City Manager’s Update
Brian Dossey, City Manager
At the January 12th City Council meeting, the President of the Peninsula Humane Society (PHS), Anthony Tansimore gave a presentation to the Council on new programs and activities at PHS/SPCA. Anthony provided updates on response times for calls for service, shelter services, disaster preparedness, and some of their privately funded programs such as; adoptions, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife care center, volunteer programs, dog training classes and more. For more information or to learn more about PHS/SPCA please contact:
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Anthony Tansimore, President atansimore@phs-spaca.org 650-340-7022 ext. 309 |
PHS/SPCA Wildlife Center 650-340-7022 ext. 414
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Animal Rescue and Control 650-340-8200 or 650-363-4953 for after-hours M-F 8am-6pm/Sat. & Sun. 8am-5pm |
In 2020 the City Council adopted the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan and each year the City Council reviews the Plan with staff ensuring goals and priority programs are met. Areas of study and review include; Resiliency, Operations, Economic Development, Community and Capital Programs. In 2021 staff was very successful in forwarding the programs and activities that were outlined in the Strategic Plan. For example, staff completed the implementation of an employee wellness program ‘Cordico”, as well as the implementation of a citizen engagement application “Simplicity”; the City Council adopted ordinances related to meeting its Green House Gas reduction requirements under Senate Bill 32 and is leading the fight against Climate Change; staff coordinated a new community event “Trunk or Treat” for families during Halloween; staff began exploration into creating a sewer enterprise fund, and public arts program; and will soon be bringing the Police Department Body Worn Camera’s program online improving transparency.
In 2022, staff will continue its efforts on Economic Development by positioning Colma as a premier shopping destination, and work to develop underutilized land for mixed use development; The City Council will consider adoption of the General Plan 2040 Update; staff will also start to ramp up its Capital Improvement program by upgrading roadway and facility infrastructure, and streamline operations through the use of technology. If you would like to hear more on the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan, please attend the February 9, 2022 City Council Meeting or visit https://www.colma.ca.gov/strategic-plan/.
Please remember that the Colma Police Department is currently collecting donations of new beanies and blankets for our local Veteran’s during their Beanie and a Blanket Drove. The last day to drop off donations is Saturday, February 5th, 2022. All donations can be dropped off at Colma Police Department at 1199 El Camino Real in Colma.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 Financial Overview
Pak Lin, Administrative Services Director
As of June 30, 2021, the Town added $4.5 million to the general fund reserve. This was better than expected both from a budgetary standpoint and from the prior fiscal year (2019/20). The final reports will be presented to the City Council in February 2022.
Revenues
By January 2020, the Town was on track in receiving its budgeted revenues for FY 2019-20. However, when the COVID 19 pandemic hit the San Francisco/Silicon Valley, the Town saw a $2.16 million reduction in general fund revenues as a result of 3 months of shelter in place and business closures. As a result, the Town’s FY 2020-21 revenue budget was $4.6 million less than prior years to account for the financial impacts of COVID-19.
Therefore, the Town did not expect to receive $17.84 million in general revenues in FY 2020-21, $2.2 million more than FY 2019-20 and $4.6 million more than the budget. There are two main drivers of this revenue recovery: (1) unexpected increase in sales tax distribution as a result of AB147 which impacts online sales tax reporting and remittance; and (2) partial reopening of key businesses in Town through reduced capacity and outdoor venues.
Expenditures
In response to the COVID crisis, the Town pivoted quickly and froze vacant positions, deferred capital purchases, and reduced spending where possible. This resulted in an overall reduction of $1.4 million from FY 2019-20 to $13.86 million.
Conclusion
By reducing expenditures where possible and unexpected increase in tax revenues, the Town has added $4.5 million to the general fund revenue, as of June 30, 2021. It is through leadership of the City Council and City Manager; the dedication of the department heads to cut where possible; and the devotion of the employees, that the Town can recover financially and provide essential services to Town residents and businesses during this tumultuous time.