E | Discussion and Possible Approval: Recession Plan and Other Budget Related Topics | ||||||
Mr. Clifton noted that the formulation of the plan commenced late last fall and has been well vetted internally with the Budget Team, EAC, Leadership, and Extended Leadership. It was fortuitous that it was in place when COVID-19 hit. The plan is based upon five incremental steps that occur in a progressive fashion. The plan is intended to be proactively applied using forecasts and economic indicators. The plan is considered and applied administratively at the first two stages which have been currently implemented. The next three stages would require Council action to implement. The plan is simply structured and formulated to endure the test of time. The plan would operate in reverse as the city moves out of a recession. It is a tool that is helping right now with the current declining revenues and economy. Mr. Clifton reviewed the first two stages that include a hiring freeze, recruitment freeze, a cut back on non-essential services, and scrutinizing large purchases and capital expenditures that may not be mandatory at the current time. The remaining three stages are triggered by more declining revenues and the actions are more impactful for the organization. The Council expressed appreciation to Mr. Clifton and to the organization for the work and thought that went into developing the plan. They indicated that having the plan in place ahead of the pandemic and economic downturn speaks to the foresight of leadership. Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen reported that the a team of community partners including the NAU Research Department and Coconino County have developed a survey that will be sent to all businesses in Flagstaff to monitor how they are doing. The survey will go out every two weeks to track progress and see what sectors are hurting the most. The information will help with the recovery efforts. Management Services Director Rick Tadder explained how Management Services monitors revenue streams for the organization. He indicated that a more detailed report will be provided at the upcoming budget retreat. Essentially, they look at numbers on a weekly basis and work with other finance experts throughout the State to discuss overall trends. Council and staff further discussed the Recession Plan and how it had been recently implemented. They all expressed support for the plan. |
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Moved by Mayor Coral Evans, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to approve the Recession Plan. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||