|
|
|
|
Submit
|
Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar

Published November 15th, 2017
Orinda city manager highlights midyear financial challenges

While not threatening the declaration of a fiscal emergency, Orinda City Manager Steve Salomon outlined at the Nov. 8 City Council meeting some of the financial challenges faced by the municipality.
Salomon explained to the council that according to the State Board of Equalization, the city receives only 7 percent of each Orinda property tax dollar, with over half of the tax dollar going to the local schools, 23 percent to the Moraga-Orinda Fire District and 10 percent to the county itself.
"That is very low," Salomon said of Orinda's share. Moraga receives 5 percent of every property tax dollar and Lafayette 6 percent.
Salomon also compared sales tax revenue versus other Contra Costa County municipalities, with Orinda coming in third from the bottom at $45.61 per capita, above only Oakley and Clayton. "Other cities can provide the same services with twice the revenue," Salomon said, noting that Lafayette recognizes $98.96 per capita and Moraga $49.79.
What's more, Orinda sales tax revenue is projected to increase only $88,000 over the next seven years, according to a study done for the city. "That figure could be improved if the project across Orinda Way is built," Salomon said, referring to the planned 18,000 square foot Bella Oaks development of restaurants, retail and offices.
Lastly Salomon explained that the cost of the natural disasters to have befallen the city this year has significantly reduced the city general fund reserves. Orinda budgeted $3.75 million to cover expenses of the 2017 storm damage, including the Miner Road sinkhole, and that as of October, the city had spent $3.35 million of the money with more expenses expected.
"It's taken more than half of the reserves we've accumulated over the years," Salomon said, with the city having reported $5.9 million in its reserve fund as of June.


print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:

This article was published on Page A6:



Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email
Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA