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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFSC 2023-12-06 MinutesTu III II u III III December 6, 2023 1 6:00-8:00pm I Tukwila Community Center tteInd ees Committee Members III III III III Arta Baharmast, General Manager, Westfield Southcenter Amber Meza, Resident III "t"""t"' Abdiwali Mohamed, Owner, Abdiwali Phillip Combs, COO, Segale Properties Mohamed CPA Jacob Halverson, Resident Annie McGrath, CEO, Seattle Southside Chamber Krysteena Mann, Resident Karin Masters, Resident Absent Randy Boyd, Resident Kathy Hougardy, Current Councilmember and Resident Alternate Peggy McCarthy, Resident City Staff Diane Myers, Resident David Puki, Resident Verna Seal, Resident Greg Sherlock, Resident Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director Laurel Humphrey, City Council Legislative Analyst Pete Mayer, Parks & Recreation Director Marty Wine, Deputy City Administrator and Administrative Services Director Consulting Team Katherine Goetz, BERK Consulting Brian Murphy, BERK Consulting ell stir n come and p eetaire 1 Seca Brian Murphy welcomed committee members and provided an overview of the agenda. He reviewed the project overview, the concept of financial sustainability, the topics to be discussed in each committee meeting, and the committee's role in relationship to City Council and City staff. The committee will produce principles and recommended directions for financial sustainability. Katherine Goetz shared that some information was revised in the Community Profile document which has been updated on the project webpage. Additional detail was provided about languages spoken in Tukwila, the proportion of residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino, and wages. Corrections were made to housing and income statistics. Community union and 0 :'iriorities Brian shared themes about the City's vision and priorities that are common across the City's planning documents — the Strategic Plan, the Economic Development Strategy, and the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. These themes reflect a desire for great neighborhoods, opportunity for all residents, a vibrant and diverse economy, and a positive community identity. Brian shared feedback that was received during community outreach for the 2023-2024 budget process. Community members that provided feedback identified public safety, infrastructure maintenance, youth and senior services, and human services as priorities. Committee members noted that the survey results shared do not represent the entire community, as it was an opt -in survey rather than a statistically valid survey. Members also noted the small number of respondents. Committee members noted that many of the top priorities identified during budget outreach resonated with them and what they hear from fellow community members. There was interest in exploring priorities that are further down on the list, not just the top priorities. Some committee members shared a desire for more representative input from the community about priorities. There was discussion about having a balance between collecting additional data and using existing City plans. Financial verview Katherine shared information about the City's finances, focusing on the different types of revenue, property tax rates and collections by sector, rates assessed on businesses, additional revenue tools, and General Fund budget trends. One committee member noted that the business license fee comparison information does not reflect the difference between a flat fee and a per -employee fee. This will be corrected in subsequent materials. Some committee members asked for additional information about staff salaries and policies for setting salary amounts. City of Tukwila Financial Sustainability Plan Committee Meeting #2 Summary Notes i2 The committee asked about the amount of tax-exempt property. This will be addressed in meeting 3. The committee talked about how residential development can contribute to additional revenue. City staff and the consulting team will review these requests and provide more information depending on the availability of data. Some of the additional information requested will be discussed in the next Committee meeting. eetiire CI ose Each committee member shared closing thoughts at the end of the meeting. Consider what the community wants Tukwila to look like in the future. The City should take care of the people in the community, especially those who are most vulnerable. Consider the human side of decisions in addition to data. The focus on principles and the "big picture" and the sharing of different perspectives and options is appreciated. Focus on the fact that two-thirds of property tax revenue comes from commercial property. Look at how to grow the total property base. The City must manage its costs to stay within its budget, much like individuals must do. There is excitement around future conversations about ideas and options. The level of service needs to support residents, businesses, and visitors. Businesses pass taxes on to consumers, so be mindful about the level of taxes/fees levied on businesses. Consider the impacts to seniors in the community. More data would be helpful, especially on housing. There is a balance between affordable and market -rate housing and consider how building only market -rate housing impacts members of the community. People feel accepted in Tukwila and the City should build on that and find ways to bring more people to the City. Consider equity and the ability to pay for city services. Make sure different groups are impacted fairly. It is important to remember that the City is a community, which may be a mindset shift. Brian provided an overview of the agenda for the next meeting. At that meeting, city staff and the consulting team will share more information about City programs and services. The following dates are planned for subsequent meetings in 2024: Tuesday, January 9 Wednesday, February 7 Hop City of Tukwila Financial Sustainability Plan Committee Meeting #2 Summary Notes 3 Tuesday, March 6 Wednesday, April 3 Meetings will be from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Tukwila Community Center. Hop City of Tukwila Financial Sustainability Plan Committee Meeting #2 Summary Notes 4