San Leandro Municipal Code Art. V Fiscal Administration

The fiscal year of the City shall begin on the first day of July of each year and end on the thirtieth day of June of the following year.

At least 35 days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the City Manager shall submit to the Council a proposed budget for such fiscal year, and shall file a copy of the proposed budget with the City Clerk for inspection by the public.

The Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget. Notice of the hearing shall be published once in the official newspaper not less than ten days prior to the date of the hearing. All interested persons shall be heard at the hearing.

After the conclusion of the public hearing, and not later than June 30, the Council by resolution shall adopt the budget with such revisions as it deems necessary. A copy of the adopted budget shall be available for inspection in the office of the City Clerk.

The Council may amend the budget at any time by resolution adopted by five affirmative votes.

The budget shall provide appropriations to such capital and operating funds as are required for proper accounting and fiscal management. Expenditures of City funds shall be made only in accordance with such appropriations, and only upon presentation of accounting evidence of a City obligation. Appropriations to capital funds may be carried for not more than five fiscal years.

The Council by ordinance shall provide a procedure for the assessment, levy and collection of taxes upon property.

Annually, within the time provided by law, the Council by ordinance shall levy a tax upon all property taxable by the City at a rate adequate to meet obligations of the City for the fiscal year. The tax levied upon each $100 of the assessed valuation of property shall not exceed, in the aggregate:

(a) one dollar ($1) for general municipal purposes, including:

(1) fifteen cents for libraries;

(2) twenty cents for recreation and parks;

(b) additional amounts required to pay the cost of retirement and pension benefits under the provisions of the Public Employees' Retirement Law;

(c) additional amounts authorized by the voters of the City for specified purposes.

The indebtedness of the City evidenced by general obligation bonds shall at no time exceed fifteen percent of the assessed valuation of all property taxable by the City.

The Council by ordinance shall provide for a method of competitive bidding upon and award of contracts for public works, other than maintenance and repair, requiring an expenditure of an amount which, under the general laws, would require bidding. The ordinance shall permit:

(a) the award of contracts without competitive bidding in emergencies;

(b) the accomplishment of public works by City employees.

The Council by ordinance shall provide for a method of contracting for the purchase of equipment and supplies and for the obtaining of personal services. The ordinance shall provide ample opportunity for competitive bidding, with such exceptions as are necessary.

City checks shall bear the facsimile signatures of the City Manager and the Finance Director or their respective assistants.

The Council shall provide for an annual independent audit of the City's fiscal affairs by a holder of a valid permit to practice public accountancy issued by the State Board of Accountancy.