08/10/1999PUBLIC MEETING
re Budget
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 10, 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
Bill Horne Assistant City Manager
Bob Keller 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 3:01 p.m. to review issues regarding the Fiscal Year 1999/00 operating budget and programs.
Financial Services Administrator Margie Simmons reviewed general fund reserves, policies, a survey of other city policies, and issues to consider when determining the size of the reserve.
The City will need to make accounting changes to the reserves in 2002 due to governmental procedures.
Member Johnson moved to lower the general fund reserve from 10% to 9%. There was no second.
Discussion ensued regarding Y2K impacts. It was remarked a 10% reserve is conservative, as similar cities have 8% reserves. Budget Director Tina Wilson said maintaining a 10% reserve
would require returning an extra $800,000 to the reserve pool. As the economy is growing, it was felt reserves should increase. A meeting will be scheduled to address this and other
policy matters. Discussion ensued regarding suggested program reductions and revenue sources.
Consensus was to approve: 1) $41,650 - tax savings from Jack Russell Stadium; 2) carrying forward this year’s vision funds of $200,000 to next year’s budget; and 3) increase General
Fund salary savings from 1.2% to 1.7%. It was stated if the County administers the Housing and Employment Discrimination Program, associated costs could be reduced, and eliminated next
year. It was questioned if departments can meet their budgetary goals before an increase in the “payment in lieu of taxes” to 5% is considered. Consensus was to fund the recreation
center at Jasmine Courts for this year and to explore other options for the future. Consensus to add firefighters.
Discussion ensued regarding funding of the Long Center. Consensus was to retain.
Two residents spoke in favor of keeping the Ross Norton pool open year round. Staff was requested to determine fees necessary to keep the pool open in the winter and consider programs
that can generate enough revenue to break even.
The City Manager said today’s comments and directives will be included with updated information for the Commission before the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m.