DRAFT MINUTES
SALINAS CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
2:00 P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kimbley Craig, Councilmember Orlando Osornio, and Councilmember Anthony Rocha.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Steve Carrigan, Assistant City Manager Jim Pia, Director of Finance Mark Roberts, Human Resources Director Marina Horta-Gallegos, HR Analyst II Maria Avila, Police Services Administrator Tonya Erickson, Assistant City Clerk Alexis Mejia, Information Technology staff, and Finance Management Analyst Abe Pedroza.
Mayor Kimbley Craig called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of th e December 6, 2022 meeting were approved by motion of Committee Member Osornio , second by Committee Member Craig.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Salinas Plan Update
Assistant City Manager Jim Pia introduced Russ Branson, a consultant who is assisting the City in updating t he Salinas Plan. Mr. Branson, via Zoom, delivered a presentation, briefly detailing the 2018 version of t he Salinas Plan and where the City is in the implementation process. Mr. Branson then covered general government revenues, expenses, staffing, budget forecasts, growth rates, and additional discussion points before broaching the topic of Measure G’s 2030 sunset date as a key factor in the ongoing fiscal sustainability of the City. Mr. Branson concluded by noting the significant capital investment needs and offered preliminary recommendations under consideration.
Committee members questions and comments focused on the various reserve shortfalls, correct timing in addressing Measure G issues with voters, and asked for additional recommendations when The Salinas Plan update is presented to City Council on March 21, 2023.
B. Police Hiring Incentive
Human Resources Analyst II Maria Avila introduced proposed hiring incentives for Police Officers due to the many vacancies and difficulties in attracting and retaining sworn employees in the department. Ms. Avila detailed previous incentive programs offered by the City before presenting staff’s current recommendation. Specifically, staff is recommending a $27,500 lateral incentive and a $10,000 recruit incentive, both with $2,500 referral incentives, paid over three and two installments, respectively. Committee member Orlando Osornio inquired upon specifics regarding FTEs of sworn officers over the years and encouraged staff to advertise to local security guard agencies. Committee member Kimbley Craig suggested staff consider alternative incentive options and open the referral program to all City employees.
C. Committee Member Reports
None.
4. NEXT MEETING
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY: ________
Abe Pedroza, Finance Management Analyst