Municipal Analysis: City of Oceanside
Key Findings: Property tax revenues increased 92% from 2004 to 2007. Total pension costs have increased approximately 114% between 1999 and 2009. The City recently increased pension benefits by 35% for non-public safety employees while other governments having been working to reduce costly retirement and fringe benefits. Last year, the City drew down on reserves by $4 million and cut $13 million from the budget. Oceanside public safety employees currently pay nothing toward their pensions. If all City employees were required to pay their fair share of pension costs, the City would save approximately $4 million in 2010. The City of Oceanside still faces an additional budget shortfall it must resolve.