The traditional government financing design is being turned upside down.  No longer can we expect the federal or state governments to advance or reimburse local governments.  And if the uses of federal and state funds are now to give tax breaks to the rich, and to end and reduce deficit spending, then federalism and state solvency are going to be severely tested.

Which brings us to the question addressed at Santa Rosa’s goal-setting workshop yesterday – What are the basic services which should consume the City’s budget?  What do our residents want, and what should our elected representatives provide, from the City?  The Council chose to recognize that its own workforce was exhausted and could not perform well on most of its assigned goals and duties.  Their answers were fewer goals, clearly understood by the public, with longer acknowledged timeframes.  Their very top priority was to “Achieve and Maintain Fiscal Sustainability”.   Though you might have heard that before in tough economic times, I’ve never seen a more worried group of leaders and staff.  The word “transformation” was used many times, and I don’t think many had clear visions of positive outcomes.

In the general questioning of the purposes of all government, this local examination is crucial.  To many, it may be the only chance for citizen impact.  Lately, Sonoma County voters have agreed to tax themselves to provide some vital resources under local control.  A unified and cooperative group of leaders could work together to develop a better funding system.  The County and its cities need to protect each other from simplistic departmental budget slashing, or none of us will be happy with how local governments will be transformed.