HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 04.17.2000 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
APRIL 17, 2000 7:00 P.M.
DPW OFFICE
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Bud Johnson
Ken Olson
Gary Temple
Gay Easton
Chuck Rodgers
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mark Mace
Larry McCann
Rick Musson
Mary Embleton
Chief Musson addressed the committee regarding the extradition of Mr. Stevenson
(Crimestoppers thet~ case) and gave background information. The Yellowstone County Attorney
asked Governor Racicot to issue the extradition, but the governor stated that it was too
expensive. The Yellowstone County Attorney then that proposed the state pay half and the
county and City of Laurel split the other half. Rick asked the committee if the city would agree
to this and estimated the city's portion would be between $2,000 and $4,000. Motion by Gary,
seconded by Ken to agree to pay one-fourth of the total extradition costs: The motion passed
unanimously.
Mary presented the March financial statements, which were reviewed and discussed. The
committee recommends to city council that they be approved. Mary also presented the March
journal entries for approval as recommended by the auditor. She explained the entries, which
were then approved.
The committee reviewed and approved the following purchase requisitions:
GAS TAX FUND:
Preliminary engineering - Urban Highway Pilot Program - Main
Street from 1~t Avenue to 9th Avenue
$ 799.20
Preliminary engineering and final engineering - 5th Avenue Railroad
Crossing
$6,068.40
WATER FUND:
Engineering and DEQ application for water line
4m/Idaho and 5th
$1,904.20
The committee reviewed the comp/OT report for PPE 4/2/2000. The mayor will research comp
time questions regarding schools and vacations.
The committee reviewed and approved the payroll register for PPE 4/2/2000 in the amount of
$86,683.53.
MaW presented a drat~ policy on credit card use. Gary voiced his concerns over the potential
abuse of a city credit card and advocated that employees use their own and then be reimbursed
by the city. Ken stated that, at the company he works for, the bearer of the card would be liable
if lost. Bud stated that a credit card reduces administrative costs at his place of business. Mark
stated that the City of Billings utilizes credit card services. Motion by Gary not to have a credit
card policy - which died for lack of a second. Motion by Ken, seconded by Gay to pursue credit
card policy. Motion passed 4-1. Maw was instructed to meet with Joe and to contact other cities
for policy. She was also asked to bring back information on travel costs, etc., to the next
meeting.
The city received wage surveys back from the following cities: Belgrade, Livingston, Dillon,
Miles City and Lewistom. After discussion, it was decided to forward the information to Dick
Larsen and request an updated wage classification proposal. The committee will then review it
and decide if changes need to be made to the existing schedule that was adopted in 1996.
The committee discussed the increases in insurance from MMIA. The liability increase is due to
the increase in the number of claims. Mary told the group that Alan Hulse from MMIA is here to
review the city's property for insurance purposes, and he suggested conducting workshops on
liability and workers' comp issues to educate the city on risk management. Mary was instructed
to schedule the workshops and focus on the city's staff to attend. Mark will bring information
regarding how the City of Billings deals with sidewalk repair issues.
Mayor Rodgers explained the proposed process of dealing with out-of-town residents dumping
their garbage in city containers. Larry has been developing a form to be used by the Police
Department when a citizen calls in to report a suspected violation. The committee would like to
make city residents aware of the effect of how non-users are increasing the costs of garbage
disposal to users.
Mary presented a copy of the City of Glendive's ordinance on Cable TV franchise agreement.
Maw explained this is a previously untapped revenue stream that could result in $40,000 of
General Fund income. Discussion followed including whether the revenue could be earmarked
for parks, for example. Joe will be consulted on the issue. The committee agreed to consider the
matter further.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next budget workshop will be on Wednesday, April
19th at 7:00 p.m., and the next regular Budget/Finance meeting will be on Monday, May 1~ at
7:00 p.m.
RespectfullT~
Ma~K.~bleton
Clerk-Treasurer