While running for South San Francisco City Council last year, I warned about the budget deficit, which was publicly denied by the council. Now here we are — the numbers speak for themselves. The city is projecting increased budget deficits over consecutive years, ranging from $17.7M to $23.8M between 2027 and 2029. We’ve got serious financial commitments, which need careful consideration and planning: In addition to the $120M Library building and new Aquatic Center costs exceeding $50M, the city lacks funds for maintenance.
Draining general fund reserves to cover deficits is poor fiscal practice; reserves serve as emergency funds and not for balancing budget shortfalls.
Recent decisions to approve pay increases for councilmembers depict self-centered leadership. Implementation of a rigorous hiring freeze and exploring avenues for expense reduction would be a prudent fiscal measure. Additionally, insufficient oversight of expenditures for over 75 city-issued credit cards is highly questionable.
2015 Measure W funds were diverted; $3M applied to balance the FY24-25 budget. Despite revenue from hotel taxes, the city’s finances remain strained. 2024 Measure W for modernizing the business license tax has led to new requirements for individual rental property owners to obtain business licenses and pay a $50 fee, subject to increase. This requirement failed to provide clear disclosure in the ballot language.
South San Francisco deserves leaders who prioritize residents. Fixing budget issues warrants decision makers accountable, making prudent choices, leading with fiscal responsibility, and not passing the burden disguised as taxes and fees to South San Francisco residents.
(2) comments
Thank you, Mr. Sharma, for your letter and for stating so succinctly some of the financial problems facing SSF residents courtesy of the city council. We can post on NextDoor til we're blue in the face about these issues, and a message to a broader audience (we hope) is valuable and most appreciated.
I personally visited the property and roadways that the city recently sold to Genentech and am appalled at this "give-away."
Thanks for your letter, Mr. Sharma, reminding us of South San Francisco’s profligate spending and lack of fiscal management. For South San Francisco residents, vote NO on any proposed taxes and fees.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.