April 15, 1996, 4:00 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Lou Colosimo
Councilmembers
Roy A. Nikas, Betty P. Wheeler, Steve Bringhurst, Stephen L. Denison,
Joe L. Piccolo
Vernon W. Jones (Adminis. Assistant), Joanne Lessar
(City Recorder), Pat Larsen (Finance Director), Cobb Johnson (Public Works Director)
1. BUDGET WORKSHOP - FY1996/97
The Council met to review the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 1996/97.
Before the meeting proceeded, Pat Larsen suggested that the Water Fund be balanced, which
is out of balance by $160,400. If the sewer camera is purchased in this budget year, then
$30,000 can be subtracted, bringing the total to $130,400. Capital Expenditures, which are
the first items to be cut, was reviewed. Paul Wheeler, Water Supt., felt his department
needs the sewer truck. He could delete replacement water lines amounting to $100,000 and
replacement valves totaling $5,000 to $7,000, but would like to keep the sewer truck and
backhoe in the budget. It was suggested that the City look at reducing the amount of funds
paid to Price River Water Improvement District. Instead of sending them $15/month per
connection, that it be reduced to $12/month per connection. The City presently keeps
$1/month per connection. The additional $3 would bring in extra revenue. This equates to
$150,000/year. Another option would be to raise the sewer fee $2 or $3. However, the
Council was not in favor of raising sewer fees. The recommendation to reduce the payment
to PRWID is subject to approval by the City Attorney to make sure it is legal.
Pat Larsen stated that another $52,600 needs to be added to the Main
Street project. Including this amount, the General Fund is out of balance $968,000. Pat
stated that it is possible to take $53,000 out of Redevelopment Funds for 1996/97 to fund
the Main Street Project. The Council felt Redevelopment funds should not be used for this.
It is possible that 5 or 10 projects could be completed with these funds, even if they
have to be limited.
The Council reviewed personnel costs. Pat indicated that current earnings
are $2,459,000. Estimated earnings for the next fiscal year are $2,650,000. Requested
positions to be added for the coming year is an Assistant Engineer, 2 additional Firemen,
Weed Control Officer, 2 Library Aide, 5 Lifeguards, and a temporary Laborer for the Parks
Dept. The Shop Superisor is not a new position. The last supervisor quit in September and
a replacement was never appointed. These new positions amount to $121,000. The proposed
cost of living is 2.7%, totaling $66,400. Merit increase requests total $25,430. It was
noted that some merit increases are as high as 9% to 11%. It was recommended that the
merit increases be capped between 3%-4%. The Council recommended that the Assistant
Engineer, one of the Library Aides, and the 2 Firemen be deleted. Cobb Johnson recommended
that the Shop Supervisor position be funded. As one of the older workers might retire in
July, Pat did not fund the position occupied by him. If he doesn't retire, the funding for
the Shop Supervisor would be used for his position. The Council discussed the $5.25/hour
for temporary employees. The supervisors do not like this wage. The $5.25/hour wage was
implemented approximately 3 years ago. However, some temporary employees who were working
before the $5.25 was implemented, are at $6.50/hour. Those employees earning $6.50/hour
have not received a cost of living increase for the past 3 years. It was suggested to
increase those employees who are making $5.25/hour, an additional $.25 for each year they
are called back until they reach $6.50. The temporary employees who have been here 5 years
or longer and are making $6.50/hour should receive the cost of living adjustment.
The Council reviewed the list of requested reclassifications, merit
increases, and the percentages employees received during the evaluation process. Pat
stated that the reclassifications amount to $28,570 and the cost of living adjustment is
$66,400 (2.7% increase). It was recommended to allocate a certain amount of money for
merit increases. The money could be split per the department ratio depending on how many
full time employees the department has. It would be up to the supervisor to determine how
the money is split. It was recommended to set $20,000 for merit increases, $5,000 for
supervisors, and place a cap of 3% as the maximum increase that a supervisor could give to
any one person. A base that could be used is the number of years with the City and the
number of years in their position.
The salaries of supervisors were reviewed. It was found that two
supervisors fell below the mid range. They were at 89% of average, while most supervisors
were near 100% or above. It was suggested that the salaries of the two individuals be
increased to mid range. The Council discussed the criteria to be considered for mid range,
and whether consideration should be given for the length of service or the length of time
in the position. As the Crossing Guards were below minimum, it was recommended that their
salaries be increased to the minimum amount.
In order to try and balance the budget, the following items were deleted:
GIS Computer Program - $5,000
Reconstruction of 700 - 800 North 500 East - $50,000 Cemetery Office Complex - $150,000
Central School Parking Lot - $30,000
Police Car - $20,000
Police Car Equipment - $2,000
Alley - $12,000
Streets Dept. Dump Truck - $50,000
West Park - $18,000
Basketball Court - $9,000
Resealing of Dome B - $48,000
Replacement of Water Lines - $15,000
The Council discussed options to increase revenue, such as one mill on
property taxes for the Library, increasing electric power rates, and adding $.20/month on
garbage service.
As it was not possible to go over all items in the proposed budget, the
Council set scheduled another meeting for 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23rd.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.