“City Council Study SessionTuesday, November 16, noonTacoma Municipal Bldg. N.,Room 16, 728 St. Helens Ave.Budget CutsHow the City will rebalance its 1999-2000 budget in light of revenue shortfalls and the passage of Initiative 695 is the topic of this Study Session. The Council will hear a proposal from the city manager instructing all General Fund departments to share in reductions to make up a $3 million budget shortfall and $4 million in lost motor vehicle excise tax revenues.City Council MeetingTuesday, November 16, 5 p.m.City Council ChambersFirst floor, Municipal Bldg.747 Market StreetBingo & Raffle TaxA new state law effective January 1, 2000, lowers the ceiling for local taxation of bingo games and raffles from 10 to 5 percent. The Council will vote on the change.Bingo games and raffles in Tacoma currently pay the maximum 10 percent tax. City tax officials expect the decrease to reduce revenues approximately $110,000 annually.Click! Works With ISPsTacoma’s Click! Network may offer cable modem Internet service by the end of the year. Tacoma Power will propose adding a wholesale transport rate for Internet service providers.The Council will vote on the proposal. Tax Breaks for Upscale Housing The developer of a new, multi-million-dollar upscale apartment complex is seeking property tax breaks. The developer is hoping to build about 160 new units downtown.The projects qualify for a housing tax incentive. The Council will take testimony and vote on the exemption.One Day Rate ChangeThe Council will vote to start a rate adjustment for solid waste collection and disposal fees one day earlier than planned – December 31, 1999 instead of January 1, 2000.Storm Drainage Rate BreakWaterfront and undeveloped properties could have a reduction in storm drainage rates if the Council approves a new proposal.Performance AuditsIn 1997 the Council mandated independent performance audits of City departments every three years. These audits have cost over $100,000 each.A new ordinance would allow the City to choose which departments to audit and when. The Council will take testimony and will vote at a later date.Compensation PlanThe Council will take testimony about a new compensation policy for unrepresented employees. The Council plans to vote on the plan at a later date.Adult Retail MoratoriumPublic comment will be taken on a six-month moratorium on building permits or business licenses for adult retail and adult entertainment uses. The council will vote on the freeze at a later meeting.The Council will conduct a hearing on the moratorium January 11, 2000.Mixed-Use ZoningTacoma is working to clarify and update zoning regulations for mixed-use centers. The public can comment on mixed-use center zoning in the city.”