HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 04.01.2004 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 1, 2004 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEIVIBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Mark Mace
Gay Easton
Kate Stevenson
Doug Poehls
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mary Embleton
Steve Klotz
Nathan Tubergen
The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Mark Mace at
5:30 p.n~, to discuss the following General Fund Preliminary budgets:
City Hall/Court Building
Public Works Director
Cemetery
Pool
Building/Code Enforcement
City Shop
Parks
No public attended to offer comment.
Public Works Director Steve Klotz presented the General Fund Building budget for the
City Hall and Court buildings. The increase of $4,200 (8%) is due to a $1,000 increase
in telephone and a $3,200 increase in electricity. This budget may need to be increased to
address the court building situation, such as a possible elevator as a CIP project for
$80,000.
The Building/Code Enforcement budget has increased by 9%, mostly due to wages and
benefits. Gary needs to be certified, and will be sent to Denver to attend building code
classes. Testing will be done in Billings. He will also have to be certified in other areas,
such as electrical, etc. Nathan mentioned that typically, 85% of the General Fund budget
is in salaries and benefits.
The Public Works Director budget was reviewed next. The O&M decreased by $3,500
in the PWD budget, and decreased by $400 in the clerical budget. The wages and
benefits are split between General Fund (PWD, Shop, Cemetery, Parks, Pool), the street
funds, and Solid Waste fund.
The City Shop budget increase by 7%. Electricity was not budgeted last year, which was
an oversight. The debt service is for the Intercap loan, which was used to purchase the
old MDOT maintenance site. The police departmem is not paying for the mechanic's
services. Nathan suggested looking into moving this to an enterprise fund in the future.
The Cemetery budget does not reflect the work that needs to be done. Steve stated that a
plan is needed to address the needs of the cemetery, and that a plan is included in this
Budget Work session
April 1, 2004
Page 2
budget. Trees need to be replaced, not only in the cemetery, but also city-wide. Nathan
recommends implementing a perpetual care fund. Discussion followed.
The Parks budget increased by $11,000, half of which is in wages and benefits. There is
$3,500 budgeted for playground equipment. Steve stated that input is needed fi.om the
public as to what they expect fi.om their parks. Should the city consider selling some
parks? A park plan, possibly prepared by the university system, could address the issues.
Contracted services also includes an evaluation of the sprinkler systems (i.e. timers,
contract watering, etc.). The accommodations tax increased by $200. The operations at
Riverside Park need to be changed, and the leases need to be reviewed. Other park
property leases, such as the baseball fields, also need reviewing.
Steve reviewed the history of the Pool repairs, which addressed major health concerns.
He would like to budget for a vac system and a pool blanket. The pool has been managed
by the YMCA since 2001. However, the Y has recemly asked for an $1,800 increase for
cleaning, and a $3,500 increase for service. The city needs to consider the revenues
generated by pool use. Perhaps an RFP should also be considered. Steve had budgeted a
3% increase for the pool management. Discussion followed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. The next budget work session will be on
Wednesday, April 7th at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Council Chambers.
Respectfully Submitted,
on
Clerk/Treasurer