Because of the tough economic climate, prioritizing ballot measures based on financial availability was the main focus during the first workshop regarding city measures for the November 2008 ballot.

Last Tuesday, the members of the Berkeley City Council and city staff held the first of three workshop sessions to discuss costs and revenue-generating measures that may be on the ballot.

The city is hoping to make changes to the police and fire departments such as ending the fire department's rotating closures and improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. These measures are expected to total more than $3 million annually.

All such public services are funded by voter-approved property taxes. The taxes currently proposed by the city would increase each homeowner's property taxes by about $80 to $100 annually.

But because special tax measures require a two-thirds majority, some council members say it is important to not bombard voters with too many measures.

In the November 2004 election, which took place during a recession, all of the city's four tax measures-which included an increase in funding for the fire department and a library tax-failed to pass.

"We have to have a good base and not add too much or people think we're asking for too much," said Councilmember Gordon Wozniak.

Last Tuesday, Wozniak suggested an online feedback form be made available on the city's Web site to allow residents to make comments, similar to the form used for the draft climate action plan.

In an effort to get more support from voters, Councilmember Kriss Worthington has submitted items for Tuesday's meeting to begin increasing funding for public safety immediately.

"If the City Council makes a down payment of starting to make some improvements now, I think it will create more faith and confidence in the taxpayers," he said.

A plan for a new warm water pool was also at the center of the discussion.

The pool is currently planned to be funded by a bond which is estimated to generate $15 million, but some city officials suggested exploring the option of expanding the scope of the pool or asking other jurisdictions to help with funding.

"It's sort of a balancing act. You want something that doesn't cost too much money but that has enough people who really want to see it happen," Worthington said.

Councilmember Dona Spring stressed the need to prioritize the pool because the issue has long been delayed.

"We're still going to have police and fire even if we don't do a bond measure for extra money," Spring said. "But we won't have a warm water pool. One will live no matter what but the other will die."

Tags: MEASURES, CITY COUNCIL, ELECTIONS 2008