SAN BENITO — Funding for three proposed community projects are slated for discussion at a budget workshop scheduled for this evening.
The City Commission workshop is part of the city’s budget-making process for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Capital improvement projects constitute only a portion of the city’s overall budget, where law enforcement, fire protection and streets law are included.
Those services will also be discussed by the commission during the budget-making process.
With cost estimates submitted on construction of a new swimming pool and splash pad, and expansion of the skate park, commissioners are preparing to prioritize the quality-of-life projects to stretch available funds from the 2007 certificates of obligation account.
Last week, officials agreed to schedule a workshop where all projects would be placed on the table for review.
“Let’s table this until we know for certain how we will fund these,” Mayor Celeste Sanchez said referring to legal requirements tying the funds to the certificates.
She noted also that possibly not all projects would be funded and may be scheduled for implementation at a later date.
During the last several weeks, commissioners have paused when it comes to these projects, mainly citing issues with funding.
City Attorney Ricardo Morado has said he would consult with bond counsel to determine legalities tied to the funds.
The Commission will also consider annual swimming pool operation and maintenance costs, along with required personnel including lifeguards, at an estimated cost of approximately $80,000.
