The citys projection of deficits for the foreseeable future is alarming and disappointing. This situation must be addressed directly - now. We are facing a rapidly growing population that will be demanding more services that depend on sustainable revenue from non-residential sources. Development fees are unsustainable as ongoing revenue sources; other types of revenue must be identified and cultivated. The problems are structural and must be addressed head-on.
Here are some questions for the Council to consider as you address this enormous problem:
1. What is the plan to bring businesses to Menlo Park that produce city revenue in addition to what is possible in the downtown area?
2. Why do the expenses of Community Development far exceed its revenue? Cant incoming fees be established through a nexus with expenses so this does not add to the deficit?
3. Why is there no UUT at all? The former one was regressive and should not be reinstated as it was, but this is a revenue source worth consideration.
4. What are ways to fund the proposed undercrossing without drawing from reserves or the General Fund? The cost has ballooned way beyond what was expected by our community. What has been spent is sunk costs. Until grade separation plans become a reality in coordination with Caltrain, do we even know whether the current cost estimates are realistic (i.e., high enough)? Do not proceed without a viable funding plan.
5. What are the pros and cons of instituting a tax or fees on selected types of business (e.g., professional and internet/software/social media services, real estate) that currently do not contribute much if anything to city coffers. Very small tax or fee levels could yield meaningful revenue to the city ,
Last, why is the city continuing to entertain approval of large new office developments that would not directly provide new and ongoing operating revenue to the city? Instead. such developments add to new unmet demand for housing, services, and infrastructure to support the organizations and people. Continued expansion of office development will deepen financial deficits and doom the city financially.
This is the time to put the citys financial house in order. Do not kick the can down the road.
Patti Fry
Sent from my iPhone...pls excuse typos
