HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-08 CC WS - Approved
City Council 2009-07-08- 7:20 p.m.
Minutes of Work Session
Present were Mayor Capra, Council members Linda Broussard-Vickers, and Ben
Fehrenbacher. Also present was Finance Director, Mike Jeziorski. Absent was Council
member Tom Lee, Jeff Paar.
Administrator Larson reviewed the budget for 2009 indicating that the budget is tracking
pretty well and expenses should be about $115,000 below the adopted budget.
Additional savings are likely in the administration area, but it is too early to say for sure.
Revenue shortfalls of about $146,000 are expected due to building permit fees declining
and loss of Market Value Homestead Credit Aid. A negative issue is that capital expense
items for trail project engineering and the final payment for 2085 Cedar Street may cause
a deficit of about $250,000. Larson reviewed equipment needs related to the Cable Fund
and will put those items which total around $3000, on the next agenda.
Finance Director Jeziorski reported on the tax collections for 2009, noting that the rate of
collection is not significantly different than 2008. After the first half settlement,
collections were about 49% of levy, whereas 2008, first half settlement was at 50%.
Administrator Larson requested recognition of the work above pay grade, done by
Account Clerk, Kris Sweeney during the vacancy of finance director. The budget cannot
afford any monetary compensation, but Larson suggested that recognition be given
through additional PTO time. It was suggested that 8 hours be granted per each month of
the vacancy. This will be placed on the next agenda for action.
Larson reviewed the draft budget for 2010. The budget as presented shows revenue
losses due to the unallotment of Homestead Credit Aid of $69,000 and reductions in
permit fee revenue of around $75,000. It includes debt levy increases for the 2009 Street
Project of $125,000 and increases for seal coating in the amount of $173,000. Remaining
areas of the budget are remaining flat. The budget as presented has a deficit of $236,719,
so substantial cuts will be necessary. When those cuts are made, the levy will still have an
increase of around 10%, primarily due to the debt levy increase for the 2009 Street
Improvement.
To balance the budget, a number of things were discussed, including: No cost of living
adjustments for 2010, deferring capital expenses, cutting discretionary spending for
programs (parks, Fete des lacs, etc.), joint powers efforts with neighboring cities,
negotiating with suppliers, reducing engineering and legal fees, reducing or deferring
loan payments for the Hidden Spring Park. Another budget work session will be held
after the first meeting in August. Staff will explore some of these options and report back.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Dallas Larson, Administrator