
excellence in service delivery to the community.
The FY 2021/22 Budget endeavored to maintain essential public services while controlling
operational costs in light of the Five-Year Financial Forecast, which predicts operating shortfalls
in subsequent fiscal years. Providing current service levels to the community in future fiscal
years will require a strong return to pre-pandemic performance of the Town’s economically
sensitive revenues and/or revenue enhancements as identified as one of the Town Council’s
Strategic Priorities. However, in the event pre pandemic revenue levels do not return and new
revenue sources are not identified, the current projected deficits may need to be addressed
through service delivery reductions. If this occurs, the Council will need significant input from
the community to identify and determine service reductions.
With the passage of Measure A, the newly constituted Finance Commission has been tasked
with a thorough review of the FY 2021/22 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets. As stated
in the Measure A adopted Ordinance, the Finance Commission is to perform the following
functions:
(a) The Finance Commission shall:
(2) Review the Town Manager's annual proposed budget prepared in accordance with
section 2.30.295(6) of the Town Code. and provide written comments and
recommendations to the Town Council.
(A) The Finance Commission's comments and recommendations shall include a
recommendation about whether the Town Council should approve or disapprove
the proposed budget. The Finance Commission may make a recommendation of
approval of the budget conditional upon the Town Council's acceptance of one or
more of the Finance Commission's recommendations.
(B) The Town Manager must provide a proposed budget to the Finance Commission at
least twenty (20) business days before the first meeting at which the proposed
budget is considered by the Town Council.
PAGE 4 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
BACKGROUND (continued):
In addition to the Town Manager’s Proposed Budget, the Town Council is being asked to
consider the Finance Commission recommendations contained in Attachment 3. The Town
Council is also being asked to consider additional staff recommended changes based on
additional review and analysis since publication (Attachment 5). Any recommended changes
and additional direction to the Proposed Operating and/or Capital Budgets provided by Council
at the May 18, 2021 budget hearing will be incorporated into the implementing documents to
be presented for final Council approval on June 1, 2021. Finally, the Council is asked to review
the annual list of donations and approve budget adjustments for FY 2020/21.
DISCUSSION:
Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets and Five-Year Forecast Development
The FY 2021/22 General Fund Budget programs total revenues and reserve transfers of $47
million, and expenditures and allocations of $46 million. The Budget currently anticipates no
significant new programming, and does maintain existing service and staffing levels. This
Budget also provides for limited, continued strategic investments toward important wildfire
vegetation management as grant funding allows and other necessary infrastructure
improvements, as the pandemic is not the only threat to our community’s health and safety.
The Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets and Five-Year Forecast were developed with a
cautionary post COVID-19 economic recovery base case. The economic ramifications of the
pandemic have created lower revenue bases than in prior years which reverberate throughout
the forecast period as future revenue growth is extrapolated from the lower initial base
revenues. Revenue forecasts for the current Budget have been developed in close consultation
with the Santa Clara County Assessor, Town Sales Tax consultant MuniServices, and a review of
national and regional hospitality research.
In addition to developing revenue growth projections, the Proposed Budget also forecasts
anticipated increases in the Town’s pension obligations and salaries. The delivery of Town
services is highly dependent on talented staff which comprises 68.7% of budgeted General Fund
expenditures and 51.0% of budgeted total expenditures for FY 2021/22. One of the major cost
drivers for the Town’s service delivery over the past decade has been unanticipated increases in
pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB).
For FY 2021/22, the Proposed Operating Budget was balanced utilizing three primary budget
balancing strategies. The first was direction to all Departments to identify expenditure
reductions that would not degrade service levels and other expense containment strategies. To
that end, all Departments programmed savings from traditional travel and training budgets,
expecting that most professional development opportunities will continue to be offered
PAGE 5 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
remotely. Other examples include the use of one-time unbenefited part time employees where
applicable, delayed purchase of additional recycling bins, and limited in-person Library
programming to reflect the slow easing of the pandemic’s effects.
The second strategy is the use of $1.56 million of the Town’s $5.7 million allocation from the
American Rescue Plan Act to replace lost revenue as a result of COVID as directed by the Town
Council in early April. The Act identified four eligible uses for funding including the provision of
government services to the extent that the COVID–19 public health emergency resulted in a
reduction in revenue.
The third strategy was full programming of Measure G funds toward eligible operating purposes
per the Sales Tax Measure that the voters approved a 1/8th cent sales tax dedicated to the
Town of Los Gatos. Eligible uses are discussed in more detail later in this report.
The culmination of these revenue, expense, and other assumptions is a FY 2021/22 balanced
budget and projected deficits in the range of $0.8 million to a maximum of $1.3 million per year
in the remaining years of the forecast five-year forecast.
5 Year Forecast
2022/23
Forecast
2023/24
Forecast
2024/25
Forecast
2025/26
Forecast
2026/27
Forecast
Base Case
Modest Growth (millions)
($1.3) ($0.8) ($0.8) $0.1 $0.5
Given the unknown nature of the transitioning economy, staff continues to monitor revenue
trends. In the event pre pandemic revenue levels do not return and new revenue sources are
not identified the current projected deficits may need to be addressed through service delivery
reductions at mid-year FY 2021/22. If this occurs, the Council will need significant input from
the community through various means to identify and determine service reductions.
The FY 2021/22 – FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) sets forth a five-year plan for
proposed streets, parks, and public facility projects. The transmittal letter contained in the CIP
provides a summary of the program including funding sources, recently completed projects,
and the proposed projects for FY 2021/22. Only the first year of the plan is formally adopted
with funds appropriated by the Town Council as part of the budget process.
During the January 2021 Strategic Priorities discussion, the Town Council stated its priorities to
begin to implement the Comprehensive Parking Study, continue mobility improvements for all
PAGE 6 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
transportation modes, manage the vegetation on Town lands to protect against wildfire, and
advance other needed improvements. All of these efforts support improving and enhancing
transportation options, public safety, and quality of life within the context of prudent fiscal
management. The Proposed CIP for FY 2021/22 includes a total budget of $22.7 million of new
and carry-forward funding.
Town staff go through a rigorous process to evaluate all previously funded projects and
potential new projects when preparing the CIP. There are more needs than available funding,
and staff recommends high priority projects that are consistent with the Strategic Priorities.
This year, due to limited available funds, the proposed CIP concentrates on funding key ongoing
maintenance commitments (e.g., street paving), projects that have grant funding and the FY
2021/22 schedule obligation, and supplementing projects that are underway to ensure that
they re completed. On April 28, 2021, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed CIP,
found it consistent with the General Plan, and recommended its adoption by the Town Council.
Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets and Five-Year Forecast in Relation to Finance
Commission Recommendations
As previously mentioned, the newly constituted Finance Commission is tasked with a thorough
review of the FY 2021/22 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets. The Finance Commission
recommended approval of the Proposed Budgets predicated on nine recommended changes to
the Proposed Budget.
The Commission’s deliberations coalesced around the following goals and observations:
• Enhance transparency in budget development, budget assumptions, and budget
presentation.
• The Proposed Budget significantly restricts capital expenditures relative to historic
allocations.
• The Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is challenged by a lack of dedicated
funding.
• The higher percentage increases in the primary expenditures of Salary and Benefits
relative to revenues is constraining other investments.
• Recommend strategies to slow the growth in expenditures until there is greater clarity
on impacts to revenues.
Of the nine recommendations, three have no impact on the Proposed Budget, four have direct
impacts on the Proposed Budget, and two provide budget balancing recommendations.
PAGE 7 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
Town Council Budget Considerations
Decisions Pertaining to Measure G
Per Measure G, prior to the Town's expenditure of any revenues from the tax the Finance
Commission is to review the proposed expenditures and advise the Town Council on whether
such expenditures meet the Town Council's objectives for that tax:
(A) Maintaining and enhancing neighborhood police patrols and local crime
prevention programs;
(B) Improving traffic flow to reduce congestion;
(C) Repairing potholes and maintaining the Town's streets, roads. and sidewalks:
and
(D) Maintaining the Town's long-term financial stability.
To date, no Measure G funds have been expended. Approximately $1.2 M have accumulated in
a Measure G Reserve through June 30, 2020. Forecasted revenues are as follows:
The Finance Commission (FC) has made recommendations for the use of Measure G funds and
the Council should consider the recommendations as it makes its decisions for the use of the
funds. For each FC recommendation, potential impacts are identified.
FC Recommendation: Recommend to Council the allocation of the accumulated Measure G
funds through June 30, 2020 in the Measure G Reserve ($1.2 million) to the General Fund
Appropriated Reserve (GFAR) for capital budgeting purposes as determined by the Town
Council’s priorities.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation has no direct impact on the Proposed Operating
Budget, would establish resources for future capital budgeting by committing previously
unallocated monies.
FC Recommendation: Allocate 50% Measure G proceeds for capital purposes in FY 2020/21, FY
2021/22, and all periods after.
Potential Impacts: If Council agrees with this recommendation, operating deficits would
increase by approximately $500k per year based on Measure G revenue estimates.
Measure G
District Tax
2020/21
Estimate 2021/22
Proposed
2022/23
Forecast
2023/24
Forecast
2024/25
Forecast
2025/26
Forecast
2026/27
Forecast
Revenues
(millions)
$0.9 $1.0 $1.0 $1.0 $1.1 $1.1 $1.1
PAGE 8 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
Council Actions:
1. Determine the use of accumulated $1.2 million Measure G funds through June 30,
2020
2. Determine the use of Measure G funds for FY 2020/21
3. Determine the use of Measure G funds for FY 2021/22
4. Determine the future use of Measure G funds for the remaining years of the forecast
period
Decisions Pertaining to Budget Balancing Strategies for FY 2020/21
Based on the Town Council’s decision regarding the allocation of Measure G funds, an
additional $500k FY 2020/21 deficit may develop. The Finance Commission was presented with
the following options for FY 2020/21 budget balancing consideration:
Budget Balancing Strategies Pros Cons
Use of either the Budget Stabilization
or Catastrophic Reserves
• Sufficient funding
available in each
reserve
• Funds are required to
be replenished
Cancelation of the annual OPEB
actuarial contribution funding
• Legally viable
• $600k in FY 20/21 and
$500k in FY 21/22
• Counter to past funding
objectives
• Potential rating agency
implications
Utilization of the OPEB IRS 115 Trust
for annual Pay Go healthcare
expenses
• Legally viable
• $1.3M in FY 20/21 and
$1.3M in FY 21/22
• Counter to past funding
objectives
Cancel programmed GF GFAR
contribution for FY 21/22 • $600k • Counter to the
Commissions CIP
funding objective
ARPA • $1.4M FY 20/21 and
$650k FY 21/22
• Depletes resources
available for other ARPA
eligible purposes
Another option for Council consideration is using the unprogrammed proceeds from the
Winchester property sale ($1.2 M). The Proposed Operating Budget recommends maintaining
these funds unprogrammed as future contingency due to an uncertain fiscal future. The FC
recommended putting these proceeds towards the Capital Budget.
PAGE 9 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
FC Recommendation: Cancel the FY 2020/21 and future years’ Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) actuarial contribution(s) to the extent necessary to fund the CIP, increased salaries, and
address uncertainties.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation provides legally viable resources of approximately
$600k in FY 2020/21 and $500k in FY 2021/22. The recommendation is not consistent with past
practice to prefund benefit obligations and could have rating agency implications.
Council Actions:
5. Provide direction to balance the FY 2020/21 budget
Decisions Associated with Revenue and Expenditure Assumptions in FY 2021/22 and Five-
Year Forecast
An important aspect of the Town’s budget development process is taking a multi-year approach
to understand revenue and expenditure trends over time. The Forecast takes a forward look at
the Town's General Fund revenues and expenditures and is updated regularly. Its purpose is to
identify financial trends, potential shortfalls, and other issues so the Town can proactively
address them and budget accordingly. It does so by projecting out into the future the fiscal
results of continuing the Town's current service levels and policies. The revenue and expense
forecast assumptions can be found on pages A21-A24 of the Proposed Operating Budget and in
Attachment 4.
FC Recommendation: Use a 2% inflation factor for development of base salary expenses for FY
2021/22 and the remaining forecast period, without implying a particular outcome for
negotiations with bargaining units.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation would increase the FY 2021/22 operating deficit by
approximately $460k and throughout the forecast period as illustrated below.
2% Base Salary
Inflation Factor
2021/22 2022/23
Forecast
2023/24
Forecast
2024/25
Forecast
2025/26
Forecast
2026/27
Forecast
Total Projected
Increase (millions)
$0.46 $0.90 $1.34 $1.80 $2.24 $2.72
Council Actions:
6. Provide direction on any changes to proposed revenue/expense assumptions for the
FY 2021/22 Budget and the remaining forecast period
PAGE 10 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
Decisions Pertaining to the Proposed FY 2021/22 Operating Budget
Salary Costs: The FC discussed salary and benefit costs over time and recommended that the
Town Council start taking action to control costs (see Attachment 3).
FC Recommendation: Freeze budgeted Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) at 145 for six months.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation would provide $346,830 ($69,366/FTE) savings in FY
2021/22. The table below provides an analysis of existing vacancies.
Vacant Position Dept Vacancy
Date
Salary
Range
Hourly
Rate
6 mo.
Salary/Benefit
Cost Saving
Comms Dispatcher PD Dec-20 TEA - 14 $39.05 -
$50.41
$66,528
Comms Dispatcher PD Jan-21 TEA - 14 $39.05 -
$50.41
$66,528
Comms Dispatcher PD Mar-21 TEA - 14 $39.05 -
$50.41
$66,528
Comms Dispatcher PD Apr-21 TEA - 14 $39.05 -
$50.41
$66,528
Parks Maintenance
Worker
PPW Aug-20 AFSCME-05 $29.90 -
$38.17
$51,849
Legal Admin Assistant Town
Attorney
Jan-21 Conf-02 $33.43 -
$43.26
$58,459
Police Officer PD Dec-20 POA-02-
0710
$48.90
69,534
Police Officer PD Apr-21 POA-02-
0711
$51.47 -
62.57
$108,224
It is important to note that the total minimum required employer pension contribution is the
sum of the Plan’s Employer Normal Cost Rate and the Employer Unfunded Accrued Liability
(UAL). For FTE costing purposes, staff assumes a total pension percentage rate; however, the
UAL portion is paid as a lump sum in July of each fiscal year, while the normal cost is paid with
PAGE 11 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
the biweekly payroll. Consequently, anticipated savings are less since the lump sum payment
happens regardless if the position is filled or not.
The FC did not think that freezing Town positions would impact services; however, as a lean
service delivery organization, each position is critical to maintain service levels. An Addendum
is expected to be published tomorrow documenting sample impacts to services.
Destination Marketing: The Chamber of Commerce requested the FC recommend to the Town
Council funding for an “emergency” destination marketing campaign with the intended
outcome of attracting visitors to stay at Los Gatos hotels and increasing Transient Occupancy
Tax revenues.
FC Recommendation: Allocate $55K to the Chamber of Commerce for a destination marketing
utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Potential Impacts: ARPA funds would become unavailable for other uses.
Council Actions:
7. Provide direction on the Proposed Operating Budget, including but not limited to the
FC recommendations. Council may wish to utilize its recently approved principles
(see Attachment 6). If the Council is interested in the destination marketing
concept, it should determine if the work should start in the current fiscal year or FY
2021/22 and determine its potential funding source (e.g., ARPA, Economic Recovery
Fund, etc.).
Decisions to Balance the FY 2021/22 Operating Budget
Based on the Town Council’s decisions regarding the allocation of Measure G funds and any
revenue and expense assumption changes, additional FY 2021/22 deficits may develop. The
options for budget balancing for FY 2021/22 are the same as presented earlier in the report and
are repeated for ease of use):
Budget Balancing Strategies Pros Cons
Use of either the Budget Stabilization
or Catastrophic Reserves
• Sufficient funding
available in each
reserve
• Funds are required to
be replenished
Cancelation of the annual OPEB
actuarial contribution funding
• Legally viable
• $600k in FY 20/21 and
$500k in FY 21/22
• Counter to past funding
objectives
• Potential rating agency
implications
PAGE 12 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
Utilization of the OPEB IRS 115 Trust
for annual Pay Go healthcare
expenses
• Legally viable
• $1.3M in FY 20/21 and
$1.3M in FY 21/22
• Counter to past funding
objectives
Cancel programmed GF GFAR
contribution for FY 21/22
• $600k • Counter to the
Commissions CIP
funding objective
ARPA • $1.4M FY 20/21 and
$650k FY 21/22
• Depletes resources
available for other ARPA
eligible purposes
Another option for Council consideration is using the unprogrammed proceeds from the
Winchester property sale ($1.2 M). The Proposed Operating Budget recommends maintaining
these funds unprogrammed as future contingency due to an uncertain fiscal future. The FC
recommended putting these proceeds towards the Capital Budget.
FC Recommendation: Cancel the FY 2020/21 and future years’ Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) actuarial contribution(s) to the extent necessary to close, fund the CIP, increased
salaries, and address uncertainties.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation will provide legally viable resources of approximately
$600k in FY 2020/21 and $500k in FY 2021/22. The recommendation is not consistent with past
practice to prefund benefit obligations and could have rating agency implications.
In addition to the formal recommendation for the use of OPEB contributions, the Commission
opined that the savings from a 6-month hiring freeze should alleviate any additional deficits in
FY 2021/22 from their recommended actions.
Council Actions:
8. Provide direction balancing the FY 2021/22 Proposed Budget
Determine the Use of the Winchester Property Sale Proceeds
In the FY 2021/22 Proposed Operating Budget the proceeds from the sale of the Winchester
property remain in reserve and unallocated. Dependent on other Council action(s), the
proceeds are still available for budget balancing or other uses.
FC Recommendation: Recommend the allocation of the $1.2 million Surplus Property Reserve
(Winchester property sale proceeds) to the Capital/Special Project Reserve for capital
budgeting purposes as determined by the Town Council’s priorities.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation has no direct impact on the Proposed Operating
Budget but would commit previously unallocated monies.
PAGE 13 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
Council Actions:
9. Determine the use of $1.2 Million in Surplus Property Reserve (Winchester property
sale proceeds)
Decisions Pertaining to the Capital Budget
In addition to the aforementioned budget actions, the Council may wish to consider other
Proposed Capital budgetary items.
FC Recommendation: Allocate $500k from the previously recommended additional allocations
to the Capital Budget for continuation of the roadside vegetation management project.
Potential Impacts: The recommendation has no direct impact on the budget but would commit
previously unallocated monies.
Council Actions:
10. Provide direction on the Proposed Capital Budget
Cumulative Consideration of FC Recommendations
To understand the cumulative effects of most of the Finance Commission recommendations,
the table below contains an updated five-year forecast.
The updated Forecast on the following page incorporates the following:
• 2% salary escalator built in the forecast from FY 2021/22 to FY2026/27
• OPEB payment eliminated from FY 2021/22 to FY2026/27
• 50% of the Measure G proceeds allocated to capital spending FY 2020/21 to FY2026/27
• $1.2 million Measure G reserve (balance accumulated until 6/30/2020) allocated to
capital in FY 2021/22
• $1.2 million balance of the Surplus Property Reserve (Winchester property sale
proceeds) is allocated to capital in FY 2021/22
PAGE 14 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
Account Revenue Category
2020/21
Adjusted
Budget
2020/21
Estimates
2021/22
Proposed
Budget
2022/23
Forecast
2023/24
Forecast
2024/25
Forecast
2025/26
Forecast
2026/27
Forecast
4100 Property Tax 13.9$ 14.7$ 15.7$ 15.8$ 16.3$ 16.8$ 17.3$ 17.8$
4110 VLF Backfill Property Tax 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.7 4.8
4200 Sales & Use Tax 6.7 6.2 7.2 7.4 7.7 7.8 8.0 8.2
4200 Measure G District Sales Tax 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1
4250 Franchise Fees 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.0
4251 Transient Occupancy Tax 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
4400 Business License Tax 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
4400 Licenses & Permits 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1
4500 Intergovernmental 1.5 4.3 3.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
4600 Town Services 3.9 3.7 3.6 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8
4700 Fines & Forfeitures 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
4800 Interest 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
4850 Other Sources 3.4 3.5 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.2
4900 Fund Transfers In 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
43.1$ 46.2$ 46.7$ 44.1$ 45.4$ 46.4$ 47.6$ 48.8$
Use of Capital/Special Project Reserve - Capital 3.4 3.4 0.6 1.3 1.3 1.9 1.3 1.4
Use of Pension/OPEB Reserve 4.5 4.5 - - - - - -
Use of Capital/Special Project Reserve - Other 0.9 0.9 - - - - - -
Use of Property Surplus Reserve - - 1.2 - - - - -
Use of Measure G Reserve - - 1.2 - - - - -
51.9$ 55.0$ 49.7$ 45.4$ 46.7$ 48.3$ 48.9$ 50.2$
0 -
Account Expenditure Category 2020/21 Adjusted Budget
2020/21 Estimates
2021/22 Proposed
Budget
2022/23 Forecast 2023/24 Forecast 2024/25 Forecast 2025/26 Forecast 2026/27 Forecast
5110 Salary 20.3 20.6 20.3 20.6 21.0 21.5 21.9 22.3
5120 CalPERS Benefits 7.3 6.4 7.3 7.8 8.2 8.7 8.6 8.9
5200 All Other Benefits 4.1 3.8 4.2 3.9 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
6211 OPEB Pay as You Go 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.9
6000 Operating Expenditures 6.6 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.4 6.4 6.7
7200 Grants & Awards 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
7400 Utilities 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7
8060 Internal Service Charges 2.4 2.4 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.4
8900 Debt Service 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9
44.6$ 43.7$ 45.0$ 45.5$ 46.8$ 48.4$ 49.2$ 50.4$
GASB 45 Retiree Medical Actuarial 0.6 - - - - - - -
Additional Discretionary Payment - Pension 4.9 4.9 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
50.1$ 48.6$ 45.4$ 45.9$ 47.2$ 48.8$ 49.6$ 50.8$
Capital Transfers Out to GFAR 3.4 3.9 3.4 1.3 1.3 1.9 1.3 1.4
Allocate to Property Surplus Reserve 1.2 1.2 - - - - - -
Allocate to ARPA Reserve - 1.2 0.9 - - - - -
54.7$ 54.9$ 49.7$ 47.2$ 48.5$ 50.7$ 50.9$ 52.2$
(2.8)$ 0.1$ -$ (1.8)$ (1.8)$ (2.4)$ (2.0)$ (2.0)$
* Due to rounding of individual categories FY 2021/22 Total Expenditures and Reserve Allocations includes $0.1 million.
General Fund (111) Forecast does not include Pension Trusts activities.
NET REVENUES RESERVE TRANSFERS LESS EXPENDITURES &
RESERVE ALLOCATIONS FOR FINAL ALLOCATION AFTER YEAR END
CLOSE
TOTAL REVENUES, TRANSFERS, AND USE OF RESERVES
TOTAL EXPENDITURES & RESERVE ALLOCATIONS
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES & TRANSFERS*
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES
TOTAL OPERATING & DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURES
Town of Los Gatos General Fund 5-Year Forecast - FC Recommendations
(in $ million)
PAGE 15 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
DISCUSSION (continued):
Donation Opportunities - FY 2021/22 List of Town Needs
As part of the budget development process, the List of Town Needs is updated per Town
Council Donation Policy (Attachment 7) to reflect goods, services, and other contributions that
would help enhance Town services, programs, and events (Attachment 8).
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS:
At its May 18, 2021 meeting, the Council will have an opportunity to listen to public testimony,
ask questions, consider the Finance Commission’s recommendations, deliberate, and direct
changes to the Proposed Operating and/or Capital Improvement Program Budgets. Any
changes to the Proposed Operating and/or Capital Budgets directed by Council or identified by
staff (see Attachment 5.) will be included for Council consideration in the resolution formally
adopting the Budgets to be considered by Council on June 1.
The recommendation section identifies a series of decisions for the Town Council to work
through the Budget documents. Individual requests for new spending (e.g., the Chamber’s
Emergency Destination Marketing Campaign) should be considered in the context of the
Proposed Operating Budget, using the Council’s principles (Attachment 6), and identifying the
source of funding for these items.
During and after the Budget adoption, staff continues to monitor revenues and expenditures
closely and will report to the Town Council actual revenues and expenditures later in the year
as the data become available. Any modifications needed will be brought back to the Council as
Budget Adjustments.
Given the Finance Commission’s concern about cost containment, staff will initiate community
surveys and workshops to ask the public about service reductions. This engagement is critical
for the Council to make sound decisions about potential service reductions especially if
revenues do not rebound. While Town staff continues to implement efficiencies and cost
cutting ideas (e.g., electronic bidding, digital contract approvals, online permits, etc.), staff will
also be consulted for additional expenditure reduction ideas.
Finally, the Town Council identified revenue enhancement as one of its Strategic Priorities. As
the Finance Commission is scheduled to discuss this topic next, the Town Council should clarify
the purpose of revenue enhancements to ensure the Commission is following Council direction
on this Strategic Priority. For example, is the purpose of revenue enhancement to maintain
existing high levels of operating services, create a sustainable source for the capital program, or
both?
PAGE 16 OF 16 SUBJECT: Operating and Capital Budgets DATE: May 13, 2021
COORDINATION:
The preparation of the budget documents involved the participation of all Town Departments.
The Finance Commission deliberated and provided its recommendations to the Council as
discussed in this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Under State law, the Town Council is required to enact a balanced budget. The Proposed
Operating and Capital Budgets are balanced and as the Council directs changes, the outcome
must be a balanced fiscal plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. FY 2021/22 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget, provided to the Council in April and
available: https://www.losgatosca.gov/2668/FY-21-22-Proposed-Operating-Budget
2. FY 2021/22 – FY 2025/26 Proposed Capital Improvement Program Budget, provided to the
Council in April and available: https://www.losgatosca.gov/2669/FY-21-22-Proposed-
Capital-Budget
3. Finance Commission Recommendations
4. Revenue and Expense Forecast Assumptions
5. List of proposed changes related to typos and adding clarifications
6. Council Principles for Considering Requests
7. Town of Los Gatos Donation Policy
8. Town of Los Gatos Donation Opportunities: FY 2021/22