HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.08.2002• •
March 8, 2002
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m., on Friday, March 8, 2002. Mayor John R. Rooff in
the Chair. Roll Call: Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
116563 - Jordan/Welper
that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Special Session on Friday, March 8, 2002,
at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
BUDGET HEARING
116564 - Jordan/Greenwood
that proof of publication of notice of public haring on the F.Y. 2003 Budget,
as published in the Waterloo Courier on February 26, 2002, be received and
placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
116565 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections.
City Clerk Nancy Eckert reported that an e-mail was received from Doug Reiseck,
853 Cloverdale, opposing any property tax increase, even if it means laying off
people, not filling positions or whatever the consequences.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, presented the FY 2003 Budget. Ms.
Weidner read the Mission Statement for the City of Waterloo. Ms. Weidner
reviewed the percentage of property taxes paid by homeowners, commercial
businesses, industrial businesses and others (machinery, equipment and
agricultural). Ms. Weidner explained how a tax bill is determined, which
includes the assessed value, rollback and taxable value. Ms. Weidner explained
how property tax dollars for the year ending June 30, 2002 are allocated:
$0.43 for the City of Waterloo, $0.36 for Waterloo Schools, $0.18 for Black
Hawk County and $0.03 to others (Hawkeye Community College, Assessor). Ms.
Weidner reported that for the year ending June 30, 2002 55 percent of the taxes
collected goes for police and fire safety, 13 percent for the Library, Parks,
Arts, 4 percent for Planning and Zoning, Building Inspection and MET, 3 percent
for Administration and 26 percent for the Debt Service. Ms. Weidner explained
that property taxes cover 31 percent of the city's expenses, 8 percent is from
other city taxes, 1 percent from licenses and permits, 1 percent from interest,
31 percent from federal and state dollars, 17 percent for charges for services,
1 percent from other sources, and 9 percent for debt proceeds.
Ms. Weidner reported that the General Fund is primarily funded by property
taxes. The services provided through the General Fund include: Police and
Fire Protection, Library, Parks, Cultural & Arts Activities, Planning and
Zoning, Building Inspections, Airport, Mayor, City Council, and other
Administrative functions. The Sewer Fund is funded by user fees. The fees are
used to operate and maintain sanitary sewer collections and treatment
facilities, dispose of sludge biosolids, operate and maintain storm water
collection system, and maintain flood control system. The Garbage Fund is
funded by user fees. The garbage fees are used to collect and dispose of
residential and commercial garbage, collect and dispose of yard waste and
operate neighborhood clean-up activities. The Road Use Tax Fund is funded by
state fuel taxes. The Road Use Tax Fund is used to maintain 450 miles of
streets, including snow removal, street sweeping and pothole repair, operate
and maintain traffic signals and street lights, and provide engineering
services for street construction and repair projects. The Local Option Sales
Tax Fund is funded by the one cent sales tax. The Local Option Sales Tax Fund
is used for reconstruction and repair of 450 mils of streets and provide
engineering services for street reconstruction and repair projects. Community
Development/Housing is funded primarily with federal grants and used for home
rehabilitation, administration of federal rental assistance program and
administration of renew Waterloo Housing Program. The Debt Service Fund is
funded by property taxes and is used to administer payments for bonded
indebtedness.
Ms. Weidner reported that there were 551 city employees in 1995 and 526.5 city
employees in 2002. Ms. Weidner reviewed the property tax levy trends from FY
1994 through FY 2002. The tax levy was $20.05 per one thousand dollars of
taxable valuation in FY 1994 and $17.80 per one thousand dollars of taxable
valuation in FY 2002, which is an average increase to homeowners of 3.37
percent over the period. Ms. Weidner reviewed the valuation trends from 1986
through 2003 and property taxes collected from 1994 through 2002.
March 8, 2002 Page 2
BUDGET HEARINGS CONTINUED
Ms. Weidner reviewed the GO and Sewer Revenue Bond Debt Plans from FY99 through
FY05. The general trend is for overall indebtedness to decline over the next
five years. The new sewage treatment plant is expected to be completed during
2002. Major bond funding for construction of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will
be eliminated with project completion. The debt plan allows for significant
new capital funding of new strategic development of the central business
district based upon the Millennium Plan. The debt plan includes funding for
other needed infrastructure replacement.
Ms. Weidner reviewed the number of positions that will not be filled in the
FY03 Budget, which includes 18 positions in the General Fund, two positions in
the Sewer Fund and 10 positions in the Road Use Tax Fund.
Ms. Weidner explained that the following items affect the Tax Levy: state
reduction in property tax replacement subsidy, reduced funding from the state
for Met bus service, reduction in funds from the state for airport
improvements, and the Library Special Levy.
Tom Taucher, 1822 Partridge Lane, polled the council on where they stand on the
budget and asked if public input would change their minds. Mt. Taucher
explained how his budget works at home.
A resident stated that he feels we need police and fire services. He explained
that he is a Met rider, and we need to keep the bus service as that is the only
transportation he has available to him. At night he either has to walk or take
a taxi. There is contracted services, but they have very high fares. He asked
if Main Street Waterloo receives funds from hotel/motel taxes. He asked if the
city needs to fund the Mayor's Youth Initiative Program.
Mayor Rooff responded that the city has proposed $20,000 be funded to Main
Street Waterloo in FY03. Main Street Waterloo promotes and develops the
downtown and refurbishment of buildings for retail businesses or attorney
offices. Mayor Rooff explained that the Mayor's Youth Initiative Program was
created about seven years ago and is used to fund activities, education and
jobs for kids in the summer. The Junior ROTC program is also funded with
Mayor's Youth Initiative Program funds and the Waterloo Schools share in
funding the Jr. ROTC Program. The Olympikids Program is funded with Mayor's
Youth Initiative funds.
A resident at 423 Locust, stated he supports Met Transit. He reported that 100
percent of the people where he works ride the buses to work, doctor
appointments, shopping, etc., as most do not have cars and depend on bus
services. Most of the riders are on a limited income. The $1.50 cost to ride
the buses is pushing the limit for bus service. He stated when it is really
cold in the winter none of the council would want to stand on the corner
waiting for a bus ride. He does not want a tax decrease if it will affect Met
Transit.
Mayor Rooff responded that the state has decreased funds for Met Transit, and
the city will need to pick up over $170,000 to help Met with this year's
budget.
Mike Delahunt, 452 Devonshire Drive, read a prepared statement. Mr. Delahunt
commented that some of our residents are on fixed incomes. He asked if there
were something the city could do to help people on fixed incomes. An
additional $150 in taxes is money they don't have, and some of them might have
to sell their homes. Mayor Rooff responded that the city currently has a
program for low-income and retired individuals which allows them an exemption
on garbage fees. Mayor Rooff stated the state reduction of the assessed value
for commercial property and the lower rollback figure has placed more burden on
the homeowners.
Joyce Wilder, 226 Bates, stated she did not want the city to reduce the Human
Rights Commission budget or the Mayor's Youth Initiative Program. Ms. Wilder
made the following suggestions to lower the budget: employees work four, ten
hour days which would reduce the cost for lights and gas, do not replace
positions when an employee retires, pay freeze, put two police officers in one
car, set summer hours, no lobbyist, and eliminate travel. Ms. Wilder stated
the council needs to think about citizens with limited abilities, first time
homeowners and college students. Ms. Wilder stated she is for the Riverfront
Renaissance Plan. Ms. Wilder stated she wants to live comfortably in her home.
Ms. Wilder does not want to eliminate police officers.
• •
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March 8, 2002
• •
Page 3
BUDGET HEARING CONTINUED
Casey McLaughlin, 306 Kenilworth, stated he is a business owner, family man and
concerned citizen. Mr. McLaughlin stated he feels higher taxes makes it hard
to bring new professionals to our city, and businesses depend on new people
living here. Mr. McLaughlin stated he believes in order to make things work,
there has to be cuts. Services need to be cut, but do not cut pubic safety.
Mr. McLaughlin stated we need to consolidate services with Black Hawk County.
Mr. McLaughlin stated he is afraid the message we send with out taxes will be a
bad message and will make it hard for economic development and new people
coming to our community. Mr. McLaughlin suggested a hiring freeze, payroll
freeze,and not replacing retirees. Homeowners, businesses and families don't
like this message. Mr. McLaughlin commented we have a great quality of life.
Mr. McLaughlin stated he does not favor subsidizing low-income people as it
just puts the burden on other people.
Jerry Shatzer, 1829 West Seventh Street, stated he does not want the city to
use the Local Option Sales Tax for the Riverfront Renaissance Plan, but would
approve giving some of the money to the city until we get well. Mr. Shatzer
stated the problems the city faces are we are located in the center of the
state and we have a liberal government. Mr. Shatzer stated he would favor
giving one-half of the Local Option Sales Tax to the city to use in a
constructive manner.
A resident at 1226 West 3rd Street, stated he knows a guy who works at the
airport who is thinking of leaving the city because of the taxes. The
perception is that the property taxes are like a runaway train. He supports
legislation to require a public referendum for tax increases.
Bruce Kaesser, 35 Rachael Street, submitted a written letter supporting para
transit services. Mayor Rooff read Mr. Kaesser's letter.
Herb Mohler, 1835 Liberty Avenue, reminded everyone of the council meeting
where discussion was heard about Casino Magic. Mr. Mohler suggested that the
DARE Program be evaluated, combine Met Transit and school buses. Mr. Mohler
stated that all that builds here are restaurants. He commented that he worked
for 19 years for John Deere, went through seven strikes. He commented that 26
percent of the budget is to pay loans, and he feels the council has a tough
job.
Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, stated he wanted to talk about the
working poor. Mr. Dillavou talked about his tenants. The city talks about the
increased cost for health insurance, and most of his tenants do not have health
insurance. When the council increases taxes, they take away from these people
Mr. Dillavou stated that a tax increase will require him to increase his rent.
These people do not get pay increases every year. Mr. Dillavou asked the
council to hold down taxes to no increase and have each department make
sacrifices.
Pat Paulsen, LaPorte City, stated he works with people who depend on Met
Transit services. These people cannot afford to go without buses. Working is
good for them and our community as it makes them feel like contributing members
of the community.
Gerald Muller, 1615 Baltimore Street, stated that the city says it will not
approve forgiving any loans, when up to 62 days ago the city approved forgiving
up to a minimum of $125,000 loan for Main Street Waterloo. Mayor Rooff
responded that the city has not approved the agreement with Main Street
Waterloo, but the agreement has been referred to the City Attorney.
Bernice Amsbary, 302 Alta Vista, stated that three years ago she had surgery
because of seizures and would have paid anything for transportation. She used
Para Transit, but now she can drive. Ms. Amsbary stated that Met Transit users
have small incomes, don't drive cars, budget closely, and contribute to
businesses, grocery stores, etc. Ms. Amsbary stated everyone should have an
opportunity to stand on a street corner when they need to go to doctor
appointments and get prescriptions, having to wait for a ride and not being
able to go when they need to go.
Mike Mootz, 1536 Audubon Drive, stated the City of Cedar Falls has set a levy
rate of $14 and we are looking at $19. Mr. Boots stated he would hate to see
the city go down if we are not competitive. Mr. Boots stated the council needs
to take into consideration that we need to stay competitive or we will lose
people.
March 8, 2002
Page 4
BUDGET HEARING CONTINUED
Doug Miller, 6415 Kimball Avenue, stated he appreciates the concerns of the
people. The bottom line is if we save money the city will have to tax
somewhere else. Mr. Miller commented this is a sad day when this many people
are concerned about taxes and services. Mr. Miller stated we do not have good
incomes here, and yet we expect citizens to pay for increases in salaries and
insurance cost. Mr. Miller asked the mayor and council to take a leadership
role and do something about this problem. Mr. Miller asked why the council
resists reduction in the Police Department. Department Heads should be held
accountable to manage money the council gives them. Mr. Miller asked the
council to set the precedent for Black Hawk County as well as the Waterloo
Schools. Mr. Miller charged the council to do their job, hold the line on
taxes, lay the costs on department heads and tell them to implement the amount
of budget given to them. Mr. Miller recommended that the council ask people in
the community to help identify areas to be more efficient and reduce services.
Mr. Miller asked the council to hold the line on taxes.
Mary Ellen Warren, 3638 Inverness Road, stated that as the Chief Financial
Officer reported this city is second in the state in the number of roads. The
city needs more population to maintain the miles of roads. We are leaving the
center of the city empty. Mr. Warren stated she feels the city needs the
Riverfront Renaissance Plan because the city needs infill. Ms. Warren stated
the city's problem is the city is too large for our population.
Robert Sieglaff, 914 West 3rd Street, stated nobody listens. He heard on the
news tonight that Mayor Rooff would like to give one-half of the Local Option
Sales Tax for the Riverfront Renaissance Plan. Mr. Sieglaff stated the city
should not rob Peter to pay Paul. We already robbed the sewer fund to put in
the General Fund, and now the council wants to increase sewer fees again and
will they rob those funds again. Mr. Sieglaff stated employees should not use
city vehicles when traveling out of the city, but employees should be given
money for traveling. Mr. Sieglaff does not want to use property taxes for KBBG
Radio and other outside agencies. Those outside activities should be self-
supporting or quit because they don't need to rob the taxpayers. Mr. Sieglaff
suggested parking on even/odd side of the streets as a lot of cars don't move
for weeks. Mr. Sieglaff suggested that the city contract with an outside
agency to collect unpaid fines. If people don't pay fines, we should do like
the City of Cedar Rapids and lock their wheels and tow their vehicles.
Bill Bartels, 646 Summitt, stated he agrees with Mr. Miller that the council
should put it on the backs of the department heads to cut back on costs. Mr.
Bartels reviewed taxes paid by citizens over the past four years. Mr. Bartels
commented that he realizes that the tax increases are not entirely the city's
fault, but also includes Black Hawk County, the School District and Hawkeye
Community College. Mr. Bartels commented on the number of street workers
required to do a job. Mr. Bartels stated he does not believe the taxpayers
should pay for the increase in health insurance costs.
Sandra Blessing, 315 Oaklawn, stated that in 1996 she purchased her home and
now her dream is getting bleaker by the moment. Black Hawk County and the City
raise taxes which makes her mad as they want to pass the buck to already
stretched people. Ms. Blessing read a prepared statement. Ms. Blessing stated
she feels human services should be put in front of the Riverfront Renaissance
Plan.
Debbie Doland, 226 Cutler Street, stated she is a single parent, 50 years old
and does not make $1,500 per month. Ms. Doland stated she is afraid she will
lose her home, which she paid $19,000 and now owes $16,000. Ms. Doland stated
she is trying her best and she prays she won't lose her home, but utility cost
have gone up, and she does not have her home insured as the premiums have risen
dramatically.
Reggie Markham, 5142 Foulk Road, stated that when a person balances his/her
budget, he/she does not spend more than they get. Mr. Markham stated he
believes in public safety and the Met Transit system. Mr. Markham stated he
thinks the city should take a hard look at what is necessary to run the city
and get rid of any excess, we need to tighten our purse strings. Mr. Markham
stated department heads know what they can cut, and the council should
challenge department heads to meet the city's mission statement. It is time
for the city to run as a business that wants profits to grow.
Tara Doland, 226 Cutler Street, stated she hopes the citizens help the council
change their minds. Ms. Doland asked why Black Hawk County is the highest
taxed county in the state. People are leaving because of the taxes because the
city puts too much of a burden on homeowners. Ms. Doland stated the city does
not need any more taxes.
•
March 8, 2002
• •
Page 5
BUDGET HEARING CONTINUED
The resident at 5154 Foulk Road stated that city taxes will be as high as her
house and insurance together. She stated she is on a fixed income and now the
city wants to raise her taxes to pay for employee raises and health insurance
when she has to pay for her own.
Nate Blank, 4001 Niles Street, stated he feels the city needs to get the debt
down, and the city does not care how much in bonds they float. The city does
not do anything about getting the debt down. Mr. Blank stated he wants to use
the Road Use Tax to finish his street that was not finished by the city two
years ago. Mr. Blank stated the Economic Board needs to slow down. Mr. Blank
asked how many dollars did the city receive for Sherwood Park.
Diane Hallie, 503 Sycamore Street stated she wants the Riverfront Renaissance
Plan as we have a hollow city, and we need something in the downtown. Ms.
Hallie stated she uses Met Transit, and the city needs to try to help Met
Transit. A lot of citizens don't drive, and Met Transit is necessary for them.
Jordan/Clark
that the hearing be closed and oral and written comments be received and placed
on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
116566 - Councilperson Welper stated that he believes the city needs to completely fund
Met Transit. Councilperson Hurley stated that it was the full understanding of
the council this morning that even though we have to cut the budget Met Transit
would be budgeted.
Councilperson Jordan stated this is his 9th year working on the city's budget,
and he has probably received the most telephone calls this year. Councilperson
Jordan stated he feels we need less government, we need to hold the line on
taxes, and he feels people pay their fair share. Councilperson Jordan stated
the council needs to get with Mayor Rooff, Department Heads and the Chief
Financial Officer to keep taxes down.
Councilperson Berry thanked the citizens for sharing their views, that she
thought she her mind was made up, but all the comments have had an impact on
her decision. Someone talked about being leaders and taking a leadership role
and she agrees. Councilperson Berry stated she feels Met Transit is extremely
important, and she does not want to cut them at all. Councilperson Berry
stated she does not know any city that can operate without an increase in
taxes. Councilperson Berry stated she does not believe this should be a burden
on the taxpayers when the problem is the city. Councilperson Berry stated she
has a problem with laying off personnel, but she is willing to compromise and
is now willing to make a compromise from 8.4 percent total increase to 6
percent total increase.
Councilperson Clark stated tonight's meeting reminds him of the meeting last
fall with residents of Dysart Road. Those residents pleaded with the council
not to pass the ordinance, and that council thought they were doing the right
thing. Councilperson Clark stated he hopes we do not pass an increase in taxes
thinking we are doing the right thing for the citizens when the citizens have
made it clear they do not want an increase in taxes. Councilperson Clark
stated the city cannot operate on 0 percent increase in taxes as that would
mean the city would have to cut 50 jobs. Councilperson Clark stated his
position is around 4 to 5 percent overall increase.
Councilperson Welper stated that we as a city need to take the lead to help
those who cannot pay taxes no matter what the increase, those on low -incomes
and fixed incomes.
Councilperson Greenwood stated he believes a high levy rate would do more to
deter economic efforts, and he believes the council needs to be very cognizant
of the levy rate. It is very evident the citizens do not want higher taxes.
Councilperson Greenwood stated the council met three to four hours for three to
four days per week. The city has been dealt a losing hand by the state with
the rollback figure, equalization and elimination of the machinery and
equipment tax. The city has five labor units with 421 employees in the General
Fund. Councilperson Greenwood stated he still feels the city has cards to
play, and he thinks there is money still on the table and he will not be
satisfied until the council looks at all of them. Councilperson Greenwood
stated he wants to make sure we give the citizens their money's worth.
Mayor Rooff stated he agrees with Councilperson Greenwood that there are issues
beyond the city's control such as the state rollback figure, labor
negotiations, and potential revisions to health insurance. Mayor Rooff stated
the city has good department heads, and they will do the job expected of them.
March 8, 2002 Page 6
BUDGET HEARING CONTINUED
Councilperson Getty stated that as has been mentioned, union negotiations are
continuing as the council tries to set a levy. Insurance and personal services
continues to increase. Either the city has lay offs or we cut services. There
is a lot of talk about quality of life. Budget meetings started with 12
percent increase in taxes, and the council worked through the budget.
Councilperson Getty stated he went to Crossroads and Hy-Vee today and talked to
people, and they don't want higher taxes. Councilperson Getty stated he is
setting at about 4 to 5 percent increase.
Jordan/Greenwood
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $28,886,821 with a
tax levy rate of $17.85 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Hurley stated he thinks that is too low and dangerous. Ten weeks
ago he was an ordinary citizens and now he is in one of the highest level of
democratic city government. Councilperson Hurley stated he was elected to take
in information and manipulate the information, and take facts and turn them
into understanding, and the council has done hundreds of hours of that.
Councilperson Hurley stated he pictures the city as treading in deep water and
has been for a long time, grasping for breath. Councilperson Hurley stated he
is not comfortable with this levy figure as it only allows the city to tread
water. This levy will require the city to do without some public safety and
shut down some parks.
Councilperson Berry stated that she agrees with Councilperson Hurley that this
levy is a danger zone.
Councilperson Welper stated he was elected to do a job, and that is to look at
the welfare of citizens. Councilperson Welper stated he will not put anyone's
life in jeopardy because of money, and he feels this levy is too low.
Councilperson Getty stated that not all of the cuts will be in public safety,
it means some services will be cut, but other things can also be cut.
Councilperson Berry stated she feels this levy will impact public safety, but
if that is what citizens want then she is for what the citizens want.
Councilperson Jordan stated the city has four months to work on this budget.
Next week the council is going to raise fees, and he is afraid if we raise fees
and taxes we will be hurting our city.
Councilperson Clark stated he does not agree with 0 percent or 8 percent
increase.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Two. Nays: Berry, Welper, Clark, Hurley, Getty. Motion
failed.
116567 - Clark/Getty
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $29,447,730 with a
tax levy rate of $18.19662 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Berry stated she looked at the budget inside and out so what she
is hearing from the council is they will look further to find $1 million
somewhere.
Councilperson Hurley stated the council has spent a lot of time since February
1, 2002 reviewing page after page of cuts, and if we go any further it equates
to people. This is not a scare tactic, but outside of public safety, there is
not a lot to cut unless the council wants to close buildings. The original
departments' request was a levy rate of $20.22035, the published levy was
$19.53695, and the council has been centering around $18.72. Going to 5
percent makes at least $940,000 in cuts to be made.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Two. Nays: Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Jordan, Hurley. Motion
failed.
• •
March 8, 2002
• •
Page 7
BUDGET HEARING CONTINUED
116568 - Hurley/Welper
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $30,008,639 with a
tax levy rate of $18.54662 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Greenwood stated he still thinks there is money on the table, and
he is convinced if we look at the budget for another month we would not be at
this levy. Councilperson Greenwood stated he does not support this levy.
Councilperson Berry stated she could live with a 7 percent total property tax
increase, but she would really want to look at the budget line item by line
item. It is important that the citizens know the council has been doing that.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Three. Nays: Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Getty. Motion failed.
116569 - Jordan
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget with a tax levy rate of $17.90 per
one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be adopted.
Councilperson Jordan withdrew his motion.
Jordan/Greenwood
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget with a tax levy rate of $17.95 per
one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Hurley stated that there is an increase of $2.5 million in items
the city has no control over, such as health insurance, dispatch, less revenue,
and pay increases. The city collected over $28 million in property taxes for
this year's budget, and needs $30.5 million just to provide the same services
in FY03 as we are doing this year. Councilperson Hurley asked how will we do
more with less.
Councilperson Welper stated he appreciates the citizens coming tonight, but he
wished they had the information the council has. These cuts will be drastic,
and when the city starts eliminating programs the citizens will not like that.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Three. Nays: Berry, Welper, Clark, Hurley. Motion failed.
116570 - Clark/Getty
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $29,447,730 with a
tax levy rate of $18.19662 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted. Ayes: Three. Nays: Welper, Greenwood, Jordan, Hurley. Motion
failed.
The Council recessed at 8:00 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
116571 - Berry/Clark
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $29,728,184 with a
tax levy rate of $18.37162 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Welper stated he appreciates the citizens, they all live here and
no one wants a tax increase. Councilperson Welper stated people tell him to do
what he has to do, don't let the city fall apart. Councilperson Welper stated
anything below 7 percent is unacceptable to him.
Councilperson Hurley agreed with Councilperson Welper. Councilperson Hurley
stated if the council locks in at this levy we have already made policy and
cannot go any higher. Councilperson Hurley stated he appreciates
Councilperson's Berry sincere effort but he cannot support this levy.
March 8, 2002 Page 8
BUDGET HEARINGS CONTINUED
Councilperson Jordan stated he has found that when you give politicians money
they will not give it back.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Three. Nays: Welper, Greenwood, Jordan, Hurley. Motion
failed.
116572 - Greenwood
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget with a tax levy rate of $18.10 per
one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be adopted.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilperson Welper stated that this morning he was at an 8.4 percent overall
increase, and he would be glad to lower that figure if someone could show him
how we are going to do that, but he does not believe we can accept
Councilperson Greenwood's levy without cutting programs and jobs.
Councilperson Greenwood stated it is not the council's job to micro manage, but
the council sets the budget and lets department heads decide how to do that.
Councilperson Hurley stated that he agrees in part with Councilperson
Greenwood, but the size and nature of the cuts will impact policy, people and
programs.
Welper/Hurley
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $30,008,639 with a
tax levy rate of $18.54662 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Jordan stated that Cedar Rapid raised its levy rate 3 percent.
Waterloo currently has the highest levy.
Councilperson Hurley stated Waterloo has the lowest medium priced houses in the
nation. The other side of a low levy is a broken downtown, broken down city,
unmowed ditches, buildings falling apart. Who would want to move into a city
like this with a great low levy.
Councilperson Berry stated she is comfortable the city will find other ways of
cutting back. Councilperson Berry stated she will support this 7 percent
increase with the understanding and assurance we can find ways of really
bringing the levy rate down further.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Three. Nays: Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Getty. Motion failed.
116573 - Getty/Greenwood
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $29,167,275 with a
tax levy rate of $18.02178 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted. Ayes: Three. Nays: Berry, Welper, Jordan, Hurley. Motion failed.
116574 - Hurley/Berry
that "Resolution approving F.Y. 2003 Budget in the amount of $29,728,184 with a
tax levy rate of $18.37162 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Hurley stated that the above motion lets people down who trusted
him and the levy amounts to thirty-seven cents per day.
Councilperson Welper asked where will the cut of 15 jobs come from. Mayor
Rooff responded we will have to cut programs, individuals or find savings.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Four. Nays: Welper, Greenwood, Jordan.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2002-122.
• •
March 8, 2002
• •
Page 9
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ADJOURNMENT
116575 - Clark/Berry
that the council adjourn at 8:31 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk