City Council Will Continue Budget Deliberations Tuesday

The Pinole City Council will look again Tuesday night at city budget alternatives that consider whether it can depend on the $2 million in revenue  that would disappear unless voters approve an extension of the existing utliity tax.

City staff will bring some answers to council members' questions in previous meetings about where and how cuts could be made and or revenue options adjusted.

The 2012-13 spending plan hinges on the fate of an expected November ballot measure to continue an 8 percent levy on electricity, gas and telephone bills that is due to expire at the end of this calendar year. The council has yet to determine whether to place such a measure on the ballot and if so, the rate and life of the tax.

Without the revenue, the city appears likely to cut about 14 city hall jobs and reduce subsidies for areas such as Pinole cable TV and the Pinole Swim Center. The job cuts would hit the police and fire departments, the position of assistant city manager and other departments. Also under consideration is contracting out public safety dispatch services.

The council is scheduled to vote on July 3 whether to place the utility tax measure on the ballot, but is required to adopt a new budget by July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Tuesday's meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 2131 Pear St. The meeting will be televised live on Pinole TV.