CCP 09-14-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of Special Finance Committee Meeting. September 10, 1987 Page 2 . It was asked if reserves were available to be used to avoid cuts in the proposed levy. Committee discussed past City philosophy (and recommendations of its auditors) that the General Fund retain reserves sufficient to cover six months' operation (estimated balance $623,477 12/31/88). The PIR fund has been used to internally finance new construction projects, with the monies being paid back to the PIR fund when assessed, or levied for, as the case may be. Using interest earned by the PIR fund is a possibility; however, Steele pointed out that the overages in the budget are primarily expense items, would not seem to be appropriate items to fund from these interest earnings. General Committee consensus seemed to be not to fund any General Fund expenses from any reserve source. Review of Proposed 1988 Expenditures For purposes of clarity, the expenditures reviewed will be presented in the order in which they appear in the budget, although not discussed by the Committee necessarily in that order. p. 10, Mayor and Council Account No. 319, Management Fees, is increased to $5,000; in 1988 the contract with the Public Works employees will be open for negotiation. Account No. 351 provides $500 for preparation and printing of a publicity brochure about Arden Hills, to be used for new or potential residents and businesses, investors, etc. . p. 12, Municipal Court Account No. 304, Legal Fees, provides for a 5% increase in prosecuting attorney fees (requested by Attorney Filla) in 1988. p. 14, Election and Voter Registration Account No. 104, Temporary Employees Salaries...Committee asked if purchase of the punch card voting system had not reduced the number of election judges required. The system has reduced the number needed for counting ballots (now done mechanically), but more day time judges will be needed in 1988 since it is a presidential election year, with anticipated larger numbers voting than in other elections. p. 16, Administrative Office Account No. 107, Administrative Office Salaries, adds $26,000 for employment of a Chief Financial Officer. Committee asked rationale for this request; Morrison explained that her expertise is in administration, not in financial areas; felt the City is becoming larger and more sophisticated, needs a person experienced in City accounting and investment to oversee budgeting and financing operations. She added that the duties and responsibilities she has as clerk-administrator in responding to citizen requests and overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as the other functions involved, more than fill her time. Committee asked if McNiesh was available to continue to consult, asked if Treasurer Green was available for consultation on long range planning and financing operations; both answered in the affirmative. An alternative . proposal discussed by Morrison was promotion from within, and addition of a clerk-typist to assume some of the office functions.