Editor's Note: Every year, city departments set goals and objectives. In August, City Hall released information about how each of the 15 departments progressed toward these goals during the 2013-14 fiscal year. Over a several week period, the Daily Press will take a look at the goals that are being achieved (according to City Hall) and the ones that aren't.
CITY HALL — The Finance Department's goals are largely set to align with the biennial budget, which concludes next June.
The department did create a mini call center for business licenses this fiscal year. They also established new purchasing policies, which make it easier for city officials to buy supplies without seeking City Council approval.
They are behind schedule on plans for a new website, which was supposed to be done in June. The same is true of a collections program that would make it easier to for City Hall to pursue the cash it is owed.
The Business License Unit increased collection on delinquent accounts this fiscal year and the base tax is on pace to increase by more than $2 million.
The total number of business licenses increased by about 1,200 last fiscal year.
"During the preparation for discovery," finance officials said, "it became clear that there is a large issue with underpayment of taxes and Division staffing was restructured to allow for an analyst to increase focus on business license audits and compliance in FY14/15."
Numerous goals that will continue through this fiscal year involve addressing the dissolution the redevelopment agency.
Housing and Economic Development
Many of the Housing and Economic Development goals are way ahead of schedule, while others are lagging, according to City Hall's report.
The goal, set for next June, of completing 205 affordable housing apartment units is nearly complete.
Enrollment for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is far exceeding expectations. The same is true of the Buy Local program, which is expanding rapidly.
The department completed its goal of finding a developer for the Fourth Street and Arizona Avenue project; City Council has opted to negotiate exclusively with Metro Pacific.
Council has yet to select a developer for the Bergamot Station Art Center. The project just cleared the Arts Commission and a council decision is looming but the department had hoped to have a developer selected by now.
An agreement with between Macerich, Arclight Cinemas, and City Hall that would propose a large movie theater to replace Parking Structure 3 is not quite ironed out.
City Hall's goal of selling off its residential properties is moving along slowly. A property at 1122 22nd St. was sold in December. Council approved the sale of 1616 and 419 Ocean Ave. in July.
The transition of Mountain View Mobile Home Park is delayed due to the relocation of Village Trailer Park residents.
dave@www.smdp.com
