SARATOGANthe

winter 2017

The City of Saratoga ended last fiscal year in a strong financial position, with property and sales tax revenues exceeding expectations and operating expenditures lower than anticipated. Net operations resulted in distributing $1.4 million to capital improvement projects, and $500,000 to reserves.

With the improved economy, the current year’s budget reflects the City Council’s continuing commitment to fund services at pre-recessionary levels, and enhance the quality of life in the Saratoga community. Priorities include heightened roadway maintenance, code compliance, community events, communication outreach, and the implementation of public safety programs.

The City Council is careful and thoughtful in its budget development, and this practice will continue to make Saratoga an even better place for the people who live, work, and visit the community, as well as ensuring the City maintains financial stability in present and future years.

Bright Fiscal Future

Be There!Learn about the current

state of the city and upcoming projects at the

As of January 1, it is now illegal to hold and operate electronic devices while driving. Devices must be mounted on the dash,

center console, or lower corner of the windshield. Drivers must also use hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice command.

Keep track of crime in your area. Visit www.crimereports.comBe notified when emergencies happen in your area. Sign up at www.sccgov.org/sites/alertscc

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Visit: www.saratoga.ca.us/saratogan

Visit: www.saratoga.ca.us/StateoftheCity

2017 State of the City Address

on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Civic Theater

Photograph by Tina Case

Saratoga’s Budget at a Glance

General Fund Revenue Sources: $20.2 Million General Fund Expenditures: $19.7 Million

Property Tax56%

SalesTax

5.6%

Franchise Fees 11.1%

Fees, Licenses & Permits

7.4%

Charge for Services

9.1%

Local Taxes, Interest &

Rentals10.8%

Salaries & Benefits38.5%

Consultant&

ContractServices11.8%

Sheriff's Services26.3%

Operational Support12.9%

Schools (Includes ERAF Shift) 65.0%

Santa Clara County 13.0%

Fire District 10.2%

Other Special

Districts 4.7%

Property Tax is Saratoga’s largest revenue source. However, Saratoga is a “low tax” city, meaning it receives the minimum allocation allowed by State law. Due to this low-tax status, City services are limited. Saratoga operates with a small staff and many functions are delivered by contract. As the below illustration shows,

the City receives only about six cents of every Property Tax dollar residents pay.

Countywide Sales Tax

Passed by voters in November 2016,

Measure B will go into effect on April 1, 2017.

Once it becomes effective, the sales and use tax rate for the City of Saratoga

is anticipated to increase to 9.0%. This funding will be used for road

repairs and transportation improvements to provide commute relief in Santa

Clara County.

City of Saratoga

6.0%

Saratoga Property Tax Distribution

*Agency distribution varies by property tax district

Water District

1.6%

Saratoga’s General Fund budget provides for the City’s primary operations. The charts below represent the FY 2016/17 revenue and expenditure budgets by category.

UAL 2.5%

Community Events & Grants

1.2%

Operational Charges & Supplies

6.8%

Capital ImprovementsAnnual Roadway Improvements Project Timeline: OngoingThe City invested $1.5 million in the Annual Roadway Improvements project this year. This program funds ongoing street resurfacing and maintenance repairs for the City’s 135 miles of roadway, including the Pavement Management Program (PMP). The PMP plays a key role in extending the lifetime of roadways and minimizes the need for larger and more costly maintenance in the future. The 2016 PMP was primarily focused on roads in the northern part of Saratoga and the 2017 PMP will begin this spring.

Website Redesign Project Timeline: Fall 2016 - Spring 2017

This project will update the City's website to incorporate advancements in technology and design, bringing improved

structure and navigation, a new appearance, translation options, and mobile-friendly access to better help the

public navigate the City's website and access information.

Prospect Road Improvement Project Construction Begins: Spring 2017This project will improve a 1.9-mile section of Prospect Road between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Lawrence Expressway. Upgrades include median landscaping, ADA-compliant ramps, sidewalks, bus shelters, and bicycle detector loops. About 88% of this $4.75 million project will be paid for through OBAG grant funding.

Citywide Transportation Needs Assessment Project Timeline: Fall 2016 - Spring 2017

This $50,000 project will investigate transportation needs for the City based on a comprehensive look at all

demographics, including senior transportation needs. The study will look at destination patterns of Saratoga

residents as well as opportunities and constraints connected to public transportation. Opportunities to expand the

study with other West Valley cities will be explored.

For more detailed information on these and other projects, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/currentprojects

The City of Saratoga has an ongoing process through which it identifies, prioritizes, and develops a multi-year plan for major capital projects. “Capital Improvement Plan” projects enhance the quality of life in Saratoga by upgrading

the City’s roadways, parks, facilities, and other infrastructure. These projects are approved by the City Council during the budget process and many are funded through grants.

To learn more about The Saratogan, make comments, suggest story ideas, or just ask a question, contact Lauren Pettipiece at lpettipiece@saratoga.ca.us or 408.868.1275. You can also find The Saratogan online and sign up for email alerts at www.saratoga.ca.us/saratogan.

CITY of SARATOGA

C A L I F O R N I A1956

Ask Our Staff featuring Mary FureyHave a question? Send your question(s) to lpettipiece@saratoga.ca.us or call (408) 868-1275.

Q: I noticed a recent City Council agenda item to review and accept the City’s annual audit. What is the City’s annual audit?

A: After the conclusion of the City’s fiscal year (July 1st – June 30th), the City completes closing entries and finalizes the financial records. Independent auditors conduct an audit of the City’s financial records in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards to ensure legal and fiscal accountability to the public. The City then prepares a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report that presents: - General information on the City’s financial structure, services, and activities - Audited basic financial statements and required supplementary information

- Statistical data on trend and nonfinancial informationSaratoga has received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award for 22 straight years, ensuring the City’s financial reports meet high standards in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Annual reports by fiscal year are available online at www.saratoga.ca.us/auditMary Furey is the Finance and Administrative Services Director for the City of Saratoga. She is responsible for overseeing Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

&Q A

Mark Your Calendar!

Community Event & Street Closure

Grant Programs Applications

Available: January 18

Due: March 1

www.saratoga.ca.us/eventgrants

Neighborhood Watch

Grant Program Applications

Available: Now, while funds last

www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe

Silicon Valley Clean Energy

(SVCE) Enrollment

All existing PG&E custombers will

be automatically enrolled into SVCE

in three phases, beginning in

April 2017. To learn more and view

your options, visit

www.svcleanenergy.org/

Preventing Package Theft• Request a signature upon delivery.• Have packages shipped to work or a trusted

neighbor/friend who will be home.• Send packages to secured locations

for pick up - USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Locker offer options.

• Call 911 to report suspicious activity.• Don’t forget to have your mail and newspaper

delivery stopped while you are away.Storm Preparation• Clean gutters on a regular basis to

direct water away from homes.• Utilize sandbags to keep water off your

property. Pre-filled sandbags are available at the City's Corporation Yard during business hours. The City also has a 24-hour sandbag station outside of the Corporation Yard.

• Report fallen trees, landslides, and flooding on roads and public property:Emergencies: 911Weekdays (6am-3:30pm): City of Saratoga at (408) 868-1245Weeknights (after 3:30pm) & Weekends: Santa Clara County Communications at (408) 299-2507