# 02.17.2009 City Council - Special Meeting


**Body:** City of Ventura
**Date:** November 12, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

The City of Ventura City Council held a special meeting on February 17, 2009, focused on the city’s budget shortfall amid the economic crisis. Staff projected next-year general-fund revenue of about $85 million against expenses of $96–97 million, and described a current-year gap of roughly $6.2–$6.3 million. The city manager sought authority for up to $3.1 million in operating reductions and $500,000 in payroll savings, including consideration of position eliminations; some positions were deferred for review through the longer-term Budgeting for Outcomes process. Employee representatives described proposed pay concessions of about 5%. The council also discussed a possible half-cent sales-tax measure, its timing, and how revenue might support vital services. A motion passed to form a 15-member citizen committee, update the public-opinion survey, and have council members conduct further community outreach before considering the measure. The transcript does not establish approval of a contract award or vendor selection; no procurement activity was identified. A council member recommended reviewing and renegotiating outside contracts, but no action on that recommendation was recorded.

**Source:** City of Ventura