Budget Monitoring Report. Quarter Ending March 31, 2012

2011-2012 Budget Monitoring Report Quarter Ending March 31, 2012

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 1 The Finance Department produces the quarterly Budget Monitoring Report using month-end financial information from the City s financial system, input from staff in City departments, and relevant information from local, regional, and national sources (e.g., newspapers, economists, League of California Cities, etc.). If you are new to this report, we suggest that you start by first reviewing the Reader s Guide located at the end of the document for information on the organization and layout of the report. Please contact Sarah Waller-Bullock at (619) 667-1122 if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Table of Contents Executive Summary... 2 Page Resources... 8 Appropriations... 11 Reserves... 11 Reader s Guide... 15

CITY OF LA MESA 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The economy continued to show small signs of recovery through the most recent quarter ending March 31, 2012 with most economic indicators showing small, but positive, growth. The consensus among most economic forecasts is cautiously optimistic with indications that the positive growth experienced in the six months may continue into 2013. NATIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND FORECASTS U.S. Leading Economic Index Since October 2011, the U.S. Leading Economic Index (LEI) experienced six straight months of positive growth. The LEI increased 0.3 percent in March, following a 0.2 percent increase in January and a 0.7 percent increase in February. According to economists at the Conference Board, the gains experienced over the past six months point to a more positive outlook despite subdued consumer expectations and weakness in manufacturing new orders. Moreover, the six-month growth rate of the LEI continues to improve. Despite relatively weak data on jobs, home building and output in the past month or two, the indicators signal continued economic momentum. We expect a gradual improvement in growth past the summer months. The Conference Board U.S. Leading Economic Index (2004 = 100) % Index Change Mar 2011 94.7 0.40% Apr 95.0-0.30% May 94.2 0.80% Jun 94.2 0.00% Jul 94.4 0.20% Aug 93.7-0.70% Sep 93.1-0.60% Oct 93.7 0.60% Nov 93.9 0.20% Dec 94.3 0.40% Jan 94.7 0.20% Feb 95.4 0.70% Mar 2012 95.7 0.30%

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 3 Consumer Price Index After three consecutive months of little or no change, the Consumer Price Index increased steadily in the recent quarter, increasing 0.2 percent in January, 0.4 percent in February, and 0.3 percent in March. The twelve-month gain for all items was 2.7 percent. Increases in energy caused much of the increase, rising 0.9 percent in March. The food index rose 0.2 percent. All items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in March. Municipal Cost Index The Municipal Cost Index (MCI) rose slightly in March, an increase of 0.2 percent, after decreasing 0.2 percent in February and showing no change in January. The MCI reflects the impact of the costs of labor, materials and contract services on the actual inflation experienced by the City. These costs are all factored into the composite MCI. Major indicators of these items used for the MCI include the Consumer Price Index, the Producer Price Index and the construction cost indexes published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Overall, the index has increased by 3.0 percent for the previous twelve months with fuel prices continuing to contribute to the majority of the increase.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 4 U.S. Unemployment Rate The U.S. unemployment rate remained largely unchanged during the previous quarter after dropping from December s rate of 8.5 percent to 8.3 percent in January. The quarter ended with an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent in March, the lowest rate since February 2009. The number of long-term unemployed remained unchanged in March, and accounts for 42.5 precent of the total unemployed. The small gains in nonfarm payroll employment were in manufacturing, food services and health care. Federal Funds Rate (Discount Rate) As it has since December 2008, the Federal Reserve continues to maintain the Federal Funds Rate at 0.00 to 0.25 percent and with almost no expectation of changing in the near future. Despite inflationary pressures in gasoline and other commodities, the Fed feels that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period. A recent survey of economists by Bloomberg News revealed little expectation that the Fed would increase the Federal Funds Rate beyond its current levels until the second half of 2013. STATE AND LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND FORECASTS State and Local Unemployment Following the national trend, California s unemployment rate also remained largely unchanged in each of the three months this quarter after dropping from December s rate of 11.2 percent to 10.9 percent January. The state s rate continues to be significantly above the national rate of 8.2 percent. The San Diego County unemployment rate increased in each of the three months in the quarter from December s rate of 9.0 percent:

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 5 The largest increase occurred in January with an increase to 9.3 percent, followed by 9.4 percent in February and 9.5 percent in March. This is the first 3-month increase in the county unemployment rate in a year. The unemployment rate for La Mesa followed the County trend by increasing from December s rate of 7.6 percent to 7.8 percent in January, 7.9 percent in February, and 8.0 percent in March. Local Leading Economic Indicators The San Diego County Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.9 percent in January, the third consecuitive month of positive growth. January s increase was led by increases in consumer confidence and local stock prices. According to Alan Gin, January s solid advance means that the outlook for the local economy continues to be positive for most of 2012. One development that could slow the local economy is the recent surge in gas prices. Increases in gas prices have three potential negative consequences, consumer buying power is reduced, prices of other goods increase due to higher shipping costs, and consumer confidence is reduced, possibly leading to lower spending. It should be noted that the USD Local Indicators have not been published since January as information for one of the components (building permits) is not yet available. Local Sales Tax Allocations Sales tax revenues received during the fourth quarter of Calendar Year 2011 (December 2011) continue to show small but positive increases, consistent with the previous quarters. Sales tax revenues based on gross receipts increased 1.91 percent. When comparing with other cities in the county, La Mesa s increases are not as dramatic, but are consistently steadily and incrementally positive over the previous year

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 6 STATE BUDGET The single biggest development in the State s budget actions to date continues to be the dissolution of redevelopment. The 2011-2012 Budget passed by the State Legislature in late June included a combination of expenditure and revenue actions to close the State s budget deficit. Developments and the status of each those actions that directly affect the City are highlighted below. The Dissolution of Redevelopment (AB1X26) On December 29, 2011 the California Supreme Court upheld AB1X26 which dissolves all redevelopment agencies in California and replaces them with successor agencies. These successor agencies are charged with winding down redevelopment duties by receiving tax increment to pay down recognized enforceable obligations and dispose of assets and affairs of the former redevelopment agency under the direction of an oversight board. AB1X26 includes general definitions of what constitutes an enforceable recognized obligation, assigns reporting, auditing, and oversight duties, and sets deadlines for those duties. During the past quarter, staff has received additional direction on the preparation of the Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule (EOPS) and the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS), the time periods required to be listed on each document, and the timing of which each is to be approved by the Successor Agency, submitted to the County Auditor & Controller for audit and certification, and then submitted to the State Department of Finance and the State Controller s Office for review. Enforceable obligations listed in the EOPS/ROPS include bonded indebtedness, salaries and benefits, and administrative costs. Payments on loans between the former La Mesa Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of La Mesa are no longer considered enforceable recognized obligations and, effective with the current fiscal year, will no longer be made. As such, these payments are not included in the EOPS/ROPS payment schedules. The negative impact of these payments not being transferred to the General Fund is estimated to be in excess of $1 million on an ongoing basis and will make a significant impact on city operations in future budgets. The ROPS for January through June 2012 and July through December 2012 are currently under review by the County of San Diego, the Department of Finance and the State Controller s Office. Any adverse findings by any of these agencies will result in a further negative impact to the City s General Fund. GENERAL FUND SUMMARY General Fund resources received through the third quarter of 2011-2012 are at expected levels and on target when compared to the same time period last fiscal year. The audited Beginning Fund Balance was about 8 percent higher than was originally budgeted.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 7 Summary of General Fund Revenues and Expenditures Through 75% of Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget 1 YTD Collected/ Expended 2 % of Budget Collected/ Expended Revenues Revenues $ 35,900,700 $ 20,316,924 56.6% Plus: Operating Transfers In 4,613,300 1,818,601 39.4% Less: Operating Transfers Out (1,752,100) (1,366,050) 78.0% Total Revenues and Interfund transfers 38,761,900 20,769,475 53.6% Beginning Fund Balance 10,159,090 11,111,675 109.4% Total Resources $ 48,920,990 $ 31,881,150 65.2% Appropriations Department Expenditures 39,131,720 26,158,071 66.8% Ending Fund Balance 9,789,270 5,723,079 58.5% Total Appropriations $ 48,920,990 $ 31,881,150 65.2% 1 Budget reflects any amendments approved by the City Council through the end of the quarter 2 Includes expenditures encumbered through end of quarter reported Property tax revenues received through the third quarter are at expected levels. The majority of property tax revenues are received in December and April of each fiscal year. To date, both current and delinquent property tax revenues are on budget and slightly higher than the same time period last year. The base sales tax and Proposition L sales tax revenues for the 4 th Quarter Tax Year (received through March 2012) are coming in at budgeted amounts and at about the same levels over the same tax period during the previous fiscal year. The previous year s amounts received through March 2011 reflected a prior fiscal year accounting adjustment by the State Board of Equalization. The current year s collections are meeting budgetary expectations and are in line with the sales tax allocation data for the state. Proposition L sales tax collections have a somewhat different base than the base sales tax collections. These collections include point-of-sale transactions that occur within the city limits of La Mesa. Proposition L sales tax collections also include transactions that take place outside the City if the items are being delivered into the City (e.g., furniture or large appliances) and autos and other large vehicles purchased that are being registered in La Mesa. Revenues received as a result of the Proposition L sales tax continue to meet budget expectations through March.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 8 General Fund Resources Current Fiscal Year Prior Year Comparison Through 75% of Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget 1 YTD Collected % of Budget Collected YTD Collected % of Budget Collected Revenues: Taxes Property $ 10,071,900 $ 5,497,580 54.6% $ 5,414,614 55.4% Sales 10,499,700 5,942,588 56.6% 6,100,733 63.2% Proposition L 7,124,000 4,178,102 58.6% 4,282,007 70.7% Other 2,871,300 1,246,377 43.4% 1,257,126 44.0% Subtotal taxes 30,566,900 16,864,646 55.2% 17,054,479 60.2% Licenses & permits 1,028,800 776,882 75.5% 697,108 87.2% Fines, forfeitures & penalties 616,200 373,810 60.7% 401,813 62.3% Use of money and property 658,900 486,624 73.9% 493,719 68.7% Revenue from other agencies 767,300 563,958 73.5% 1,109,943 97.0% Service charges 1,416,600 1,131,560 79.9% 1,030,228 54.3% Other revenue 846,000 119,444 14.1% 137,498 17.0% Total revenues 35,900,700 20,316,924 56.6% 20,924,788 62.4% Other financing sources: Interfund transfers in 4,613,300 1,818,601 39.4% 2,071,912 53.7% Interfund transfers out (1,752,100) (1,366,050) 78.0% (1,731,277) 79.9% Total other financing sources 2,861,200 452,551 340,635 Plus: Beginning Fund Balance 10,159,090 11,111,675 2 109.4% 7,502,150 100.5% Total resources $ 48,920,990 $ 31,881,150 65.2% $ 28,767,573 68.9% 1 Budget reflects any amendments approved by the City Council through the end of the quarter 2 Beginning Fund Balance (YTD Collected) per final audited financial statements less donation reserves Most other General Fund revenues are tracking when compared to both budgetary expectations and the previous year s revenues during the same time period. Licenses & Permits and Service Charges exceed budget levels and revenues received through the same time period in the previous year. The one exception, Revenue from Other Agencies, is down when compared to the previous year. Prior to the current fiscal year, many of the City s grants were included in the General Fund. Beginning with fiscal year 2011-2012, the City changed its accounting procedures to account for grants in separate funds, thus reducing both revenues and the related expenditures. Unrestricted Proposition L proceeds are being utilized fill the structural budget deficits caused by lower revenues and to pay for ongoing vital City services that otherwise would have been reduced. As the economy recovers and ongoing revenues begin to stabilize, Proposition L proceeds will be used to help face future financial challenges, most notably the City s depleted General Fund reserve levels.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 9 Through 75% of Fiscal Year General Fund Expenditures 2011-2012 Budget 1 YTD Expended 2 % of Budget General Fund Department Expenditures Police $ 14,363,440 $ 10,348,993 72.1% Fire 8,168,200 5,771,300 70.7% Public Works 7,545,700 4,722,086 62.6% Administrative Services 5,761,820 3,226,237 56.0% Community Development 1,609,200 1,020,288 63.4% Community Services 1,683,360 1,069,168 63.5% Total General Fund Expenditures $ 39,131,720 $ 26,158,071 66.8% 1 Budget reflects any amendments approved by the City Council through the end of the quarter 2 Includes expenditures encumbered through end of quarter reported Department expenditures are within budgetary expectations for the third quarter of the fiscal year. The two largest departments, Police and Fire, are below 72 percent expended with 75 percent of the year remaining. The remaining departments are well below the 75 percent level. Overall, the General Fund is operating at 67 percent of budget. The full negative impact of the dissolution of redevelopment on the General Fund is estimated to be in excess of $1 million. Ending reserves are estimated to be $9.9 million, an amount that reflects the negative impact of redevelopment. This estimation, of course, is contingent on departments continuing to closely monitor and contain expenditures and ongoing revenues, particularly sales and property taxes, continuing to come in at or above budget. Actuals Proj. Est. FY 07-08 FY 08-09 FY 09-10 FY 10-11 FY 11-12 1 Ending Reserves 3,863,438 7,502,150 7,575,113 11,111,675 9,965,376 Reserves as % of Operating Expenditures 11.2% 21.8% 22.4% 31.9% 25.5% Reserves: Property Sale (Police Station) - 1,000,000 1,600,000 2,300,000 3,050,000 Property Sale (Other land) - 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 4,000,000 Proposition L Revenues - 1,304,970 1,975,113 4,811,675 2,915,376 Reserves from Operations 3,863,438 1,197,180 - - - Total Ending General Fund Reserves 3,863,438 7,502,150 7,575,113 11,111,675 9,965,376 1 The estimated ending fund balance reflects the impact of the dissolution of redevelopment on the General Fund.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 10 The City Council s reserve policies formally establish two General Fund reserve targets: a Rainy Day Reserve target of 15 percent and an additional Cash Flow Reserve target of 25 percent. Because of the additional Proposition L Sales Tax revenues, a projected small but steady recovery of base sales and property taxes, and continued cost containment measures by departments, the General Fund reserves are projected to meet the 15 percent Rainy Day Reserve target, but still be well below the additional Cash Flow Reserve target of 25 percent. CONCLUSIONS The recovery from this recession continues to be exceptionally slow. Economic projections remain cautiously optimistic, with most indicators pointing to continued recovery through 2013. The City s core revenues (property tax, sales tax, and Proposition L sales tax) have stopped their downward trends and are slowly recovering. Sales tax revenues and Proposition L sales taxes, in particular, are slowly but steadily increasing consistent to budgetary projections. Proposition L sales taxes are providing much needed revenues to fill the structural budget deficits caused by lower revenues. Assessed valuations appear to be stabilizing as foreclosures slow and housing prices remain steady. These positive signs, however, are tempered by the dissolution of redevelopment and the resulting negative impact on the General Fund.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 11 READER S GUIDE Managing a municipality the size of La Mesa is, in many ways, like managing a for profit corporation. Instead of focusing upon bottom-line profits, La Mesa managers must skillfully steward public dollars and ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the City s operations. They must live within legislatively approved budgets that are reviewed by residents, business leaders, and others interested in the City. Like private corporations, public entities report their financial condition on a regular basis. Corporations make reports to stockholders while public entities report to their stakeholders -- the individuals and organizations that have a stake in the entity s operations. In addition to an annual financial report and biennial budget document, the City of La Mesa publishes a quarterly Budget Monitoring Report to provide stakeholders with current information about the City s financial condition and performance in the essential areas of the City s operations. This report is designed to give the reader a sense of how well La Mesa is doing fiscally and what its current successes or challenges might be. It includes a high level overview of the City s financial condition followed by more detailed information on resources and expenditures for those readers who are interested in going beyond the bottom line. This Reader s Guide has been developed to assist you in reviewing the City of La Mesa s quarterly Budget Monitoring Report. It highlights the type of information contained in each section and presents a glossary of commonly used budget terms. Please contact Sarah Waller-Bullock at (619) 667-1122 if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. QUARTERLY BUDGET MONITORING REPORT ORGANIZATION Executive Summary A broad level overview of the City of La Mesa s current financial condition. It begins with comments on the economy, followed by a summary financial table and graph along with any comments highlighting resources and expenditures. Resources A more detailed discussion of revenue collections and other resources supporting the City s expenditures. Included in the discussion is a financial table showing the current year s budget, year-to-date collections, and calculated percent of budget collected. The discussion also includes comments on the significant factors and conditions affecting these items. Appropriations A more detailed discussion of expenditures and reserves. Included in the discussion is a financial table showing the current year s budget by department, year-to-date expenditures, and calculated percent of budget expended. The discussion also includes comments on the significant factors and conditions affecting these items.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 12 The comments in the Resources and Appropriations sections will follow the following format: Current Highlights Important information being reported for the first time. As Previously Reported Relevant information that was reported in previous editions. Reserves - Commentary on estimated ending fund balance and its relationship to reserve targets. Included is a graph displaying historical ending fund balance related to reserve targets and a table showing historical monthly cash balances. FUNDS NOT REPORTED ON This report focuses on the General Fund which provides the majority of government services. Other funds have been excluded from this report. GLOSSARY The following are definitions of some of the more common terms one may encounter in reviewing this document. Accrual Basis The basis of accounting under which revenues are recorded when they are earned and expenditures are recorded when they result in liabilities for benefits received. Accrued Revenue Revenue earned during the current accounting period but which is not collected until a subsequent accounting period. Appropriation Amount authorized for expenditure by the City Council. Beginning Fund Balance An account used to record resources available for expenditure in one fiscal year because of revenues collected in excess of the budget and/or expenditures less than the budget in the prior fiscal year. Budget - A financial operating plan for a given period which displays the expenditures to provide services or to accomplish a purpose during that period together with the estimated sources of revenue (income) to pay for those expenditures. Once the fund totals shown in the budget are appropriated by the City Council, they become maximum spending limits. Ending Fund Balance - An account used to record resources available at year end as a result of revenues collected in excess of the budget and/or expenditures less than the budget during the fiscal year. The City s operating reserves are budgeted in the General Fund ending fund balance. Expenditure The payment for City obligations, goods, and services. Fiscal Year A twelve-month period designated as the operating year for accounting and

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 13 budgeting purposes. The City of La Mesa s fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.

CITY OF LA MESA PAGE 14 Fund - Governmental accounting systems are organized and operated on a fund basis. A fund is an independent financial and accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts in which financial transactions relating to revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities are recorded. Funds are established to account for the use of restricted revenue sources and, normally, to carry on specific activities or pursue specific objectives. General Fund The financial and accounting entity that comprises typical operations of a municipality such as police, fire, public works, and other departments. Grants A contribution by a government or other organization to support a particular function. Grants may be classified as either operational or capital, depending upon the grantor. M&O (Maintenance and Operating) Costs Expenditure category that represents amounts paid for supplies and other services and charges. Proposition L The La Mesa Vital City Services Measure which was passed by voters on November 4, 2008 authorizing a ¾ cent local transactions and use tax (commonly referred to as a sales tax). This general purpose tax became effective on April 1, 2009. Reserve An account used either to set aside budgeted revenues that are not required for expenditure in the current budget or to earmark revenues for a specific future purpose. Resources - Total dollars available for appropriation, including estimated revenues, interfund transfers, and beginning fund balances. Revenue - Sources of income received during the fiscal year, operating transfers from other funds, and other financing sources such as the proceeds derived from the sale of fixed assets. Revenues from Other Agencies Funds received from federal, state, and other local government sources in the form of grants, shared revenues, and payments in lieu of taxes. Taxes Compulsory charges levied by a government for financing services performed for the common benefit of the people. This term does not include specific charges made against particular persons or property for current or permanent benefit, such as special assessments. Trust Funds Funds used to account for assets held by a government in a trustee capacity for individuals, private organizations, other governments, and/or other funds. Examples are pension trust funds, nonexpendable trust funds, and expendable trust funds.