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05/27/1997BUDGET PUBLIC INPUT MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 27, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Dr. Arlita Hallam Library Director Tina Wilson Budget Director Lucette Wombacher Senior Accountant Birgitt Dowd Parks and Recreation Programming Steve Miller Parks and Recreation Programming Supervisor Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl Special Assistant to the City Manager / Community Response Team Gwen Legters Board Reporter Members of the Public The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Adler Room of the Main Library. She stated this is the second of three community meetings scheduled to encourage public input regarding the budget process. The City’s Vision Statement and Video were presented. Budget Director Tina Wilson stated the City Manager will release the budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997/98 on July 1, 1997. Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for September 4 and 18, 1997. She reviewed a ten-year history of City revenues and expenses, stating the General Fund budget for the current year is $70,732,190. Primary sources of revenue are franchise fees, utility taxes, and property (ad valorem) taxes. Other funding sources were listed. She presented graphs of steadily rising tax revenues, stable City population growth, and property tax millage, noting millage has not changed in seven years. Referring to an ad valorem tax analysis, Ms. Wilson explained how residents may calculate their tax bill based on the current millage rate and their property value. Ms. Wilson highlighted the General Fund budget for FY 1996/97, stating 65% is spent on employee salaries and benefits; 15% in operating costs; 12% for internal services from one department to another; and 4% debt services, which includes debt on the police complex. During the past ten years, the number of City employees has increased by about 100. She listed the many new programs added. In response to a question, she stated 49% of the 65% is spent on Public Safety, noting the Police Department’s budget exceeds property tax revenues. She noted City policy requires maintaining 10% of the current budget expenditures as a reserve. The Mayor opened the floor for questions, announcing the third and final public input meeting is scheduled for May 29. One man praised the City Commission for diffusing problems in the community and improving employee/citizen relations by creating a team to develop a vision. In response to a question, Commissioners listed budget elements under consideration to stimulate tourist trade in the North Clearwater area. Highlights include a month-long Streetfest, Spring Training Month, and Savannah, a Black History Historical Statement. The North Greenwood Community Task Team was recognized for its work to provide an interconnection between the City and community, helping people identify priorities in their neighborhood. In response to questions, an update of the Stevenson’s Creek cleanup efforts was given. Discussion ensued regarding the earlier comparison between the cost of Public Safety and property tax revenues. One citizen questioned whether budget emphasis is being placed on affordable housing development. Discussion ensued regarding use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and City Capital Improvement Project budget dollars. The citizen noted houses built through the Infill Housing Program have added over $4 million in City revenues. If that figure is correct, affordable housing development as a means of generating revenue was suggested as one way North Clearwater can contribute to a Sparkling Clearwater. One citizen who enjoyed the Vision video asked the producer for more cultural diversity, with greater representation of the City’s African American population. A suggestion was made to incorporate members of City advisory boards to add diversity to the presentation. Adding children to the beach scenes was suggested to encourage people to bring their children. Commissioners agreed diversity is a very important part of the City’s strategic plan. Discussion ensued regarding income from user fees versus tax revenue. While a good source of revenue, user fees can block opportunity for those who cannot afford to pay. However, user fees are a way to realize income from hospitals and other non-profit uses that do not pay property taxes. The City tries to strike a balance. In response to a question, it was explained how the Community Response team actively enforces code violations when the property owner lives out of state. Questions were raised about the budget cycle and when the public could expect to see itemized projections. It was indicated public meetings such as the one tonight will give the Commission an idea of the public’s priorities to facilitate preparation of the July 1 budget document. Citizens with suggestions were encouraged to attend the May 29 meeting, or submit their ideas in writing to the City Manager’s office as soon as possible. One citizen requested additional funding to expand entertainment for the growing Mayfest event. The importance of quality homes to the affordable housing program was stressed, as less quality structures may be more affordable, but would not add value to the community. Commissioners were invited to the North Greenwood Renaissance parade on Saturday. City funding for the Free Clinic was suggested. It was indicated the Greenwood Panthers and other groups are competing for dollars. A question was raised whether the City Commission would consider floating a bond to fast track recreation. It was indicated the City Manager has been investigating, but no numbers have been presented. The Finance Director is studying how Penny for Pinellas projects would impact projects not on the list. The Mayor favored long-range bonding because future users are the ones who help support the bonded project. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.