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05/21/1997BUDGET PUBLIC INPUT MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 21, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Tina Wilson Budget Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at Countryside Library. The Mayor stated this is the first of 3 meetings scheduled to encourage public input regarding the budget process. The City Manager will release the budget for FY (fiscal year) 1997/98 on July 1, 1997. Public Hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 4, and September 18, 1997. The “Vision” video was presented. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed a 10-year history of City revenues and expenses. The General Fund budget for the current year is $70,732,190. Franchise fees and utility taxes provide 31% and property taxes account for 28% of the City’s General Fund revenues. Other funding sources are interfund charges and transfers, intergovernmental revenues, licenses and fees, building permits, and miscellaneous categories. During the past 10 years, property tax revenues have risen from $15-million to almost $22-million in 1997, although property values have increased little during the past 7 years. The 5.1158 millage rate has remained unchanged for 7 consecutive years. Overall revenues have remained stable. In the past decade, Clearwater has grown by approximately 6,000 people to an estimated 103,000. She noted City property taxes account for only 22% of a property owner’s total tax bill. In response to a question, she stated other taxes are collected for the School Board, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, Juvenile Welfare Board, etc. Ms. Wilson reviewed General Fund expenditures: 1) 65% - employee salaries and benefits; 2) 15% - operating costs; 3) 12% - internal services; 4) 4% - debt service; 5) 1% - small capital expenditures; and 6) 3% - transfers to the Capital Improvement Fund. During the past 10 years, the number of City employees has increased by approximately 100 while many new programs were added including Community Outreach, Community Response Team, Sailing Center, Recycling and Stormwater programs, two new branch libraries, 69 new Police Department employees, etc. She noted 49% of the City’s budget is spent on public safety. Annual property tax revenues of $21.3-million do not cover the Police Department’s $23.8-million annual operating budget. Commission policy requires the City to maintain 10% of the current General Fund budgeted expenditures as a reserve. The current General Fund reserve level is at approximately $9.5-million. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson said some excess funds in the reserve are used, with Commission approval, for one-time capital improvement projects such as the Clearwater beach aquatic center. In response to a question, she said the reserve should not be used for the operating budget or to balance the budget. In response to a question, the City Manager said the State has mandated counties to decrease by 30% the amount of material sent to landfills and energy plants. Clearwater’s curb-side, curb-sort recycling program secures higher earnings when recycled goods are sold. Since the program began, the cost per household has decreased by $0.05. She anticipated another reduction will occur in 2 years. Recycling efforts also save Clearwater the $37.50 per ton dump charge. Each recycling bin contains a chip. Some recycling trucks are equipped with computers that identify which households recycle. Staff can focus marketing efforts toward those who do not participate. In response to a question, it was stated the City is not recycling telephone books any more due to the poor quality of the paper. In response to a question, it was stated the Commission will prioritize projects already identified for funding by the renewal of the Penny for Pinellas. The City expects to receive approximately $101-million in Penny for Pinellas funds over 10 years beginning in 2000. In response to a question, it was stated extra time required to complete the Landmark Drive Extension was due to the need for additional piers under the bridge. The delay for this Penny for Pinellas project will not cost the City extra. In response to a question, the City Manager said utilities are charged franchise fees for the privilege of placing poles on City streets and using City rights-of-way. Government expenses must be covered by revenue resources. Current rates will not be increased this year. In response to a question, it was indicated Bob Keller is the Assistant City Manager in charge of Economic Development. The City also is working on a regional basis with Tampa Bay Partnership and Pinellas County Economic Development efforts. The harmony among the Commissioners was noted. It was felt the City is doing a wonderful job. ITEM #2 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.