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07/13/1999PUBLIC MEETING re Budget CITY OF CLEARWATER July 13, 1999 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager Bill Horne Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. to review issues regarding the Fiscal Year 1999/00 operating budget and programs. Opening remarks and general overview The City Manager said Commission questions from previous worksessions were incorporated into the “Budget Calendar Fiscal Year 2001.” In January 2000, priorities for the upcoming budget will be established. Additional departmental budgets will be reviewed tomorrow. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed changes to the proposed 1999/00 budget since June 18, 1999. She noted the general fund expenditure budget is approximately $80 M, a 3% increase over 1999. She said the Police and Fire Departments represent 49% of the general fund budget. Major proposed budget increases are for Police and Fire salaries and fire engine purchases. In the 1999 budget, proposals are to appropriate retained earnings for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, vision funding, and some contractual services for the Economic Development office. The City Manager has added back a portion of Human Relations Department funding for housing, EOC complaints, and other projects. Increasing the property tax rate to 5.7158 mills, would increase taxes for owners of $100,000 homes by $45 annually, if property valuations remain constant. The City Manager said employees are reviewing each operation to see if new revenues can be generated, if projects can be postponed or if projects should be expanded. Public Works Administration Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reviewed general fund programs, engineering services, and projects. He said engineering projects have increased by 120%. He reviewed projects being cut, transferred, or reduced. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson said departments were asked to present a zero growth budget. Salary increases and associated benefits must be not exceed 4%. City expenses for medical insurance and other benefits increased by 10%. Mr. Baier said most of his budget is allocated to stormwater, parking, and the water and sewer system. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said a $193,000 proposed cut for in-house CAD (Computer Aided Design) services would have interfered with public interface. That funding was returned to the budget after analysis indicated outside services would cost 3 to 4 times more. Related services require engineering technicians to perform intricate background work for project renderings, detailed plans to assure required distances to residences are maintained, assistance to other departments, assistance in litigation services for maps, publications, drawings for court cases, parking, and other services. CAD and other engineering services frequently overlap. Ms. Wilson said when possible, time is charged to specific projects. In response to a question, Finance Administrator Margie Simmons said the use of stormwater related fees is tied to project schedules and is reflected in the transfers category. Mr. Baier said some projects require up-front payments and reimbursement delayed until project completion. He said the Public Works Department's focus is on public safety. Fire Department Fire Chief Rowland Herald reviewed the proposed FY 1999/00 budget. In response to a question, he said the Fire department is understaffed. The addition of 6 employees will bring the department's staffing level to what it was 20 years ago. It was remarked the Fire Department's needs should be addressed now. It was requested that meetings be scheduled soon to discuss this issue. It was remarked the Commission had not had adequate time to consider the proposed fire fee, review the department’s financial dilemma, and for staff to research other funding sources. Long term solutions are necessary. In response to a question, Chief Herald said the budget was submitted with a zero and 1% increase. In response to a question, he said the department's immediate need is for increased staff. The importance of addressing public safety issues for Sand Key and all areas of the City was noted. It was felt this budget does not meet department needs. Planning and Development Services Planning and Development Services Administrator John Asmar reviewed the department’s budget. Outstanding issues include technology initiatives, annexation, the Governor’s Front Porch Initiative, and space. In response to a question, Mr. Asmar said he plans to review how the City delivers services. As technology changes, staff will determine if the Tidemark system is a viable vendor. The importance of the Neighborhood Services Program was noted. Development Services Director Jeff Kronschnabl reviewed the department's areas of responsibility, outstanding issues, revenue enhancements, and other key issues. In response to a question, he said the additional person will allow a more proactive collection of license fees. The City expects to gain $150,000 in additional revenue this year. The meeting recessed from 6:14 to 6:29 p.m. Police Department Chief Sid Klein compared the department's FY 98/99 and FY 99/00 budgets. He reviewed the potential of nonfunded budget impacts. A concern was expressed regarding future funding for CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program) as federal dollars for similar programs are shrinking. The Chief felt a downtown patrol is necessary. A concern was expressed regarding the elimination of the PST (Police Service Technician) position at City Hall. In response to a question, the City Manager said patrons can consult a directory of services at each location should the PST program be eliminated at the MSB, City Hall, and Library. Concern was expressed regarding plans to eliminate the volunteer handicap ticketing program. The Chief indicated he would do what needed to be done to keep the program. It was remarked that Charlotte, North Carolina has reported its new system to monitor traffic violations such as running red lights, etc. has paid for itself with fines collected for violations. Chief Klein said the Florida Legislature had not approved that system. The Mayor was disappointed the public had not attended today’s meeting. The City Manager said the meeting had been advertised in the newspaper. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.