Most would agree that Santa Clara residents receive high quality city services. One reason is that most city services are delivered by city employees – giving the City full control over delivery. Reflecting this, employee compensation accounts for nearly 80 percent of the City's operating budget – a percentage that has been consistent throughout the years.
With the city's budget in a tailspin, some are questioning the pay scales and benefit packages – which unquestionably drive Santa Clara's budget and, with it, a growing deficit.
