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CITIZENS BUDGET REVIEW ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
6:00 P.M. MONDAY — AUGUST 12, 2013
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN
Chairman Herlihy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL:
Present:
Ed Herlihy
Dionna Farmer
Gary O'Hara
Christine Vicars
Harry Marshall
Bruce Hoffman
Absent:
Tim Slaven (excused)
Also Present:
Debra Krueger, Administrative Services Director
Ken Killgore, Finance Director
Greg Witt, Deputy Police Chief
Jeanette Williams, Recording Secretary
4. Approval of Minutes:
a. Meeting of July 1, 2013
MOTION by Mr. Marshall and SECOND by Mr. Hoffman to approve the July 1,
2013 minutes passed with a voice vote of 6 -0.
5. Review of Third Quarterly Financial Report
The Finance Director said the report will be submitted to City Council; the
changes are noted in the exhibit to the resolution; the graphics indicate
expenditures and reserves are in line; the City is on schedule with the special
revenue and capital improvement projects; and because of our compliance with
our repayment obligations, Fitch has upgraded the City's rating on the
Stormwater Bonds.
In response to Ms. Farmer regarding the Fitch rating, the Finance Director
explained ratings indicate the City's risk factor and the upgraded AA rating, from
last year's AA -, is an improvement.
Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee 2 August 12, 2013
6:26 pm
Mr. Hoffman asked the Finance Director if he expected the reserve funds for the
Golf Course and Airport to be negative at the end of the year. The Finance
Director replied if the unpaid accruals of sick and vacation time were funded,
there would not be enough cash.
Mr. Hoffman pointed out in the stormwater utility fund, the operating expense is
over $51,000, but there was none in the prior three years. The City Manager
said this is the first year they will show the electrical expense for the pumps, one
pump was replaced, and outside engineering assistance was needed to improve
the City's NPDES Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Mr. Hoffman asked if the 91 % was the end of the debt service fund. The Finance
Director confirmed that it was.
Chairman Herlihy congratulated the Finance Director for his expediency in
providing the report and the improved bond rating.
6. Budget Update by the City Manager
The City Manager said the two general fund pieces missing from his July 1 st
presentation were employee health care and surplus monies for employees. He
noted the health care renewals have come in as staff predicted but there has not
been an agreement reached with the PBA and PEA. He offered to schedule
another meeting with them when the union negotiations are done or answer any
questions.
7. Board Review and Comments on Draft Proposed Budget
Mr. Hoffman asked what impact the working waterfront lawsuit will have on the
budget. The City Manager said that would not be known for quite a while; the
City did file a motion to dismiss; right now the City Attorney's budget would cover
the special counsel's expense; and if it does go bad, reserves will cover the
expense. He did not recommend any change to the budget for the lawsuit.
Ms. Farmer asked if the budget needs to be adjusted for the recommendation
made by the MIS Auditor. The City Manager said not at this time, there will be a
new position in the budget and then a better determination will be made on
hardware /software changes.
MOTION by Mr. Hoffman and SECOND by Mr. Marshall to accept the quarterly
report as presented passed with a voice vote of 6 -0.
8. Memorandum on Discussion During Council Budget Workshop — Ed Herlihy
Chair of Citizen's Budget Review Advisory Board
Chairman Herlihy went over his list included in the agenda packet. There was no
further interest in reducing the police car fleet.
Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee 3 August 12, 2013
The City Manager said Council authorized half of a revenue sharing formula with
employees to improve benefits or wages noting the termination of furlough days
would be 70% of that formula and would only happen if furlough days ended this
fiscal year; however, at this point it is still under union negotiations. Mr. Hoffman
said if that is accepted, would there a corresponding reduction in overtime. The
City Manager explained police overtime will be reduced but because we were
conservative with the state shared revenue projections, wiggle room would be
available to cover the cost of ending furlough days but management still needs to
receive a written response from the PBA and PEA. Mr. Hoffman encouraged a
10% reduction in overtime.
The City Manager pointed out the mechanisms put into place to absorb the 4.2%
health care increase worked this year.
Chairman Herlihy said going forward property valuation will be about 3% which is
more than they expected.
Chairman Herlihy said the Golf Course was holding steady; the Airport is
continuing to grow and hopefully someone will open up some industrial jobs.
Mr. Hoffman asked if the Building Department accumulates a surplus, what will
happen to those funds. The City Manager said at the start of recession in 2006,
the City transferred $1.5M from the general fund to create a building fund,
reduced staff, brought over the business tax staff for stabilization and now should
pay back the general fund but at this point, the City needs to sit tight.
9. Committee Comments and Direction on Committee Report to the City Council
Chairman Herlihy asked if there was anything to recommend to Council. Mr.
Hoffman suggested they not Lill the Fese e fi nr! *that Council not reduce the
reserve fund and preserve its current level.
10. Other Discussion /Questions by Committee Members
Chairman Herlihy reminded them that Council will have their first budget
workshop Monday, August 19tH
11. Public Input — None.
12. Being no further business, Chairman Herlihy adjourned the Citizens Budget
Review Advisory meeting at 6:49 p.m.
Y
C CChair an Ed Herlihy / Date
*Approved as amended in item 9.