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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 04.19.2005 MINUTES BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE APRIL 19, 2005 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark Mace Kate Stevenson Gay Easton Doug Poehls OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton Chairman Mark Mace called the regular meeting of the Budget/Finance Committee to order at 5:05 p.m. There was no public in attendance. The minutes of the April 5, 2005 Budget/Finance regular meeting were approved as presented, via motion by Kate, seconded by Doug, and passed unanimously. March Journal Vouchers g443-448 were reviewed by the mayor. Utility Billing adjustments for March 2005 were reviewed by the committee and approved. The March 2005 Financial Statements were reviewed by the committee. Mary stated that most areas were normal for this time of year. Mary explained that the transfer of cash from water and sewer to streets ($177,000+) for the Alder Ave. project has been done. She also reviewed the negative cash balances in Fund #2862, 2942, and 4001. Motion by Doug, seconded by Kate, to recommend approval of the financial statements to council. Motion passed unanimously. The following purchase requisition was presented for approval: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND: Purchase new mower for cemetery $ 8,779.98 The committee reviewed the Comp/OT reports for PPE 4/10/05. The Payroll Register for PPE 4/10/05 totaling $121,023.18 was reviewed by the committee. Motion by Gay, seconded by Doug to recommend council approval of the register. Motion passed unanimously. Mary reported there was no progress on the Accounting Policies and Procedures. Mary updated the committee on the following projects: Park Maintenance District -the new playground equipment will be put out to bid soon, with a target date of June 7th for council approval of the bid. SID #111 - the bond will be put out for bids next spring. The water and sewer lines are scheduled to be put in this summer/fall. Mary explained the bond Budget/Finance Committee April 19, 2005 Page 2 counsel's concerns of pledging street maintenance money to sell revenue bonds in order to get an SRF loan. Typically, an SRF loan is backed by revenue bonds that are backed by water/sewer revenues. The engineers have been asked to rework the costs to include some street work that is allowable for the replacement of the lines. The remainder of the streets, curbs and gutters will need to be funded some other way, and Nathan is working on this. The work for the streets, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks will be scheduled for next spring/summer. Solid Waste Rate Increase - Mary explained that the change in the ordinance removes the commercial rates from ordinance. It takes 30 days to take effect, after passage of the new ordinance. Therefore, the new commercial rates, set by resolution, need to be brought forward to coordinate with that 30-day effective date, so there is no lapse in time. The new commercial rotes need to go through the process of a resolution of intent to increase the rates, followed by a public hearing, and then formal adoption of the resolution for the new rates. The Budget Calendar was reviewed. The preliminary budget is scheduled to be presented to council on May 18th at a special council workshop. Nathan will be here next week (April 27th) to work with Mary on any revisions, etc. Mary will distribute copies of the draft audit report to the committee. She asked the committee to focus on the last 3 pages of the audit, or the "findings". Mark asked how many findings were implemented from the last audit. Mary stated that there were 12 findings last year: 7 were implemented, 3 were partially implemented, and 2 were not implemented. She further explained that the findings were suggestions to improve operations and to better comply with accounting practices. The city has always had a non-qualified opinion, meaning a "clean" audit. Mary also explained that she is working with the auditor to come to an understanding of how to depreciate the General Fixed Assets. Once that is done, the MD&A can be completed, and the final audit can be issued. Mary told the committee that a letter of support was sent to the Local Government Center for the NSF Web Site Development Grant. The LGC will forward the letter along with the application. We should know in about 6 months if the grant is awarded. Under Other issues, Mary informed the committee that she has been working on figures for union negotiations. Other discussion included the preliminary insurance premiums rates for workers comp (approx. 2% increase), liability (approx. 5% increase), property (approx. 6½ % increase), and health (approx. 7% increase); legislative issues; elected officials workshop May 4-6 (Kate and Mark might go); upcoming elections - April 29th is the first date for filing; Garvee Bonds - HB 451 (contact Mae Nan for more information.); street funding and the need for possible legislation changes to get loans; and the need to get the CIP program back on track. The next regular Budget/Finance meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3ra at 5:00 p.m. Budget/Finance Committee April 19, 2005 Page 3 For Next Agenda: Accounting Policies and Procedures; Upcoming Projects: Park Maintenance District, SID #111, Solid Waste Rate Increase; and Web Site Development. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Clerk/Treasurer