TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tom Kisela, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Receive and file Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC’s report and recommendations.
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2. Summary
On March 11, 2025, the City Council received a presentation from Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC regarding its Budget Risk and Economic Advisory Services. In response to that presentation, the City Council directed staff to bring back an agreement with Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC. On April 22, 2025, the City Council approved the agreement. The purpose of this item is to receive and file Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC’s report and recommendations.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Receive and file.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 2: Enhance Economic Development and Achieve Fiscal Sustainability.
6. Discussion and Background
On February 25, 2025, the City Council discussed three studies to help promote the City’s fiscal health. These included:
1. The Audit Committee reviewing the City’s past annual budgets and annual comprehensive financial reports (Completed and presented on June 10, 2025).
2. The City conducting an Organizational and Operational Assessment (Proposals for this service have been received); and
3. The City completing a fiscal strategic plan.
To complete the third item, on March 11, 2025, the City Council directed staff to contract with Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC (GT) to complete what GT refers to as Budget Risk & Economic Advisory Services. On April 22, 2025, the City Council approved an agreement with GT.
Since the April 22nd meeting, GT has reviewed City financial documents while conducting City staff and City Council interviews to:
• Understand the varying perspectives about the City of Orange and ideas for enhancement.
• Comprehend the City’s current fiscal position.
• Better understand the City’s current operations and personnel levels needed.
• Identify ways to bolster operations and the City’s Economic Development program.
• Conducted a benchmark analysis utilizing other comparable Orange County cities.
• Develop ways to promote the City as a business-friendly organization that seeks to usher in more businesses, leverage existing opportunities, and ultimately expand Orange’s tax base; and
• Identify possible opportunities for cost reduction.
While GT’s analyses and conclusions are multi-faceted, generally GT’s recommendations for the City’s consideration can be summarized into three categories:
1. Enhance Economic Development
a. For example, take steps to streamline development and leverage existing assets like Chapman University.
2. Possible Cost Reductions
a. For example, evaluate open vacancies.
3. Revenue Enhancement
a. For example, voter-controlled funding.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• None.