At its July 20th, 2005 meeting the City Council adopted the following statement as its budget philosopy for 2006:
The City Council's top budgetary priority is to make sure that the City continues to function, efficiently and effectively, far into the future.
We believe that the City cannot function securely and effectively with a smaller staff than currently budgeted. At the same time we do not anticipate the need to enlarge regular staff in the foreseeable future, so it is our intention to maintain present regular staff levels. When there is a temporary need for additional staff, we will fill that need, as appropriate, with limited-term contract staff and volunteers.
For this 'minimal staffing' approach to be effective it is important that we retain qualified staff and generally have a low turn-over rate. In support of this we intend to provide staff with good working conditions, including good staff training and proper office equipment. Since these will make staff more effective as well as more loyal, we see these as good investments.
This approach to staffing will enable the City to properly serve the community's needs and interests, including 1) managing development so that it is consistent with Langley's character and 2) doing our part to move the development of Langley Harbor forward.
Beyond staffing, our immediate budgetary priorities are to restore the City's operating reserves, to improve street maintenance, and to provide proper upkeep of parks and public spaces.
We will continue to work with the City Administration to look for ways to make our city government secure, efficient, and effective in serving the community's long-term common good.
