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07/23/1991 - Budget Town Meeting BUDGET TOWN MEETING July 23, 1991 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at the Clearwater East Library with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Sue Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Also present were: Michael J. Wright City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Elizabeth Deptula Assistant City Manager Tina Wilson Acting Budget Director Jeff Harper Administrative Services Director Helga Graf Budget Analyst Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Mayor opened the meeting by stating this will be one of three public meetings on the budget. Michael Wright, City Manager, reviewed the budget, indicating that of the 127 million dollar budget, 55 million of it is from the General Fund which generates its revenues from taxes. He reviewed the various funds providing information on their revenue sources and the allocation for expenditures. In response to concerns raised at an earlier worksession, he provided a break down of expenditures for the Parks and Recreation Department, stating that 36% is for recreational programming, 23% for parks maintenance, 14% for the Nursery Division, 10% for administration and 17% for facility maintenance. He reported that one third of the City's revenue sources are property taxes. The proposed budget includes 3.8 additional people. In response to questions from the audience, the City Manager indicated the monies for the purchase of Maas Brothers are coming from the Penny for Pinellas Fund and some road monies from this year's budget. He also responded that the 1.1 million dollars in stormwater expenditures are being paid by the stormwater utility fee which is being collected monthly. A question was raised regarding what non-departmental funds were. Elizabeth Deptula, Assistant City Manager, explained the expenditures in this category cover such things as general obligation bond repayments, the self-insurance reserve, contributions to the Performing Arts Center and Theater and this year contains approximately $930,000 to provide salary increases for employees. Concerns were expressed regarding some of the figures not matching and Ms. Deptula explained that there is a difference between the net budget and the actual budget as there are some interfund transfers that must be subtracted out in order not to double count them. Discussion ensued regarding the gas system and it was stated the revenues from the gas division are not taxes. The City Manager reported the City is currently conducting a rate study for the gas division. Contributions of the gas division to the General Fund were explained. The City Manager indicated the City is planning a major expansion into commercial sales, particularly in Pasco County. A concern was expressed that payments from the gas system to the General Fund were not fair to all tax payers. In response to a concern regarding there not being enough customers added to the system, the City Manager indicated he is currently seeking a gas manager in order to better run and market the gas system. Questions were raised regarding the donation to the Center Foundation and it was indicated the monies requested were based on the City's usage of the facility. 77% of the people who use the center are Clearwater residents. In response to a question, it was indicated there were other charges depending on the program in which an individual may be participating. Discussion returned to the gas system with it being requested that when the City schedules to put gas lines in an area, people be notified that it will be available to them. Discussion returned to the Center Foundation with a concern being expressed that tax monies pay for centers all over Clearwater and there are still fees and charges for rentals and programming at those facilities. In response to a question, it was indicated the proposed budget does not increase the millage rate. Concern was expressed regarding an article which appeared in the paper indicating that up to 25% of City employees will be eligible for retirement within five years. It was indicated this will effect the contribution to the Pension Plan. It was also indicated there is an impact on the budget when an individual retiring has accumulated time for which they are paid and therefore remains on the payroll. That position is filled and we are in effect, paying two people for the one position. A concern was expressed regarding overfunding in the Pension Plan and it was indicated this was done in an effort to hold down future impacts of increased funding requirements. Suggestions were made, that due to the economic conditions in the country, the City should cut some of the employees and eliminate pay increases, eliminate and postpone all unnecessary projects and eliminate any travel, unless absolutely necessary. It was reported that most of the capital improvement projects are paid for through funds other than the General Fund. One citizen reported having been out of the country and being pleased to be back in the United States as things are much better here. Concerns were raised regarding the proposed beautification project on Courtney Campbell Causeway being too labor intensive. It was indicated landscaping has been planned using native, low maintenance, low water requiring plants. The State is funding a portion of this beautification project. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of enclaves and tourists on the City of Clearwater. A question was raised regarding whether or not lower maintenance plants were being considered for memorial causeway. It was stated Memorial Causeway was an exception as it is considered one of the gateways to the City. A renovation of the causeway had lowered maintenance with most maintenance going to the planting of annuals. Discussion returned to enclaves with it being indicated the legislature is approached every year regarding the problems municipalities have when they surround unincorporated areas. However, it is unlikely that favorable legislation regarding this will occur. City staff was commended for the new budget format as it is more helpful and easier to understand. It was still felt that the budget could be cut as, while the millage rate is not being increased, property assessments have, and therefore, more money will be coming into the City. Concerns were expressed that there were some expenses in this year's budget that would not be experienced the next year's budget. Concern was also expressed regarding the Parks and Recreation budget stating that it may be time to stop adding additional parks, etc. A concern was expressed that an individual had trouble getting gas turned on to leased properties. The City was urged not to take steps in terminating employees as this results in additional homeless and people requiring public services. In response to a question, it was indicated that Top of the World, which is a major enclave in Clearwater, has its own wastewater treatment facility and it was believed they use the effluent on their golf course. In response to a question, it was indicated that the City anticipates receiving 18 million through the State from a Federal pass through. A question was raised regarding for what bridge tolls were used and it was indicated these go into the bridge fund and pay for the maintenance and repairs to the bridge. In response to concerns regarding City employees, it was indicated vacant positions are reviewed prior to them being filled. It was indicated one assistant city manager position has been eliminated along with the associated clerical support. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.