Citrus Heights Municipal Code Div. 4 Fiscal Responsibility

(a) In enacting this division, the city council intends to protect the safety and welfare of the general public by ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability of the city. This division recognizes that the city's tax revenues and income are volatile, reflecting changes in the economy and the country.

(b) The city, since its incorporation, has sustained balanced budgets, notwithstanding the changing economy. Because the city is approximately 97 percent built out, only a small percentage of land remains vacant for new revenue generating development, minimizing chances of large revenue generating projects developing in the city.

(c) In order to ensure long-term sustainability and fiscal soundness of the city, the city council finds it necessary to establish standards and procedures for the handling of salary increases and benefits for city employees. Consistency in the procedures for adjusting compensation and benefits will help the city to preserve funds in times of economic upswings, and protect the city's funds and employees in times of economic slowdowns.

(d) The city council hereby finds that the procedures set forth in this division represent a structure that will further the continued fiscal sustainability and responsibility of the City of Citrus Heights. This division also furthers the city's commitment to providing high quality, economical, responsive services to the community, as set forth in the city's mission statement.

(Ord. No. 2010-06, § 2, 11-18-2010)

For the purpose of this division, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the words, terms and phrases shall mean as follows:

Benefits shall include, but not be limited to, health insurance, PEMHCA contribution toward retiree medical, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement and deferred compensation benefits, retirement benefits, and contributions to employee pension plans.

Close of books means the close of the city's accounts, for the purpose of auditing, for the prior fiscal year.

Finance director shall mean the finance director of the City of Citrus Heights or his/her designee, or such other individual designated by the city manager.

Salary shall mean the compensation paid to an employee, including full time employees, part time employees, exempt employees and non-exempt employees.

(Ord. No. 2010-06, § 2, 11-18-2010; Ord. No. 2017-006, § 2, 9-28-2017)

(a) The finance director shall close the books for the fiscal year ending June 30 no later than August 31. Following the close of books, the finance director shall make projections as to the city's cost of providing benefits to employees and the employee salaries for the compensation year beginning October 1.

(b) No later than the end of September, the city council shall consider the finances of the city, and if appropriate, establish adjustments in salaries and benefits for all employees for the compensation year beginning October 1.

(c) Salary paid to city councilmembers shall be in compliance with Government Code § 36516, and shall only be adjusted or increased in compliance with that section. If city councilmembers receive benefits, such benefits shall be no greater than those received by non-safety employees of the city, consistent with Government Code § 53208.5(b).

(Ord. No. 2010-06, § 2, 11-18-2010)

The policy established in this division can only be changed by a two-thirds vote of the city council.

(Ord. No. 2010-06, § 2, 11-18-2010)

Nothing in this division shall impair any contractual obligations the city has, or may have, with unions or other employee associations. The city shall continue to negotiate with such unions or employee associations in compliance with contractual obligations and applicable laws.

(Ord. No. 2010-06, § 2, 11-18-2010)