Page 395 - City of Westlake FY20 Budget

Section 11 Municipal Policies
Municipal Fiscal & Budgetary Policies

B. Legislative Program - The Town shall cooperate with other jurisdictions to actively oppose any
State or Federal regulation or proposal that mandates additional Town programs or services and
does not provide the funding to implement them. Conversely, as appropriate, the Town shall
support legislative initiatives that provide more funds for priority local programs.

IX. GRANTS
A. Grant Guidelines - The Town shall apply, and facilitate the application by others, for only those
grants that are consistent with the objectives and high priority needs previously identified above in
these policies. The potential for incurring on-going costs, to include the assumption of support for
grant funded positions from local revenues, will be considered prior to applying for a grant.

B. Grant Review - All grant submittals shall be reviewed for their cash match requirements, their
potential impact on the operating budget, and the extent to which they meet the Town's policy
objectives. If there are cash match requirements, the source of funding shall be identified prior to
application. Staff will focus on one-time grants to avoid long-term implications related to
additional expenditures in future years.

C. Grant Program Termination - The Town shall terminate grant funded programs and associated
positions when grant funds are no longer available unless alternate funding is identified.

X. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A. Positive Business Environment - The Town shall endeavor, through its regulatory and
administrative functions, to provide a positive business environment in which local businesses can
grow, flourish and create jobs. The Town Council and Town staff will be sensitive to the needs,
concerns and issues facing local businesses.

B. Commitment to Business Expansion, Diversification, and Job Creation - The Town shall encourage
and participate in economic development efforts to expand Westlake's economy to increase local
employment. These efforts shall not only focus on newly developing areas but also on other
established sections of Westlake where development can generate additional jobs and other
economic benefits.

C. Coordinate Efforts with Other Jurisdictions - The Town's economic development program shall
encourage close cooperation with other local jurisdictions, chambers of commerce, and groups
Interested in promoting the economic well-being of this area.

D. Cost/Benefit of Incentives for Economic Development - The Town will use due caution in the
analysis of any tax or fee incentives that are used to encourage economic development. A
cost/benefit (fiscal impact) analysis will be performed as part of such evaluation for each prospect.
Economic development agreements will contain performance language as to the business’s
proposed economic impact to Westlake in exchange for Town incentives with adequate “claw-
back” provisions for the Town.

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