Sounds like a pretty good plan overall - assuming the city unions do agree to slow the increase in their raises.

That seems more than reasonable - given our low inflation and high unemployment, it could even make sense to have ZERO raises. Other cities are asking for pay CUTS, while MView is still planning some raises...

Currently Mountain View fees are too low - almost none of them cover the cost of the service, and most are below the average of similar cities.

If the proposed swim fees really are higher than all other similar cities for similar service, then clearly there is a problem. But lets be very careful to get data from more a group (at least 3-4) of very similar cities first to be sure.

"I wouldn't necessarily be able to agree with any of the financial estimates the groups might offer," Duggan said Wednesday. "At this point I would be cautious to characterize any of the proposals as complete."

What does that mean?? The city asks for help, employees respond with a million dollar offer and city leaders are balking???

Proposed layoffs, increasing fees to city utilities and swim clubs, cutting services and funding to non profits yet they are balking at a 7 figure offer? It sure sounds like something fishy is going on here.