HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 03.25.2004 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 25, 2004 5:30 P.M.
OLD COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Mark Mace
Mayor Ken Olson
Kate Stevenson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mary Embleton
Police Chief Rick Musson
The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Mark Mace at
5:30 p.m. There were no members of the public present for comment. The purpose of
the meeting was to discuss the following Preliminary budgets:
Police/Communications/Animal Control Department - General Fund
FAP Building - General Fund Drug Forfeiture Fund
Police Trainkng Fund 9-1-1 Fund
COPS Grant Fund Federal Equitable Sharing Fund
Police Chief Rick Musson presented the Police Department budget. The 12t~ officer for
the SRO for the middle school is included in the wages. There is a Memorandum of
Understanding being prepared to reflect a 75/25 split with the school district for wages,
with the school reimbursing the city 75% of the officer's wages. The MOU will be going
to the school board next week. The high school SRO is at 50/50 until 2005. The next
contract will be negotiated for 75/25. Officer Langve will be the new high school SRO
next fall, and Officer Popp has recently begun as the middle school SRO. The COPS
grant for the SRO middle school program will be applied to the officer's wages who
replaced Officer Popp. It also provides for a training school in Milwaukee: $1,200 for
the officer and $1,200 for a school administrator. Rick poimed out that the budget for
overtime has been increased, mainly for the HIDTA grant; however, any major crime can
cause the overtime to be higher, and therefore, is unpredictable. Discussion followed
regarding the level of stalTtng. The assessment done 5 years ago by Mx. Crockett showed
a staffing level of 13, but things have changed since then, such as assigned duties (i.e.
investigator, SRO program, etc.). Rick then reviewed the remainder ofhisbudget. The
vehicle repair and maintenance line item has been holding. The departraent has benefited
from the donation of a vehicle for the SRO program, the recent acquisition of the vehicle
from federal surplus, and the motorcycle program. During discussion of the motorcycle
program, Rick stated that a second motorcycle will be added this year. He informed the
committee that the program is working well, but that a car must be available during the
motorcycle shifts for transport of arrests.
The Dispatch budget was reviewed next. There are four full-time and 2 part-time
communications officers. Rick would like to adjust the shift ofthe Communications
Officer II position to have all day shifts with relief duties, rather than have the position
pull a regular shift in rotation with the Communications Officer I positions.
Budget Work session
March 25, 2004
Page 2
Rick updated the committee regarding the E9-1-1 program, which will be able to
identify whoever calls the emergency number. Every telephone account is charged 50¢
per month - 25¢ goes to 9-1-1 and 25¢ goes to E9-1-1. The city received the regular 9-1-
1 funds on a quarterly basis, but the E9-1-1 money has been accumulating in Helena. To
install the E9-1-1 system in Laurel was estimated at $195,000; but a_,~er Sgt. Zuhoski
attended a program in Helena recently, it was discovered that the city may be able to
install the system for about $90,000. The city's eceount should be close to that dollar
mount at this time.
The city receives about $16,000/year for the regular 9-1-1 Fund. Rick stated that new
phones were needed in the FAP, but they may be obtained through the E9-1-1 funds
instead. He informed the committee that if9-1-1 is dialed on a cell phone, it is answered
by Billings. With the new system, GPS capabilities are included, and therefore the call
should go to the nearest center.
The committee asked Rick about grants for special projects. Rick told the committee that
as he learns about the various programs, he tries to apply for as many as will benefit the
department.
Rick then reviewed the Animal Control budget. He stated that he will leave boarding
costs in the budget in case the county starts to charge the city. He submitted an animal
shelter to the CIP last year, so has not brought that forward this year. He will contact an
architect to draw up plans. Discussion followed regarding contracting with private
animal boarding businesses for dogs. Rick will check on this option. He further stated
that the vehicle used for animal control purposes is inadequate. He will check into the
options of federal surplus for a possible replacement.
The Police Training budget will show more activity in the future, as Rick would like to
begin "simunition" training. This is like a paint ball in a gun much like the Glocks that
the officers carry. They would be about $500 each, and this fund has the resources to do
the training. The reserves will also be included in this, since the state no longer conducts
workshops for them.
The main increase in the FAP building budget is in building maintenance. The
insulation needs to be replaced (R-19 with R-38) at an estimated cost of $15,619. This
may be included with the CIP.
The COPS Grant fund is for the entry-level replacement officer, and not the middle
school SRO officer. This budget will reflect the first full year for this grant. At, er the
three-year grant is completed, the city will have to fully fund the position. A
representative from Denver will be in Laurel on April 8th to conduct a field check for the
program,
Budget Work session
March 25, 2004
Page 3
Rick reviewed the Federal Equitable Sharing fund. The revenues are unpredictable, as
they are generated by Laurel's 11% share in any asset forfeitures resuking fi:om a drag
bust in the area, as part of the HIDTA program. These funds can only be spent on
specific items.
The Drug Forfeiture fund derives revenues as a result of district court actions. There is
not much activity in this fund.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. The next budget work session is scheduled for
Wednesday, March 31a at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Council Chambers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary K. Embleton
Clerk/Treasurer