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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2020 MinutesCITY OF SEBASTIAN PEA UNION WAGE NEGOTIATIONS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 AT 2:40 P.M. Present: Al Boettjer, Staff Representative, Coastal Florida PBA/PEA Union Representative, 810 Fentress Court, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Paul Carlisle, City Manager, City of Sebastian Ken Killgore, Administrative Services Director/CFO, City of Sebastian Cynthia Watson, Human Services Director, City of Sebastian Naiomi Charles, Coastal Florida Public Employees Association, City of Sebastian Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) Mr. Boettjer stated that this union's position is no different from the Police Department's. They are hoping for a 3% increase in wages. He stated that Ms. Charles did not have the opportunity to hear everything that was discussed at the PBA meeting. He stated that at this point with the millage rate issues, it is unclear where the millage rate will be finalized, and if it is finalized at the 2.9399 rate, there will be no money available for raises. Mr. Carlisle explained that at the 2.9399 rate there is no money available for raises currently. If City Council approves the 3.1514 millage rate, that will add another $300,000.00 to the budget, and that may allow for a raise in wages. He further explained that in the beginning the state revenue share was estimated to be down 37%. The latest projection by the State is a 22% drop. He and Mr. Killgore do not think that figure is going to be sustainable. He explained that that reduction is not only here in Sebastian, but it is applicable to municipalities all over Florida. He stated if the State shows an increase in those revenue numbers, that will help with the budget. He does not know if that will happen. If the reduction in state revenues turns out to be the 10%, then that is a number that the City can work with in regard to wage increases. Mr. Carlisle stated that the Budget Advisory Committee had recommended that City Council go to the higher millage rate of 3.1514. He further explained that, if in the following quarter, state revenues continue to increase, that may provide an opportunity to come back and look at this matter again. He is willing to do that. If City Council finalizes the 2.9399 rate, he and Mr. Killgore will try to find a way to make a one-time payout. He did say there are some positive trends now, but as of today he cannot make any promises. Mr. Boettjer asked, if there are changes in City Council, will that affect the millage rate. Mr. Carlisle said he does not want to speculate as to what Council will do. He clarified that at the Council meeting on September 28th the millage rate can go down, but it cannot go up from what was decided on the 14th. He further explained that the 14th date was set way before anyone knew that the recall date would be the 15th. PAGE 2 Mr. Boettjer stated he has given the City a number, and everyone will have to come back to the table when there is more information on the millage rate. Mr. Carlisle said there can be another meeting set up for some time after the 14th. In the meantime he and Mr. Killgore will do the best they can with the current circumstances being what they are. The meeting ended at 2:55 p.m. ff