The City of Hayward is finding ways to reduce their budget deficit. They discussed possible solutions during the city council meeting on Oct. 7. Assistant city manager Mary Thomas led the presentation on the budget issue, which included ways the city is working to cut down city spending.
Interim city manager Jayanti Addleman said these budget cuts do not affect critical city services. “This is a structural deficit, I want to reassure our community that we do have funds to continue with all our services, sewer, water, garbage pickup, everything will continue as always. You can see our roads are being fixed,” Addleman said.
One way is to pause all “discretionary projects,” which Thomas explained means city departments are told not to spend any more money if it’s not considered “core” essential services.
The list of city projects will come up to the city council at a future meeting to determine which
projects can or cannot move forward.
Councilmember Angela Andrews suggested they look at the city’s Strategic Roadmap to guide them on what is considered “nonessential.” “To make sure we are putting those projects to hold or potentially looking at partnerships or other agencies or any outside groups that are able to assist in helping us move projects forward,” said Andrews.
Another way to cut down is to “hold vacancies.” Assistant city manager Regina Youngblood explained this is a strategic way to leave certain positions vacant without impacting core services. “We’re examining the importance of filling them. Just in alignment with council priorities and public safety needs,” she said.
