The attached timeline details the 20201 Budget process for Council members.  The placeholder dates set in January for budget study sessions were October 6, 8, 13, and 15 at 9:00 am, each expected to go to 11:00 am, an expected total of eight hours, which can be calendared differently to maximize council member participation.

Study sessions provide council member briefings on revenue forecasting, infrastructure and capital planning, debt planning, service delivery and support for all General Fund and Enterprise Fund services.  This year COVID brings a new wrinkle to forecasting.  Cost inflation and collective bargaining agreement increases impact the city's ability to continue the bulk of existing foundational services.  Sufficient time to inform on a multitude of topics generally requires splitting into multiple days to avoid information overload in a single day.  Additional sessions may be required to allow for time to discuss how to achieve a final balance.

The slides attached serve as an executive summary of the process and staff is prepared to explain more fully to assist in scheduling.