08-11-1983 - Workshop (2)
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
FY83-84 BUDGET WORKSHOP
August 11, 1983
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ledbetter called the workshop to order in the Community
Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor David Ledbetter
Councilman Melbourne Wargo
Councilman Jack Spencer
Councilman Neil Asting
Councilwoman Gigi Bennington
City Clerk Connie Kinsey
Present
Present
Present
Excused
Present
Present
Also present: Karen Rickelman
Mayor Ledbetter was brought up to date as to the decisions made
by the Council the previous day. Councilman Spencer explained
that after finishing with the budget figures, calculations were
made to determine what the millage would have to be for that
budget. We were almost down to the rolled back rate. He also
explained there were places while reviewing the budget that the
salaries may have been cut, but we did not go down and change
any of the benefit figures. Mrs. Rickelman was asked to do this
and bring back the revised figures at this time. At this time
she read off all of the departmental budget figures to the Council:
City Council: $35,633
Finance & Administration $125,410
Legal Counsel $44,850
Planning & Development $52,914
Mayor Ledbetter questioned whether the Legal Counsel figure is
enough, due to the fact there is another law suit established by
Mr. Carter now. There was discussion at this point. Councilman
Spencer suggested we wait until we go through the entire budget
and then perhaps go back with changes) if we find it necessary.
Mrs. Rickelman continued:
Other Governmental Services $123,700
Law Enforcement $445,366
Fire Control $66,948
Code Enforcement $41,000
Civil Defense $4,385
E.V.E.R. $14,880
Public Works $353,930
Library $22,030
Parks & Recreation $253,935
Special Recreational Facilities $26,050
Grand Total $1,611,031.
The anticipated revenue,less advalorem taxes,has changed to
$1,116,846. Councilman Spencer noted this is the figure that
was determined yesterday. Mrs. Rickelman reminded the Council
there were some additions made to the expenditures: 4% of labor
costs =$35,343. Implementation of Pay Plan=$15,000. This totals
$50,343 and 30% is added on top of that for labor costs, which
figure is $15,103. The new grand total of expenditures is now
$1,676,477.
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The difference between revenue and expenditure now being $559,631.
Councilman Spencer questioned Mrs. Rickelman on any calculations
she prepared for possible millage rates. Mrs. Rickelman gave the
example of 5.750' which comes to revenue of $1,682,571. This
would cover the budgeted expenditures leaving $6,094. unappropriated.
5.800 came up with a difference of $11,000. 5.850 leaves approxi-
mately $16,000. ($15,932).
Councilwoman Bennington questioned the millage rate determination,
as far as who determines there must be a majority plus one to have
an 8% increase? Mrs. Rickelman explained that it is a State Statute
requirement~
There were opinions given by the Council members referring to the
various millage rates, and their choices.
Mayor Ledbetter requested the Council to authorize the City Attorney
to get the opinion from the Attorney General on this slush fund of
$200 and something thousand dollars to see whether this can be used
for that purpose or to revert to this coming fiscal year's money.
This is called hold back, unexpended money, on each year's budget.
Perhaps he could converse with the City auditors to see why this
has been done.
Councilman Wargo agreed with getting a clarification. Councilwoman
Bennington stated if there is any question in anyone's mind, this
should be done. Councilman Spencer stated he has no question in
his mind, he read from the City Charter, it says unexpended fund
balances can be reappropriated in the future by the Council. It
does not say it has to be done the very next year or when.
Mayor Ledbetter stated even if this has been done the last four
or five years, if it was wrong, us doing it today doesn't make
it right. He added he would rather have the paper from the Attorney
General saying that we can do this, than something to come up in the
future to the contrary.
Mrs. Kinsey explained that if we have to have the unexpended amount
appropriated in the following year's budget, we couldn't do it
today, because we won't know the figure until the year ends. There
would have to be another Public Hearing to appropriate the exact
amount when it is determined.
It was agreed among the Councilmembers that this figure should be
identified somewhere and open to the public, so that no one thinks
anything is being done that shouldn't be done. Mrs. Kinsey is going
to discuss this with the City Attorney and have him obtain the
opinion.
Councilman Spencer stated he concurs with Mrs. Bennington's choice
of 5.800 as the millage rate.
Mrs. Kinsey asked the Mayor if he wants her copy of the revenue
items and the expenditures that were changed at the previous meeting.
Mayor Ledbetter stated he would review these later with her, adding
that this is the first time in two years that he could have complete
trust in the people preparing the budget. This is the best budget
meeting that the City has had in years. It was mutually agreed that
the sessions have been very organized and therefore a lot has been
accomplished.
Councilman Spencer read a news release regarding the budget prepar-
ation and the millage rate. It was agreed that this was a good idea.
Mayor Ledbetter asked if everyone agrees with the proposed 5.800
figure as the millage rate. He added that he has no objection and
there were no other objections.
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Councilman Spencer commented that he has been very pleased with
the budget sessions and he has heard favorable remarks from the
department heads and other individuals about the handling of
their budgets.
Councilman Wargo added that he is seeing an improvement in the
communications. Communicating directly with the individuals
involved is very important and he hopes we will continue to
improve in this area and eliminate this problem and generate
the proper feeling within the community.
Councilwoman Bennington commented that she is surprised with the
lack of attendance by citizens at these meetings.
Meeting adjourned.
Minutes submitted by:
Debbie Sigler
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