No formal action is expected at this work session, but staff is seeking direction from City Council on its desire to move forward with one of the funding options presented.

At the December 21, 2020, Council meeting, an initiative by CM Choriki directed staff to have a future discussion with Council regarding policy and a funding source for completing sidewalks, trails, and safe routes to school.  The City's sidewalk policies and funding options were presented to Council at the February 1, 2021, Council work session.  The Parks and Recreation Department and Board also previously presented options for large scale parks and trail funding including a general obligation bond and mill levy option.

This presentation will focus on the safe routes to school and trails funding options.  Staff will discuss the details, as well as the pros and cons of the following four funding options:

1. Opt-out fee on the utility bill
2. Opt-in fee on the utility bill
3. Increase of the street maintenance district fees
4. Creation of safe routes to school and trails special district    

No formal action may be taken at a work session.  However, staff is seeking direction regarding proceeding with any of the funding options.  If Council wants staff to pursue a funding option for safe routes to school and trails, it may have budget implications that will be presented to Council during budget presentations in May, 2021.

There are no direct fiscal effects for the discussion.  Fiscal effects will be determined by future action of the Council and dependent on which funding option is ultimately approved, if any.