Priority Based Budgeting in Fairfield Profiled by Strong Cities Strong State

http://www.strongcitiesstrongstate.com/success/fairfield/priority-based-budgeting

Priority Based Budgeting

At the beginning of 2011, the Fairfield City Council established one goal – fix the budget. The City faced an unprecedented budget deficit - $7 million. Twenty-six million dollars had already been cut from its General Fund budget (a reduction of 31%) by reorganizing the workforce, layoffs, eliminating vacant positions, compensation cuts resulting in City facilities being closed one day each week, drawing on reserves, and the sale of surplus property.

Cuts of this magnitude risk the elimination of entire programs. Before undertaking cuts of such impact on services and employees, the City looked to a new method of allocating resources -- Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) -- to guide the setting of its financial priorities. This process provided the framework for almost 300 programs and services to be evaluated and ranked by staff.

Testimonials Pour in from the Fairfield Community as City Completes 2nd Year in Priority Based Budgeting

City Manager Is a Phenomenal Leader

 “I couldn’t ask for a better city manager or council to be in partnership with. They are open to new ideas and encourage the community to work together on positive improvements for our city. These partners collaborated with the County, and we had a very successful Business Forum this summer, which was an excellent example of a public/private partnership. The forum provided an environment for business and government leaders to sit down together to discuss and strategize how we can help ourselves and each other, rather than just waiting for economic recovery or the federal or state government to save us. Our city manager is a phenomenal leader who attracts strong staff and compels our community to keep moving forward.” - Herm Rowland Sr., CEO, Jelly Belly Candy Company

City of Fairfield Is a Committed Partner

 "As the CEO/Executive Director of Mission Solano, a local nonprofit, the importance of partnerships can make the difference between failure and success. The City of Fairfield has been that partner who has not just said that our local nonprofits are important to the City; they have put action to their words. Their partnership has been seen in commitment, compassion, and concern for the viability of the services Mission Solano provides. They are a living, breathing example of public/private partnerships!" - Ron Marlette, Mission Solano

Keen Leadership

 "Without exception, the City of Fairfield, from the Mayor through the City Council, as well as the city administration, has demonstrated keen leadership over the years to improve the quality of life for our citizens and local business owners." - Jay Adair, CEO, Copart

Supportive of Work in the Faith Community

 “As Pastor of the St. Stephen CME Church, I believe that there should be a working relationship between the leaders within the City of Fairfield and the faith community. I am very, very excited about the relationship that we share - our mayor, city manager, city council, and police and fire chiefs are very supportive of what we do within the faith community. I am so glad to be a resident of the city of Fairfield and lead a congregation here.” - Rev. David C. Isom, Senior Pastor St. Stephen, CME Church

Exemplary City Officials and Staff

 “The City of Fairfield and the Chamber of Commerce work closely together to insure our community leaders are well informed of business issues that have a tremendous impact on the sustainability of the community. We are committed to partner with the City and collaborate when necessary. The City officials and staff are exemplary of a successful relationship that works!” - Leslie Fay, President/CEO, Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce

Passion to Make Fairfield a Better Place

 “I moved to Fairfield in February 2002, when the Hilton Garden Inn was being built. Two of the first people I met were Sean Quinn and Karl Dumas from the City’s economic development team. I was extremely happy to work with them both throughout the completion of this hotel project, and have been very fortunate to continue forging strong relationships with them and many other City officials and staff. The one thing that has never changed is the passion of the people in this City’s government to make Fairfield a better place to live and do business. I thank our City for helping make the Hilton Garden Inn a success and their never-ending desire to improve our community.” - Kevin E. Johnson, CHA, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn