HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.06.2004• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 6, 2004
11:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Cole, Greenwood, Clark, Gunderson, Welper,
Schmitt.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Kincaid that the agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Schmitt. Motion carried.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed FYE05 Budget.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the residential property tax history for the
City of Waterloo for FYE95 through FYE05, including the equalization order and rollback factor
for each year. Ms. Weidner reported that using the 18.90914 levy and equalization order and
rollback factor a property owner owning the same home valued at $100,000 in 1995 would pay
$1,545.24 in FYE05, which would be the first time the residential property owner will pay more
taxes out their pocket since 1995 when taxes were $1,499.61. Ms. Weidner reported that for
FYE96 through FYE01 the amount of homeowners property taxes actually declined as we were
transferring other fund sources to the general fund. The annual average increase over the ten
year period was 0.56 percent. Ms. Weidner reviewed the total taxes for all levying bodies for
FYE95 through FYE05, which showed an annual average increase over the ten year period of
0.40 percent.
Ms. Weidner reviewed the commercial property tax history for the City of Waterloo for FYE95
through FYE05, which saw a ten-year average increase of 3.95 percent and a ten-year average
for all levying bodies of 3.78 percent.
Ms. Weidner reviewed the industrial property tax history for the City of Waterloo for FYE95
through FYE05, which saw a ten-year average decrease of 0.47 percent and a ten-year average
decrease for all levying bodies of 0.64.
Ms. Weidner reviewed a chart showing the property tax trends for the City of Waterloo for
FYE95 through FYE05.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Cole to recess the meeting at 11:25 a.m. Ayes: Six. Absent:
Schmitt. Motion carried.
The meeting was reconvened at 11:35 a.m.
Schmitt now present at 11:35 a.m.
Mayor Hurley reviewed his prioritized General Fund Budget Proposals, Revision #1. Mayor
Hurley reported that the figures for revision #1 are based on original version 1 requests from
department heads, his first General Fund line item cut list and new changes.
Mayor Hurley reviewed his list of General Fund line item cuts and additional revenues with net
to the General Fund as follows: Airport - $74,800; Building - $29,100; Inspection $105,000;
Central Garage - $28,950; Clerk/Finance - $37,500; Cultural & Arts - $92,599; Fire Rescue -
$118,632; Human Rights - $1,500; Leisure Services Parks - $59,000; Golf - $15,000; Sports -
$12,981; Mayor's office — ($1,000); City Council - $7,250; Youth Initiative - $45,182; MIS -
$3,380; Planning - $7,900; Police - $218,990 for a total net to General Fund of $856,764.
Mayor Hurley stated that the Fire Department budget has a level of 115 city supported positions,
which allows them to man all Fire Department equipment, restores lost positions, and reduces
overtime. Mayor Hurley stated that the Police Department budget maintains a strength of 119
city supported positions, delays hiring of four officers for two months, reduces part-time,
contractual services, utilities, etc.
Council Work Session
March 6, 2004
Page 2
Mayor Hurley stated if council members come in at level two, he will likely veto that resolution;
if council members come in at level 3, level 8 or level 9, he will probably veto that resolution.
Mayor Hurley stated if the council cannot arrive at a levy rate at Monday night's meeting, the
hearing will be adjourned to Tuesday night.
In response to a question from Councilperson Gunderson, Fire Chief Ned DeBerg reported that
one firefighter position is funded through for the Fire Act grant, which is not included in the 115
level. Mayor Hurley stated that his proposed level of 115 firefighter keeps the aerial truck in
service.
Police Chief Tom Jennings stated the Police Department is at 119 positions funded by the city,
including Tri-County, School Resource Officers program. If the department receives funding
through COPS, DART and Meth grants, that could increase to 120 positions. Chief Jennings
stated that because of what happened in FY04 with the state reduction, Washington gave the
Police Department a free year with the understanding that the strength would be back at 122.
Chief Jennings stated that the Police Department just rewrote Washington that they are applying
for DART and drug grants, and they said the Police Department would be in compliance. If the
Police Department doesn't get the grants, then they will apply for a hardship.
Mayor Hurley reminded council members they still need to review the budgets for departments
using the enterprise funds, such as sewer, garbage, and the Local Option Tax and Road Use Tax.
It was the consensus of the council to use Mayor Hurley's list to item 17, which would bring the
cumulative amount to $1,213,765, which could bring the increase in residential property to under
5 percent.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Greenwood
that the meeting be adjourned at 11:49 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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