The big question outstanding on the city of San Diego’s financial reform ballot measure is how much financial reform there will be.
By 5 p.m. today, we’ll have one indication.
Due by then is what’s known as the fiscal impact statement, an estimate of what the city will save by completing a series of 10 reforms before a half-cent sales increase goes into effect. For the first time, Mayor Jerry Sanders’ office, which is backing the package, will have to put numbers to the reforms.
As we and others have noted, most of the reforms by themselves do not guarantee any savings. The real issue is how far city politicians want to push for cost cuts anticipated, but not required, by the ballot measure. Today’s fiscal impact statement, developed by the Mayor’s Office, should give a clue.
We’ll have coverage of the numbers when they come out.
— LIAM DILLON