The New Agenda for 2013 (part Two)

To All COLA LO Members,

Now that the election is over the community  continues to wonder about the agenda for the new council.

Lets take another look at what the candidates have told us and more importantly what the voters have told the candidates!

The council elect now seems to be telling us that the top priority is to hire a new city manager.    The city manager has the hire/fire authority according to the city charter, under the direction of the council

Voters have clearly stated that they want more fiscal responsibility within the city so its likely that a new city manager will look at how to save taxpayer funds by improving efficiency and doing more with less in terms of staff.  

So voters can expect some changes in the overall staffing levels at the city over time and a redirection of focus.   Its likely the city will have more limited efforts in terms of areas its involved in that are outside of core services within the community.   That likely means less meetings, less paperwork and more face to face discussions with residents.  

The next major effort may be the cost of consultants versus staff.   The community has been very concerned about the amount of consultant contracts with the level of city staff over the past decade.   By one measure consultants have cost the taxpayer $25 million or more.    The new council will likely look at the costs of consultants and expect more from city staff.  

It's hard to say but these savings may be used to finance other priorities within the city.   Only time will tell but this may redirect efforts and improve livability within the community.  


Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.