<p style="margin-left:0in;" data-pasted="true">A Resolution Pausing Funding For The Safe Routes To School Program In The Strategic Initiatives Fund; Retaining Related Funds In The General Fund At This Time; Authorizing The City Manager Or Designee To Update Budget And Financial Records As Necessary; Finding That The Meeting At Which This Resolution Is Passed Is Open To The Public As Required By La

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

<h2 style="margin-left:0in;" data-pasted="true">1. Decision Requested</h2><p style="margin-left:0in;">Staff is requesting that the City Council adopt a resolution pausing funding for the Safe Routes to School program in the Strategic Initiatives Fund and retaining the related money in the General Fund at this time.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">The decision before Council is whether to preserve General Fund flexibility by pausing the transfer or allocation for Safe Routes to School rather than moving the funds into the Strategic Initiatives Fund.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0in;">2. Executive Summary</h2><p style="margin-left:0in;">This item is before Council because the City is implementing a budget stabilization strategy that preserves fund balance and avoids advancing projects that are not financially aligned with the current five-year forecast.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Staff recommends adoption because pausing the funding keeps resources available in the General Fund while the City evaluates core services, infrastructure needs, revenue trends, and future capital priorities.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">If approved, staff will update the financial forecast and budget records to reflect that the funds will remain in the General Fund unless and until Council provides future direction.</p><h2 style="margin-left:0in;">3. Background</h2><p style="margin-left:0in;">Safe Routes to School has been discussed as a strategic initiative. However, the City’s current budget environment requires a careful review of project timing and funding sources.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">As part of the broader stabilization strategy, Council has supported pausing or delaying the Safe Routes to School program and related funding assumptions. This resolution provides a clear public record of that direction.</p><div style="margin-left:0in;"><ul style="list-style-type: disc;margin-left: -0.25in;"><li style="margin-left:0in;">The action does not prevent Council from revisiting the project in the future.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">The action improves transparency by separating the financial decision from the broader project concept.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">The funds remain available for lawful General Fund purposes unless Council later directs otherwise.</li></ul></div><h2 style="margin-left:0in;">4. Key Facts</h2><div style="margin-left:0in;"><ul style="list-style-type: disc;margin-left: -0.25in;"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Current condition: Funding had been contemplated for Safe Routes to School through the Strategic Initiatives framework.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Need or opportunity: Retaining the money in the General Fund protects flexibility during budget stabilization.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Timing: Action is needed before future budget and project assumptions are finalized.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Responsible department: City Manager’s Office and Finance.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Affected area or populati

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).