HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03/05/2018 COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 5, 2018
4:40 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Shimp, Klein, Amos, Schmitt, and Juon. Absent: Jacobs
Moved by Schmitt seconded by Shimp that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice vote-
Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of FYE19 budget.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of the FYE2019 budget. She
explained that the proposed levy rate is $17.76290.
Mayor Hart explained that the proposed budget includes staff recommended cuts of 2.5% and
5% reduction proposals, council proposals, additional cuts staff incorporated, a use of$500,000
of fund balance, and an increase in MidAmerican Energy franchise fees.
Mrs. Juon questioned the reduction of the PEG fee with the Mediacom Franchise.
Michelle Weidner explained that Mediacom is under a state franchise and that the PEG fee is
being eliminated as a result.
Mr. Shimp questioned when the last time residential taxes received a decrease.
Mayor Hart commented that this is the biggest decrease to residential property taxes in several
years.
Mrs. Klein questioned if the city is relying on the rollback.
Michelle Weidner explained the rollback change noted in the handout reflects the reduction in
revenue from the state.
Mayor Hart explained that the legislature is still debating whether to continue allowing using the
use of backfill funds.
Mr. Morrissey questioned what would happen if the backfill is retracted after the budget is
adopted.
Michelle Weidner explained that property taxes cannot be increased so the city could look at
raising fees such as franchise fees, use fund balance, or find additional cuts.
Mayor Hart commented that Cedar Falls included backfill revenues in their budget as well as
other cities.
Mrs. Klein noted that she believes that the city should not factor the backfill into the budget.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if a work session will be held prior to the meeting to review options.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, commented that council should provide both Mayor Hart and
Michelle with any additional budget suggestions as soon as possible because the point of
Thursday's budget hearing is to adopt the budget.
Mr. Morrissey commented that it is difficult to make an informed decision when all of the
information isn't given early enough to review.
Mrs. Klein questioned where the city would rank with the proposed levy rate.
Mr. Morrissey commented that Council Bluffs raised their levy rate to 18.26.
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With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Shimp seconded by Morrissey that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:16 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kelle Felchle
City lerk