Budget COW

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Council's Committee of the Whole met on April 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chamber, with the Vice Mayor presiding. The committee addressed three agenda items during the session, including an informational presentation on the Mayor's Proposed Budget and a discussion of Other Business. The committee approved the FY 13 Council Budget Schedule. The meeting included one motion and vote, and seven members of the public provided comments.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on April 24, 2012:

• Connie Underwood
• Council Member Beard
• Council Member Crosby
• Council Member Lane
• Council Member Stinnett
• Council Member Lawless
• Council Member Hanson
• Council Member Martin

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting concluded with a single motion to adjourn. 1:01:21

Motion to Adjourn

The Vice Mayor moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by voice vote, with no recorded nays or abstentions.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting approved the following financial transfers and appropriations:

Fund Transfers

• $2,500,000 transferred from franchise fees to the Urban Services Fund for street lights
• $600,000 transferred to the Rainy Day Fund
• $50,000 transferred to the Tenant Relocation Fund
• $4,100,000 transferred to the Police and Fire Pension Fund for administrative costs and health insurance
• $192,900 transferred to the City Employees Pension Fund
• $190,000 transferred to the Park Impact Fees Fund
• $1,500,000 transferred to the Extended School Program to address budget deficit

Capital Budgets

• $604,200 capital budget from the general fund allocated to various departments for small projects
• $3,500,000 bond fund budget approved for capital projects including streets, public safety, and parks

The total appropriations and transfers approved amounted to approximately $13.7 million, with significant allocations directed toward pension fund contributions, school program support, and capital infrastructure projects.

Public Comment

Council members raised several questions regarding staffing, equipment, and budget allocations during the meeting.

Staffing and Equipment

Council Member Beard questioned whether the negative uniform and equipment budget accounted for new police and fire classes 43:10. Staff responded that a quartermaster system is being implemented and that additional personnel are not funded for the next year.

Ruppel Arena Design Funding

Council Member Beard asked about the $1.5 million state match for design activities, which was not included in the general fund or bond budget 44:47. Staff indicated it may be funded from unspent prior bond money.

Staffing Reallocation

Council Member Crosby inquired how the decision to move government communications call takers to the Urban Services Fund was determined 46:27. Staff explained the reallocation was based on where employees spend the majority of their time.

Data Availability

Council Member Lane requested information about the source of departmental expenditure data and whether non-general fund staffing data was available 49:13. Staff indicated this information would be helpful and would be provided.

Community Corrections and E911 Concerns

Council Member Lawless expressed concern over staffing cuts in understaffed departments, noting high resignation rates and overtime use 53:01. The council member requested data on current staffing levels.

Council Member Hanson provided context on Community Corrections staffing, noting the department currently has 257 sworn officers and is working toward a target of 327 55:10. Hanson highlighted staffing challenges due to turnover and training delays.

Police Pay Adjustments

Council Member Martin asked whether the proposed budget includes pay adjustments for police 58:29. Staff responded that it may reflect the STEP system but could not confirm.

Contested Items

Staffing Reallocation to Urban Services Fund

Council members divided on a proposal to move government communications call takers to the Urban Services Fund. The disagreement centered on the decision-making process rather than the reallocation itself. Some council members questioned the methodology behind the move and called for greater transparency regarding how the decision was made. They requested a comprehensive list of affected positions to better understand the scope and impact of the reallocation. The vote resulted in a split decision, indicating that council members could not reach consensus on the proposal.

Understaffing in Community Corrections and E911

A heated discussion emerged regarding planned staffing cuts in Community Corrections and E911 departments. Council members expressed significant concern about reducing staff in departments that were already operating below adequate staffing levels. They cited high resignation rates and excessive overtime as evidence of existing strain on these services. Council members requested current staffing data to properly assess how the proposed cuts would further impact operations and service delivery. The intensity of this discussion reflected deep worry about the consequences of reducing personnel in critical public safety and corrections functions.

Analysis of the Mayor's Proposed Budget

4:00

Connie Underwood presented a comprehensive analysis of the mayor's proposed FY 13 budget to the council. The presentation covered multiple components of the municipal budget, including revenue sources, expenditures, departmental allocations, staffing changes, and fund balances.

Revenue Highlights

The analysis identified a projected $14.8 million increase in revenue for the fiscal year. Employee withholdings represented the largest revenue source, accounting for 56% of total revenues.

Expenditure Analysis

Personnel costs dominated the budget, comprising 65% of total expenditures. This significant allocation reflects the labor-intensive nature of municipal operations across various departments.

Fund Balance Status

The general fund ended 2012 with a deficit of $943,000. However, the analysis noted that the unassigned fund balance in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was $562,360, reflecting balances held in other funds that offset the general fund deficit.

Presentation Outcome

This agenda item was presented as informational, providing the council with detailed financial data and analysis necessary for budget deliberations. The presentation established the baseline financial position and revenue projections that would inform subsequent budget discussions and decisions.

Other Business

During this agenda item, council members raised several questions regarding staffing, budget allocations, and funding for specific programs.

Staffing and Fund Transfers

Council members discussed the transfer of government communications staff to the Urban Services Fund. This reallocation prompted questions from multiple council members about the rationale and implications of moving these positions.

Bond Funds and Arena Design

The council addressed the use of unspent bond money for the Ruppel Arena design match. This discussion centered on how available bond funds could be allocated to support the arena project's design phase.

Staffing Concerns

Council members raised concerns about understaffing in two specific areas: - Community Corrections - E911 services

These discussions highlighted potential gaps in personnel resources for these critical functions.

Key Participants

The discussion involved Council Members Beard, Crosby, Lane, Lawless, Hanson, and Martin, who posed questions and raised concerns throughout the agenda item.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken. The discussions allowed council members to seek clarification on budget matters and staffing decisions.

42:34

FY 13 Council Budget Schedule

The council reviewed the upcoming fiscal year 2013 budget schedule during this agenda item. The Vice Mayor led the discussion on the budget timeline and next steps.

Key Points:

• A follow-up meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 3:30 PM in the Chamber
• The next meeting will focus on revenue projections, bonding, debt, and capital discussions
• The continuity of budget link membership was noted positively by the council

Outcome:

The budget schedule was approved. 1:00:13