HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 06.01.2004 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
JUNE 1, 2004 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
IVIEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark Mace Gay Easton
Kate Stevenson Doug Poehls
Mayor Ken Olson (5:25)
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton
The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.n~, by Chairman
Mark Mace. There was no public in attendance.
The minutes of the May 17, 2004 regular meeting were approved via motion by Doug,
seconded by Kate, and passed unanimously.
May claims totaling $147,816.76 were reviewed and the committee unanimously
recommends approval by the council.
The following purchase requisitions were reviewed and approved:
WATER FUND:
3 new chlorine controllers (replaces prev. PR) - plant
Patch water leak holes 1 st St. & RR St. - system
SEWER FUND:
3 manhole covers - system
SOLID WASTE FUND:
Fix shifter on G-9 - collection
$18,000.00
$ 2,700.00
$ 661.60
$ 1,523.63
The Comp/OT reports were reviewed for pay period ending 5/23/04. Discussion was
held regarding payment of overtime for insurance committee members.
The Payroll Register for PPE 5/23/04 totaling $121,147.09 was reviewed. The
committee recommends council approval.
Budget Timeline - The notice will be published June 2nd and 9th for the public hearing
on the preliminary budget to begin June 15th. A second notice for the Permissive Mills
will also be published on the same dates. More information is coming in to revise figures
for next fiscal year, both revenues and appropriations.
Budget/Finance Committee
June 1, 2004
Page 2.
Health Insurance update - The city's renewal for August 1a came in at a 5.8% increase.
Dave Alien presented options to the Insurance Committee, including changing the plan
fix>mt, he Blue Select to Blue Choice 80/20, changing co-pays for the current plan, or
changing the prescription drug benefit to include a $100 deductible. The state-wide pool
formation has run into some obstacles, mostly from the large cities. Laurel may be able
to participate in the smaller cities pool, or may have to wait until October or even after
the first of the year. More information will be gathered and presented later. The
Insurance Committee would like to contract with Mick DiFronzo again this year. A letter
of request to the mayor will be written by Chairman Rolison. If the city renews the
current policy, two rate levels will exceed the cap: the Employee/Child rate will be over
by $27.46/month ($727.46), and the Family rate will be over by $63.80/month
($1,163.80). Mark Mace has volumeered to be the council representative on the
Insurance Committee. Their next meeting is June 8th at 5:00 p.m. inthe Old Council
Chambers.
Mary repotted that she attended the District 11 meeting for the Montana League of
Cities and Towns last week. Thc Emitlement factor is 3.3% this year, so thc budget will
need to be revised. A local option tax bill will be introduced again this year, which, if
passed, could be a badly needed new revenue source.
Under other issues, Mayor Olson reported on the Alder Ave. portion of the sewer
project. The project only provides for 4" paving of half of the street area affected by thc
sewer line replacement. Discussion has been held on options to pave the whole street,
and if that is done, then curb and gutter should also be considered in order to help
preserve the street. While investigating the curb and gutter question, storm water control
issues came up, which would mean inereascd costs. Grant money f~om the state may be
available, but would require a match from the city of approximately $69,000. Mary
asked if there would be any compliance issues with bidding requirements, since thc
pmjeets arc related, but sepamte (sewer vs. streets).
The next meeting will be on Monday, June 14th at 5:00 p.m. On the agenda will be: the
Budget Timeline, and any other issues that may arise.
The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m
Respectfully Submitted,
Clerk/Treasurer