HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 03.18.2004 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 18, 2004 5:30 P.M.
OLD COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Mark Mace
Mayor Ken Olson
Kate Stevenson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mary Embleton
Scott Wilm, 1't Assistant
Fire Chief Terry Ruff
J. Williamson, Treas.
The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Mark Mace at
5:35 p.m. There were no members of the public present for comment. The purpose of
the meeting was to discuss the following Preliminary budgets:
Fire Department
Fire Relief Association
Fire Chief Terry Ruffpresented the Fire Department budget. He proposed to add the
position of Maintenance Officer for $50/month. Also proposed is a $600 increase in
office supplies. The department has increased the appropriation for Clothing and
Uniforms every year to replace as many sets of fire gear as possible. However, this line
item may decrease due to the recent request to get all of the bunker gear at one time
through the bidding process, and finance the purchase through an Intercap loan.
Therefore, the debt service needed will transfer from the clothing allotment. The
department is upgrading their consumable tools, and has increased the photo supply
request. Training services has increased by $3,000 as the department hopes to use 2
donated box cars for live bum training.
Emergency Service Runs is increased by $10,000. This consists of increasing the hourly
rate fi'om $6.00 to $8.00. This may require a resolution. The hose test service remained
the same, but the testing requirements have become more stringent. The $25,000 debt
service would be a carryover to next year for a new fire track. Overall, the department
increase is 10%.
Income from Fire Districts is approximately $175,333. This does not include the special
fire billing, as it is not a consistent revenue stream. Capital Outlay requests included:
Hose Test Pump - $5,000 Fire Gear (already on-going) $35,000
Radio Replacement (may be able to do a few every year from supplies) $15,000
Tender #2 (need a smaller vehicle for more accessibility) $100,000
The Fire Relief Association budget was presented by Treasurer J.E. Williamson. He
told the committee that there are 36 to 38 retirees that receive a check every month. This
is one of the few locally managed retirement organizations left in the state. Thek money
has been invested very well, but with the low interest rotes, investments will not be as
helpful as in the past. The association has about $66,000/year in expenses. AS of 3/1/04,
Budget Work session
March 18, 2004
Page 2
their market value balance was $454,613.75. This value is predicted to decrease to
approximately $385,000 by 6/30/04. There are only 3 high-yielding strips left, and they
will mature 11/04, 6/05, and 4/06. The state's appropriation from insurance premiums
keeps decreasing. Therefore, the association's cash balance may soon fall below the 4%
of taxable value, either this year or the next. The city will then have to leW mills.
Without any other revenues, the association could be out of money in 2 years.
Discussion followed.
Terry raised questions regarding some of the wording in the fire district contracts. The
committee recommends that the contracts be reviewed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. The next budget work session is scheduled for
Wednesday, March 24th at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Council Chambers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Clerk/Treasurer