HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 08.20.2024MINUTES
CITY OF LAUREL
CITY COUNCIL i; . O
TUESDAY,F
A Council Workshop was held in Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Dave Waggoner
at 6:33 p.m. on August 20, 2024.
_x_ Tom Canape
_x_ Heidi Sparks
Michelle Mize
_x_ Jessica Banks
_x Casey Wheeler
_x Iry Wilke
_x_ Richard Klose
_x_ Jodi Mackay
Brittney Harakal, Council Administrative Assistant
Kurt Markegard, Planning Director
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer
Stan Langve, Police Chief
Lyndy Gurchiek, Ambulance Chief
Nancy Schmidt, Library Director
Matt Wheeler, Public Works Director
Public Input:
There were none.
General Items
Mayor Waggoner stated that Lyndy has had a title change from Ambulance Director to
Ambulance Chief.
Executive Review
1. Resolution - A resolution approving and adopting the Final Budget for the City of
Laurel for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Kelly Strecker, Clerk/Treasurer, briefly reviewed the attached budget message.
It was questioned if the street maintenance could be sent over for six months and then increased.
It was clarified that assessments are sent over once a year.
Council noted that the $250k is still included for the land use management plan. Council noted
they would like a resolution passed before actually moving forward on this plan. They noted they
would like a legal opinion from the attorney on the matter as well.
2. Resolution - A resolution levying taxes for general and specific purposes for the City of
Laurel, Montana, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
3. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing all of the property embraced within
Special Improvement Lighting District No. 2 of the City of Laurel, Montana, for the
entire cost of maintenance and electrical current for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
4. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing all of the property embraced within
Special Improvement Lighting District No. 3 of the City of Laurel, Montana, for the
entire cost of maintenance and electrical current for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing all of the property embraced within
Street Sweeping District No. 1 of the City of Laurel, Montana, for the purpose of the
sweeping of streets in the downtown or Business District for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
6. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of street maintenance and/or
improvements for Street Maintenance District No. 1 that constitutes all streets and
alleys embraced within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
7. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of street improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 113 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
8. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of sidewalk improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 115 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
9. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of sidewalk improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 116 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
10. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of sidewalk improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 117 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
11. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of sidewalk improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 118 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
12. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the cost of sidewalk improvements for
Special Improvement District No. 119 within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal
year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
13. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing the annual cost of sidewalk
improvements for residential properties pursuant to the City's Residential Sidewalk
Replacement Program within the City of Laurel, Montana, for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
14. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing a special tax against certain property in
the City of Laurel for delinquent water charges.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
15. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing a special tax against certain property in
the City of Laurel for delinquent sewer charges.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
16. Resolution - A resolution levying and assessing a special tax against certain property
designated as garbage districts in the City of Laurel, Montana, for the removal of
garbage and refuse.
Discussed during previous agenda item.
17. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving And Accepting Quote From
Morrison-Maierle Systems Technology Consultants For Managed Network Services.
Cover IT.
This resolution is for our managed services for IT. They have done an excellent job for the last
five years.
17. Resolution - A Resolution Of The City Council Approving And Accepting Possible
Nomination Of Riverside Park To The National Register Of Historic Places.
Council asked if putting Riverside Park on the National Register of Historic Places would limit
the ability to do things in Riverside Park.
It was clarified that there would be limitations, but what those limitations will be would need to
be clarified. The designation does help to preserve history. Receiving this designation would also
open the City up to grant funding as well. Council noted they would like more information on the
program before they make a decision.
Those buildings were built in the 1930s by the WPA. They were used for housing POWs during
WWII.
Council Issues
18. Follow Up on Planning Changes
Civil Attorney Braukrnann was unable to be here this evening. This item will be discussed at a
future Workshop.
Other Items
Attendance at Upcoming Council Meeting
Council Member Klose will not be at next week's meeting. All other Council Members will be
present next week.
Announcements
The next Emergency Services Committee meeting will be Monday, August 26, 2024, at 6:00
p.m. in Council Chambers.
The Laurel Chamber of Commerce is holding a Leadership Laurel Course. On November 21St
there will be a roundtable discussion with the students and Council Members. If any members
are interested, respond to Cami at the Chamber.
There will be another CPR class at 1:00 p.m. at the station.
The council workshop adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Res etfu submi d,
rit ney Hara 1
Administrative Assistant
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for
the listed workshop agenda items.
Budget Transmittal Letter
August 27,2024
Dear City rfLaurel Governing Body:
Transmitted herewith is the annual operating and capital budget recommendations for the
City of Laurel for the fiscal year ending June 30, 202& This year's budget was a difficult one, as
you know. Hard decisions have already been rnede. and | anticipate additional ones will have
to be made. Hovvever, wonderful things have come to fruition this past fiscal year. and | ern
incredibly proud of the City of Laurel staff, CouDci|, and community for coming together to
get these projects completed.
The mill value came inet iUthis year, which isadecrease of$J iUover|ast
year. The rni|| value in 2023-2024 was ¢10]52.388/nli|i Last year, the City's total rni|| levy was
1138]3. and this year it is 145.44. The city had unused nOi||s from last year ofG.2Zwhich helped
cover the costs for this fiscal year. Overall, the City will receive an increase of 54S,716.74 in
taxable revenue.
The followinct are the chanqes in apportionment of the levies from 2023-2024 to 2024-202S:
Fur &
24-25 Le
aa -24 Levy
ifference
General Fund
77.S3
64
+13.53
Library
31.00
31.00
-0.00
Comprehensive Liability9.00
9.00
-0.00
Group Health
22.13
22.13
-0.00
Fire Disability
4.00
4.00
-0.00
Total
151.66
138.13
+13.53
The Comprehensive Liability Fund premiums have increased by $11,693.00. This is due to the
increase in liability and workers' compensation claims against the City. The last fiscal period
(in which our Montana Municipal Interlocal /"k4k4|/Y'\ claims are adjusted saw a slight increase
in both liability and workers' compensation C|Girns. Claims against the City are on a three-
year rolling calendar. The City of Laurel received an $11,859.00 retro adjustment, due to excess
reserves MK4|A had at the end of the 2023 Fiscal Year. This was an increase on last year's
adjustment of $1635.00. With the passage of the Safety P|@D' the city reduced the amount Of
Worker's Compensation c|airns, and safety is improving. We are actively working on
increased safety and informative measures for all City employees. This year. the
Comprehensive Liability Fund should have 2796 reserves in preparation for next year. At this
time last year, there were 13.43Y6 reserves in this fund. So, we have seen a significant
improvement inreserves for the City's iiabi|ityfund.
PEPS rates did not increase this year due to the contract statewide expiring. Per PEPS, this
amount would only increase on the City's side 0.196 per year through 2024. Please note that
this fund only covers the General Fund employees. All other funds must budget for their
employees' PEPS. As wages increase in the General Fund, so does PERS. With the lack of
additional tax revenues to support the General Fund, and other non -voted levied funds, the
reserves in the PERS fund are at up to 2996 this year. At this time last year, they were at 39%.
This is not an amount controllable by the City, as it is set based solely upon wages. While we
are cognizant of increased wages, various factors have impacted those wages the last fiscal
time period, and PEPS automatically accounts for these changes. Ofcourse, vvewill make iLa
focus tobevery cognizant OfGeneral Fund employee wages for the City, while also ensuring
vvehave asafe and functional employee pool.
Group Health, along with the Permissive Health Levy Fund, will provide insurance payments
tothe General Fund.
The Fire Disability Fund remains at 4.00 mills this year. The City has an obligation to fund the
Fire Pension for volunteers. These 4.00 rni||s amount to $38.82S.80 and will be given to the
Firemen's Relief Association for pension payments. The total pension that is expected to
approximately be distributed in the year 2O24 -2O25 is $38,825.80. The cash balance at the
end of June 2024 was $0. The 4.00 mills are to supplement the balance of the Pension Fund.
The Airport Authority Board has its own taxing authority. This year, the fund will receive 0]7
mills less than last fiscal year.
Fund:
24-25 Le
23 24 Levy
Dffererice
Permissive Levy for Health Ins. (HB409)20.50
23.17
-2.67
The permissive mill value was $256,655.78 in 2022-2023, $235,231.85in2023-2O24and valued
at$165.4978Othis fiscal year.
Empjoyae Wages and Benefits
Unemployment insurance has remained the same from last year with a contribution rate of
D02596, on gross wages, This is set by the Montana Department of Labor, and the City does
not control these contributions, except to the extent that we address U|[} claims. We have
taken an active ro|e, this past year, in working to reduce UID c|8inns, bvway ofresponding
with reasons for discharge and other factors that may affect whether an employee receives
UID benefits.
Workers' compensation rates overall went up this year. The City's mod factor, however,
decreased from .9561 in 2023-2024to .9300 in 2024-2025. Workers' compensation rates have
increased for all municipalities in MoOtana, the past year, so this overall increased was not
unexpected.
The Public Works Union was budgeted a 4% wage increase, as per their Collective Bargaining
Agreement. The Police Union was budgeted e $3.00 increase for police officers and $1.50 for
dispatch and animal control, according to the terms Of their Collective Bargaining
Agreement.
| am recommending a 4% increase in wages for non-union employees. This isconsistent with
market vvages, and it will a||ovv the City to remain somewhat -competitive in hiring and
retaining non -bargaining employees. It is, in tact. less than the COLA recommended increase.
but | feel like it is a fair increase, considering the budget constraints the City isfacing, while
still acknowledging inflationary COLA for non bargaining employees.
Fund 1000 - General Fund:
The General Fund appropriations are budgeted at$6]72.68G.0D.with revenues coming in at
$6.172,969.00 We should not be using cash reserves this year. The General Fund should have
3696reserves atthe end ofthe Fiscal Year.
Notable changes tOthe General Fund this year include:
" General Fund tax revenue increased slightly this year.
»
Department Heads were asked -to keep Expenditures fair and reasonable while we
address budget concerns.
Fund 2220 - Library
Revenues.,
« The projected t8xrevenuesana$3O8,64998fOrthisfisce|year.
o The Library Board has submitted their budget to the governing body for approval.
Fund 2250 - Planning
Revenues.
« The projected revenues from the County are 2126,000 for this fiscal year. and in slightly
higher than last year.
� The City is using current staff, Kurt Narkeoard, as the planning director. The City is also
contracting with KLJ Engineering when needed. The City is currently cross training with
the building department as well
Revenues.
o The City will not levy 2 mills this fiscal year.
Fund 2310 - Tax Increment Financing
- Revenues are calculated at $1,487,900.00 for this fiscal year
o Zoning, Subdivision and growth expenditures should be expected.
Fund 2400 & 2401 - Light Districts #2 & 3
Revenues:
o Light District #2 will be assessed at a rate of $39,791.60, and Light District #3 will be
assessed at a rate of $23,191.3S.
Expenditures.
^ Expenditures have increased slightly due toanincrease inutility costs.
Fund 2500 - Street Maintenance
Revenues.
" The State is still responsible for street cleaning on Main Street and South lstAvenue.
• The Street Maintenance assessment to the citizens of Laurel will be $930,250.33 for street
maintenance and $18`006.90 for the sweeping district.
nThe Street Maintenance Fund will continue toreceive the R-C}-VVfees.
Currently there are no projects scheduled,
Fund 2fiOO - Elena Rark Maintenance District
U��
" Elena Park Maintenance District will not be assessed this fiscal year due to excess cash
v $9,500 has been budgeted for Elena Maintenance District.
Fund 2702 - ExPendable Grant
» Amount available for reconstruction on the North Shore of the Yellowstone River is
$134,000.
Fund 2820 - Gas Tax
Revenues.
" The total revenue for the gas tax allotment this year is $304.983.80. which is down from
|astyear.
Expenditures.
n The 5 th Avenue through 7th Avenue Sewer and Street project will be partially funded
from gas tax.
Fund 2821 - HB 473 -Gas Tax
Revenues:
- The revenues budgeted from the State this fiscal year are $233.000.
Expenditures.
o $25O,OOOwas budgeted for Street Maintenance project this fiscal year.
Fund 2917 - Crime Victims Assistance
» This fund has $105J94.00 budgeted for a Crime Victims' Program. The City Prosecutor
and the Civil City Attorney are working on defining the necessity of this p[OQ[ann for
Laure|, hnvv funds can be used, and what would best serve the community, moving
forward. If these funds cannot be used towards a Victim/Witness Advocate program,
they will bereturned tOthe State, bvState law.
Fund 2928 - Transit Bus Grant
Revenues.
« The City's $43'935.00 grant to manage the bus transit system hes been renewed for this
fisca|year.
v General Fund will be transferring the City's match tothe Transit Fund.
Expenditures.
» $39.523.00 has been budgeted for the bus drivers that are employed by the Adult
Resource Alliance ofYellowstone County.
Fund 2952 - Eederal Equitable Sharing
Revenues.
* These revenues come from property confiscated by the Department of Justice during
drug seizures. The property is sold, and the revenues are distributed to those agencies
that are part of the DEA program. The use of the revenues received by the City is left to
the discretion ofthe Police Chief.
" The revenues can no longer be budgeted per the Department of Justice Standard
Operating Procedure for this fund.
Expenditures:
The expenditures for this fund can no longer be budgeted per the Department of Justice
Standard Operating Procedure for this fund.
Fund 3400 - SID Revolving
Expenditures. -
The cash in this fund is held for purposes of possible defaults on S|[} property payments.
If, for some reason, there is not enough cash in the S|[} Funds when debt service
payments are due, the cash in this fund may be transferred to the Debt Service Fund
/35OOfunds) tomake the payment.
Fund 3401 - SID 118 Reserve
Expenditures.-
" The cash in this fund is held for purposes of possible defaults on S|[) No. 118 property
payments. If, for some reasnn, a property owner defaults on their payment, the cash in
this fund may be transferred to the Debt Service Fund 3508 to make the payment. SID
No. 118 Reserve Fund may only be used for this purpose, and monies may not be
transferred toany other SID Fund.
Funds 3503 - 3508 - SID Debt Service Funds
o These funds will handle the debt service for S|D�. Money is collected through the tax
rolls as assessments to pay the SID bond payments.
Fund 4000 - Capital Im rovement Fund /C1P
Revenues.
o The General Fund will not be transferring any funds to the CIP Fund this year.
Fund 4001 - Capital Imp ovement, Street , Sidewalks and Parks
Revenues:
" The Sidewalk Assessments will be received in this revenue. The amount this year is
$4567S.
Expenditures.
"
The sidewalk program will be expended out ofthis fund uptothe available amount of
$88.090.49.
Fund 5210 - Water Fund
Revenues:
- The total anticipated revenue to be received is $4,037,940.
o /\ new water tank project is in the works. This project will extend to 2026 and will cost
about $20,000,000.00. The City will be applying for several grants to help fund this
project.
Fund 5310 - Sewer Fund
Revenues.
" The total anticipated revenue to be received is���0.O0.
Expenses:
u Anticipated for this year is the replacement of a new sewer main, which is located
�h �h ��
be�vveen5 and7 AY�.onl and Main Street.
Fund 5410 - Solid Waste
Revenues,
- The total anticipated revenue to be received is $1,346,500.00.
- Dumping Fees increased by about $20,000 this year.
7000 Funds - Trust and Agency Eunds
These funds are considered pass-through accounts The City collects the revenues and
disperses the revenue toother entities /agencies\.
The FY 2025 budget, as pnesented, will continue to support the City's endeavor to provide
exceptional service to Our community, adjust to growth and demand, and improve our
facilities all while considering the impacts on the City's property taxpayers.
Should you have any further questions about this year's budget, feel free tocontact Myself or
Clerk/Treasurer Kelly Strecker. We have provided a responsible and balanced budget that
meets all the needs of the Department Heads through this fiscal year, 2024-2025. We strive
every year to utilize the public funds in the best interest of the citizens, and | hope that you
feel vvehave succeeded.
With Appreciation,
Dave Waggoner