Week 12 - Blog #16 Response

 Larry Feirman State & Local Government

 Week 12-Blog #16 Chapter 8 – Response

• Blog entry #16: It can be said that a budget is a statement of values. What values underlie the way your CP gets and spends its money or resources? Which Hallmarks, if any, are expressed in the way your CP manages its budgeting and service delivery? If it’s helpful, relate this concept to your own personal experience – in what ways does your own personal budget of time and/or money reflect your values?

Response:

The predominant reason I chose the two (2)CP’s that I did was their vision, mission and purpose in the community.  

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    Their funding and budgeting processes were not an initial first thought for considering them, but in one instance I was given access to the actual budget, as that detailed  information is a requirement for soliciting funding from grantors FFY-Friends For Youth). In the case of Project Read, their funding comes from the Redwood City overall budget, with internal allocations from the police department, library, and “other”.  

In the case of FFY, their budget (attached below) seemed somewhat weighted toward salaries and benefits.  I believe that is an area of review in the  near future when senior management is due to change.  In all other areas of success; delivery of services and success of same, lives up to their vision, mission and promise to the community and their grantors.

 

Since FFY ( Friends For Youth) receive no State or Federal Funds,( reporting to-for government funding is mandatory and onerous), their predominance for reporting success and performance delivery is normally once or twice per year.  New funding approaches-models are being investigated so as to spend more time and efforts, with their limited resources so that they can fulfill and deliver to the youth of Redwood City and surrounding environs.

Focusing on Project Read, Redwood City, their funding is included in the Redwood City, CA. 2020-2021 budget ( pages: 59,65,70-72,81,89,98,102), all of which is scrutinized, discussed with the Redwood City Mayor’s office and her direct reports.  Luckily the budget allocations for library and Project Read are untouched, although a number of vacant positions within the literacy/library program are on hold.

“City operating revenues expected to drop by $13.1 million this year with economic recovery due to COVID-19 not expected for years, driving need for Revised Budget.” 

Project Read continues to deliver award winning services to the community of Redwood City and local environs with a dedicated staff of volunteers and employees. 

The process of budgeting and receiving funding from city and state sources make the budget process onerous at times.  Even in light of the downturn in collected revenues because of the Covid-19 crisis, Project Read has remained pretty much in-tact.  All of the services offered-delivered are done 100% on line via zoom conferencing, with limited access to offices by their employees.  Their Facebook site is teaming with activities, books, articles, things to do. It is updated weekly.

As for my personal budget, I deploy a number of tools to assist me in managing a fixed income ( temporary, I hope).  First and foremost, I have worked with a financial planner for many years to guide me with a budget that would allow for the day-to-day expenses and yearly budget.  More importantly she has guided personal plans that we wanted to achieve for our children; college and any special educational tools needed to have them succeed.  For my personal budget, I live fairly frugally, save for the elder years ( sooner than one thinks), driving a car that is far from new, restrict dining out and keeping other expenses to a minimum.  Allocation of funds are also allocated for my grandchildren, with regards to their education.

My personal involvement with regards to community are more focused on giving of my time vs. dollars, although I do both.  My two(2) community partner this semester; one well known, and the other a new venture for me and going forward, is how I contribute to my  community.