HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 10.21.2003 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 21, 2003 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Ken Olson Dan Meats
Mark Mace Bud Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton Judge Jean Kerr
The regular meeting of the Budget/Finance Committee was called to order by Chairman
Ken Olson at 5:03 p.m. This meeting was rescheduled from Monday, October 20th due to
lack ora quorum.
No public attended the meeting to offer public comment.
A resolution (#R03-111) for increases in Ambulance compensation is on tonight's
council agenda. The Ambulance department requested that the increases be retroactive to
July 1st, and Mayor Johnson told the department that he would bring it before the
committee. After discussion, the committee agreed with the wording of the resolution,
which states an effective date of October 13th.
Judge Jean Kerr addressed the committee regarding her request for a wage increase to
$25,000. She told the committee that her previous requests in July and August during the
budget process, received no response. Her wage when she took office in 1998 was
$19,600. In 1999, it was increased to $22,000; and in 2001, it was increased to the
cun~nt $22,500. She presented additional information and support for her request in the
form of increased revenues fi.om the court. Bud suggested that the committee take the
request under advisement so that he may research and bring information back to the
committee. Ken made a statement onthe process of requesting increased wages. He
thought that it was handled through the budget process. Jean stated that she did not see
her request go through the budget process or in any council or committee minutes. She is
not aware that her request received any discussion, and she did not receive any response.
She also stated that Billings justice court judges receive cost-of-living increases and
longevity. Laurel volunteers are getting increases. Ken promised that the request will be
discussed, and thanked Jean for coming to the meeting.
The minutes for the October 6, 2003 Budget/Finance regular meeting were approved as
presented.
September Journal Vouchers #311-318, and Utility Billing adjustments for September,
2003 were reviewed by the committee. Mary explained that the sewer bond is paid in full,
and that the $75,000 bond reserve, as well as the $5,300/mo transfer for debt service, may be
available for use as part of the $268,000 match for the CDBG grant. Ken asked that the
matter be placed on the next committee agenda for further discussion.
Budget/Finance Committee
October 21, 2003
Page 2
The September 2003 Financial Statements were reviewed by the committee. Dan asked
about the large expenditure on Garbage, and Mary explained that it was due to the payment
for the new garbage truck. The committee recommends approval of the statements by the
council.
The following purchase requisitions were reviewed and approved:
GENERAL FUND:
Dell laptop computer - fire department $ 2,710.00
2 new portable radios - ambulance $ 640.00
New stair chair - ambulance $ 2,000.00
WATER FUND:
3 drams polymer -plant $ 1,263.90
Install new communication wire to conttol board - plant $ 1,595.63
SEWER FUND:
Vacuum pump and repair kit for Village Sub Lift Station - system $ 1,000.00
The committee reviewed the Comp/OT reports for PPE 10/12/03. Mary mentioned the 8½
hour work days for the police officers and dispatchers seem to have reduced the amount of
overtime in the police department. This change was something that the mayor and
committee were not aware of, and discussion regarding the lack of information to the policy-
setting body ensued.
The Payroll Register for PPE 10/12/03 totaling $118,983.96 was reviewed and the
committee recommends approval by the council. Mary explained the report to Dan Mears.
Mary asked the committee if there were any comments or changes to the proposed
Budget Amendments. There were none. Due to lack of adequate time, the committee
did not get to review the Budget Timeline, and set a special meeting for October 27th to
discuss and prepare the document. Mary presented the completed State Budget
Document, which was due October 4t~. This date will be considered as part of the
timeline process. A copy of the document will be made available for circulation among
the committee members.
Other issues discussed by the committee included: Chairman Olson suggested that an
agenda item, "For next agenda", be added to the end of future agendas. The sewer issues
mentioned earlier are an example of this.
Budget/Finance Committee
October 21, 2003
Page 3
The next regular Budget/Finance meeting will be held on Monday, November 3ra at 5:00
p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.n~
Respectfully Submitted,
Clerk/Treasurer