# 02.08.2010 City Council

The City of Ventura City Council held a budget workshop on February 8, 2010, focused on preparing the FY 2010–11 budget and considering how to pursue federal funding. Staff projected general fund revenue of about $81 million against expenses of about $88 million if no changes were made, an estimated $7 million gap. Discussion covered declining sales and property tax revenues, rising pension costs, and the expiration of employee compensation reductions that had saved roughly $2 million. Council members considered budget priorities, public outreach, and options including reducing lower-priority services, extending compensation reductions, and redesigning service delivery. No budget or procurement vote was taken; the council planned to continue the discussion at its February 22 meeting.

Council members discussed pursuing federal funds more strategically, including money for managed retreat, transportation, sustainable communities, and urban development. A grant-search and grant-writing contractor paid on a contingency basis was raised as a possible approach, but no vendor selection or authorization followed; the city manager also noted that the city had previously cut its Sacramento lobbyist. Members noted that some street-improvement projects had already been bid and could be affected by funding choices, and discussed a roughly $35,000 Gold Coast Transit matter. No contract award or other procurement approval was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Sources
- [02.08.2010 City Council](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iV-vz9n6uI) - City of Ventura