PALM SPRINGS —  This international tourist destination is looking at almost $30 million of lost revenue just in the months of March, April, May, and June of this year, Mayor Geoff Kors told Uken Report. Making up the loss of revenue in the budget will use most of the city’s reserves without other actions, and could be more than that in the next fiscal year starting July 1st.

All of this comes on the heels of a worldwide pandemic that spared no local, state or federal budgets. Against this backdrop, the City Council encourages residents to attend an important Special Budget Update virtual meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 11.

“The economic standstill has led to drastically reduced hotel transient occupancy and sales tax, along with other important fees that our city depends upon,” Palm Springs City Manager David H. Ready said in a prepared statement. “With that in mind, we must now look at ways to reduce costs and expenditures in order to maintain core services. We are committed to keeping our community updated during this process and we invite everyone to share their input.”

The city implemented a hiring freeze about two weeks ago.

Due to the pandemic, the budget update will be held virtually by teleconference. Residents and businesses may submit public comments to the City Council electronically. Materials may be emailed to cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. Transmittal prior to the start of meeting is required. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and retained for the official record.

In addition, citizens will have the opportunity to provide public comments to the Council over the telephone by calling the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 323-8204 by no later than 6 p.m. in order to be added to the comment queue. At the appropriate time, a staff member will call members of the public wishing to provide testimony to the Council.

Citizens may also watch the Council meeting live online by clicking here, on the City’s YouTube channel, or on Palm Springs Community Television Channel 17.

Image Sources

  • Economy: Pixaby