HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/27/95COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 27, 1995
3:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Murphy, Getty, Krizek,
Collier, Mollenhoff, Jordan.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Mollenhoff that the Agenda, as
proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion
carried.
George Scully, chairman of the Budget Review Committee presented
the report prepared by the committee to Mayor Rooff and the City
Council. Gary Heinick and Sandra Wild were present at the meeting
and along with absent members, Earl Baugh and Don Bergan, were
recognized for their input and commitment to the process.
Mr. Scully proceeded to highlight some of the recommendations by
the committee. The committee stated that many improvements were
made after last year's budget process, controls were in place on
spending and contingencies had been removed from most budgets. The
committee recommends that the City take a close look at
privatization and proceed with a cost benefit analysis for
applicable areas. It is recommended that a Management Information
Systems Department or manager be established. The current method
with the C.T.R.C. group involvement is not an adequate response to
handle the magnitude of the process. Recommendations on raising
fees in certain areas will result in users supporting the cost of
operations rather than increasing property tax support. Cross
utilization of city staff has been implemented and should be
continued and expanded where possible to maximize efficiencies.
Mayor Rooff thanked the Budget Review Committee for the hard work
and long hours involved in this process. The recommendations from
last year have either been implemented or are in the planning
stages and staff will be required to respond in the same manner to
these new recommendations. Departments were encouraged to review
the report and submit any responses to the Mayor's office. The
Mayor opened the report and budget process for discussion by the
council.
Councilperson Anders asked whether sales and concessions items
should be kept in separate budgets such as Recreation Department
and Young Arena. Staff informed the council that such items were
being kept separate to assist with analysis.
The Finance Committee had concerns about the line item transfer
changes not being reflected in the proposed budgets. Mayor Rooff
directed the departments to review their budgets over the next week
and make any needed adjustments. The Finance Committee discussed
limiting line item transfers in the upcoming fiscal year. Dick
Grimm, Street Superintendent, informed the council that his budgets
are developed by using a three year averaging formula and adding
any material increases, however adjustments will need to be made
for any unforeseen circumstances.
Mayor Rooff reported that goals to improve the general fund cash
balance have been achieved. The beginning cash balance at the
beginning of their term was $283,000, it increased to $1.2 Million
dollars last year and is projected to reach $1.7 Million dollars
this year. GO Bonds are down by five hundred thousand dollars. The
council could achieve a neutral tax bill if another $124,883 is cut
from the budget after the budget review committee recommendations
are implemented.
Councilperson Jordan present at 4:05 p.m.
Council Work Session
February 27, 1995
Page 2
Councilperson Collier requested the phone numbers of the budget
review committee members so that councilpersons could contact them
about their recommendations after reviewing the report. The City
Clerk will provide the names and phone numbers to the council.
Councilperson Anders inquired whether the $37 Million water
pollution plant improvements are reflected in the budget. Bruce
Meisinger, Finance Manager, stated that this is budgeted through
project funds and will be administered with reimbursement from the
Federal grant.
Mayor Rooff informed the council that he would be setting up
individual meetings with them to discuss the budget during the next
week.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by
Murphy, seconded by Collier that the meeting be adjourned at 4:15
p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk