Columbus, Georgia

Budget Review Committee Minutes of the

Columbus Consolidated Government

May 25, 2004





Present: Mayor Bob Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem Jack Rodgers. Councilors Evelyn

Turner Pugh (Chairperson), Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Gary Allen, Nathan

Suber, Berry Henderson, Evelyn Woodson and Julius Hunter, Jr. City Manager

Carmen Cavezza; Finance Director, Angela Cole; Senior Budget Analyst Joe

Riddle; Chief Administrator Liz Turner; Deputy City Manager, Richard Bishop;

Deputy City Manager Isaiah Hugley; City Attorney, Clifton Fay; Budget Analyst,

Leah Cordura; Human Resources Director, Tom Barron; Assistant Human Resources

Director, Reather Hollowell; Community Reinvestment Director, Lynette Gross;

Public Services Director, Rufus Riggs; Assistant Public Service Director,

Rachell Buice; Financial Planning, Trish Dorton and Captain Glenn Bahde. Also

present were Sandra Davis, Deputy Clerk of Council and Triena B. Sharpe,

Administrative Specialist.



Absent: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.



Location: Ground Floor Conference room of the Government Center.





Meeting began at 10:35 a.m.





Revisit the District Attorney?s Office Budget:

Mr. Cavezza began the meeting addressing the Victims Witness Protection

financial status; he added that the final figures will not be firm until state

makes their allocation; therefore he stated that he believes the FY06 is his

concern and he advised that the FY05 is o.k. He recommended that they be

allowed to return next year with a proposal, he further stated that this is due

to the lateness of their portion of the review. Councilor Suber referred to

last years request and stated that he proposed that a message be sent to this

department if this situation is not rectified; referring to lay-offs. He

further stated that money restraints and personnel problems caused some delays

which were understood before. Chairman Turner-Pugh added that they must deal

with the communities concerns.



FY05 Budget CDBG:

Mr. Cavezza refers to the slide and shares the FY05 Budget for CDBG Advisory

Board:



Revenue:



FY05 CDBG Entitlement $2,189 million



Expenditures:



Section 108 loan payment (TSYS) $1.383 million



Projects: $370 Thousand

Demolition/spot clearance, Project Care Uptown

(Economic Development), Housing Counseling,

Sidewalks, Rehabilitation Pop Austin Recreation Center.



Administration: $437 Thousand

Project Soft Costs including (appraisals, surveys,

Environment assessments, title insurance, legal fees,

Consultants, mandatory HUD training, Cost Allocation

to city, salaries, benefits and operating expenses- 20%).



Additions: $900 Thousand

Additionally, we continue to work on ongoing projects

that was funded in prior years including Neighborhood

Leadership Academy, Redevelopment Areas, Bibb City

Infrastructure, Liberty District (CDBG and SPLOST).



Bibb City 710 Thousand

Sidewalks 100 Thousand

Infrastructure South Columbus 90 Thousand

$900 Thousand



Mr. Cavezza shared that the SPLOST is not funding projects, and he stated

though there is a need for more sidewalks, he further said this is a Task Force

concern. He also shared that the storm water problem that occurred in Bibb City

was dealt with by CDBG funds.



In response to the Liberty District projects, Ms. Gross stated that this is

allocated by SPLOST money. Mr. Bishop advised that there is about 17 million

dollars to deal with the flood abatement in the Liberty District. He further

stated that we also have the Liberty District set up as a stand alone separate

item with funding for acquisition, street scapes, etc.



Ms. Gross then explained that we have allocated for sidewalks in the past, but

she continued saying that we have not used the money until recently. Discussion

continued in reference to funds for sidewalks, locations, guidelines and the

allocated money which Ms. Gross advised that it came from previous revenue from

the large sale of property (over 2 million). Mr. Cavezza concluded with a

recommendation to give a plan for future use of the sidewalk funds.



Home Program

Mr. Cavezza explained the chart for the Home Program funds:



Revenue:

FY05 Entitlement $1370 million

Expenditures:

CHDO (Fourth Street Towers) $350 Thousand

Additional Funding for Row House Project

South Columbus Administration (Develop Capacity) $10 Thousand

Downtown Assistance (93 Applicants) $464 Thousand

ADDI ? Down payment Assistance (12-25 Applicants) $127 Thousand

Owner-occupant rehabilitation (7 Applicants) $203 Thousand

* Ongoing project with 5 applicants $153 Thousand

Infrastructure (cul de sac) for Habitat Project $92 Thousand



Administration $124 Thousand

Project Soft Costs including (title search, title insurance,

Legal fees, consultants, mandatory HUD training, Cost

Allocation to city, salaries, benefits and operating

Expenses - 9%)





ESG (Emergency Shelters Grant)



Revenue:

FY05 ESG Entitlement $82.6 Thousand



Expenditures:

Homeless Shelters $77.6 Thousand

Administration (5%) $ 5 Thousand



Mr. Cavezza briefly went over each item answering questions from Council

Members.



Ms Gross then elaborated on the ESG Homeless Shelter which incorporated such

places as Valley Rescue Mission, Salvation Army and Columbus Task Force assist

as well.



Ms. Gross briefly shared about the developing of the programs for the various

grants that they have and expounded on the ADDI (American Dream Initiative)

which she states is for low to moderate income (42,500 and below) applicants

for rehabilitation or Down payment assistance.



SBA and SBOP:

Mr. Cavezza and Ms. Gross explain the SBA and SBOP; clarifying that the SBA

program is working in cooperation with Uptown Columbus and are issuing loans

with $60,000 worth of funding and the SBOP is a program that has been

eliminated for lack of funding. This program was set up for high-risk

businesses. Ms. Gross stated she will provide the Council a list of names of

those who have benefited from the loans.



Stump Grinding:

Mr. Cavezza introduced Ms. Rachell Buice to expound to the Councilors on the

facts related to the Stump Grinding which included such things as; Diameters,

pricing, benefits, seed versus sod ding, personnel (1 versus 2 employees), risk

management issues, Georgia Power and General Governments previous contract, and

the problem with availability of inmates. Chairman Pugh requested Councilor

Allen, Mr. Riggs and Ms. Rachell Buice get together at a later time to

brainstorm the options.



Appropriations FY05:

In response to concerns of Council for duplication of services, Mr. Cavezza and

Ms. Cole give a detailed explanation for the Agencies being funded by Columbus

City Government, explaining the difference in those that are required.



Alternatives:

Mr. Cavezza and Ms. Cole addressed the Council with itemized options for

balancing the budget, below is the report they presented:



Alternatives re-Pay:

Fund Balance Deficit (77 days) $2,697,241



Delay Pay raise to Mid-Year (3% Anniversary date) $1,916,118 (6 days Fund

Balance)



Fund Balance Deficit (83 days) $ 781,123



Cost of 3% Pay Raise ($3,700,000)

3% Bonus ? January 1st $3,700,000

One-Time Credit ($1,919,118)

Total Additional Cost $1,780,882



Reduce Pay Rate to 2% (79 days deficit) (638,706) (2 days Fund Balance)



Reduce Par Rate to 1% (81 days deficit) 91,277,412) (4 days Fund Balance)







Alternatives:

Fund Balance* Deficit (67 days) $6,014,452



Transfer Interest from Fund 0508 (1,555,951)

Salary Savings (400,000)

Vehicle Insurance (400,000)

Reduce

Demolition

(100,000)

5 LPNs (149,260)

Stop Pension benefit Study (50,000)

Total (2,655,211) (8 days Fund Balance)



Fund Balance Deficit (75 days) $3,359,241















One Time Expenses:

Promotional Exams Fire Dept. (200,000)

LGFS Software (85,000)

Energy Solutions (230,000)

Election (100,000)

Bailiff/Reserve Deputy Program (40,000)

Innovative Sports (7,000)

Total (662,000) (2 days Fund Balance)



Fund Balance Deficit (77 days) $2,697,241

* One-Day Fund Balance - $323,000





Council Members Summary of Comments:

Councilor Hunter states he supports Mayor Poydasheff?s budget as a one time

deal.



Councilor Davis states we must proceed with prudence and wisdom.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers states using a cautious approach and passing the budget

with the proposal for LOST.



Councilor Suber states concerns for future ability to support financial

decisions, and would rather ensure a job for next year then an increase

unsupportable at our present financial state.



Councilor Henderson voiced concern with drawing from the Fund Balance, but is

o.k. with one-time shot.



Councilor Woodson stated concern with the appearance of holding people hostage

to the LOST.



Mayor Poydasheff expresses his agreement for the 90 day fund balance, and

further request the Council cuts to not include the Government employees raise.



Chairman Turner ?Pugh states they are not holding anyone hostage, but trying to

provide the citizens with services that can continue to be available, she

further stated having the option to return to add or increase those items we

have set aside on delete list. She further states it is not just one thing but

a whole conglomerate of things that will result in an outcome that the Council

has to consider.



BREAK at 12:15 p.m.

RESUME at 12:50 p.m.

ADD/DELETE:

Council began voting for each specific item located on the proposed FY05 Budget

adjustments:



General Fund

Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

1 LPN Option A: Delay Hire of Five (5) LPNs in January $74,630 Rodgers

2 LPN Option B: Hire Two (2) LPNs in July 2004, Defer Two (2) LPNs to January

2005 $89,556 Allen

3 LPN Option C: Defer 1 position until FY06 $29,852 Allen



Vote 8 Approved by:

#1 Councilors: None

#2 Councilors: Motion -Gary Allen, 2nd Evelyn Woodson,

Julius Hunter, Nathan Suber, Berry Henderson,

Glenn Davis, Evelyn Turner-Pugh & Jack Rodgers.



#3 Councilors: None

Vote 0 Opposed by:

#1 Councilors: All

#2 Councilors: None

#3 Councilors: All

Absent for Vote

Councilors: Charles McDaniel & Wayne Anthony

Total Expenditures - General Fund







Item 4 incurred a motion for the Salary savings to be split in half, reducing

the amount to $684,613.50 from Councilor Suber; this motion was 2nd by

Councilor Rodgers.



Item 4 - Salary Savings incurred a motion for Public Safety to become a

priority for the additional $681,613.50 which includes 25 positions; this

motion was submitted by Councilor Henderson and 2nd by Councilor Evelyn Woodson.



Ms. Cole explained the difficulty this motion requires by stating that there

are certain allocation protocols when directing funds based on the necessity.

She later agreed to a mid-year adjustment.

Those in opposition were:

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Councilors Nathan Suber and Julius Hunter, Jr.

Those approving this adjustment were:

Councilors Evelyn Woodson, Evelyn Turner-Pugh, Glenn Davis, Gary Allen and

Berry Henderson.



This motion required 6 votes to pass; therefore the motion failed.



No ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

4 Salary Savings (78 -Vacant Positions) (684,613) Rodgers

(Not including $765,198 K for potential hire)

Vote Approved by:

#4 Councilors:

Vote Opposed by:

#4 Councilors:

Total Expenditure - General Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors:

Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

5 Vehicle Insurance $400,000 Rodgers



Vote 8 Approved by:

#5 Councilors: Motion ?Jack Rodgers, 2nd;Nathan Suber,

Julius Hunter, Berry Henderson, Evelyn Woodson,

Glenn Davis & Evelyn Turner-Pugh and Gary Allen.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

#5 Councilors: None.

Total Expenditures - General Fund

Absent for Vote

Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.



In response to the effects that will occur based on a reduction in fees for

demolition, Mr. Cavezza answered this will slow the process down but priorities

will not be effected.



Item 5 incurred an amendment from Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers to reduce the

demolition to $100,000; this motion was 2nd by Councilor Suber and later

withdrew his motion.





Those in opposition were:

Councilors Evelyn Woodson, Julius Hunter and Evelyn Turner-Pugh.



Those approving this adjustment were:

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Councilors Nathan Suber, Berry Henderson, Gary Allen and

Glenn Davis.







Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

6 Reduce Demolition $100,000 Rodgers



Vote 5 Approved by:

#6 Councilors: Motion-Jack Rodgers, Nathan Suber, Berry Henderson,

Gary Allen and Glenn Davis.

Vote 3 Opposed by:

#6 Councilors: Evelyn Turner-Pugh, Evelyn Woodson and Julius Hunter.

Total Expenditures - General Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

7 Stop Pension Benefit Study $50,000 Rodgers



Vote 8 Approved by:

#7 Councilors: Motion -Jack Rodgers, 2nd Gary Allen, Berry Henderson,

Nathan Suber, Evelyn Woodson, Evelyn Turner-Pugh,

Julius Hunter and Glenn Davis.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

#7 Councilors: None.

Total Expenditures - General Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.





Item 8 incurred a motion from Councilor Woodson in opposition for adding the 5

automatic CPR devices; this motion was 2nd by Councilor Glenn Davis.



Item 8 was submitted for the purpose of adding this item to the budget, but the

Councilors voted to defeat this item. Councilor Allen stated that he will

consider this item for the Budget Adjustment. Councilor Henderson withdrew his

2nd, after clarification was given on the purpose for the motion and vote.



No ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

8 Add 5 Automatic CPR Devices $65,000 McDaniel



Vote 0 Approved by:

#8 Councilors: None.

Vote 8 Opposed by:

#8 Councilors: Evelyn Woodson, Evelyn Turner-Pugh, Nathan Suber,

Glenn Davis, Julius Hunter, Gary Allen,

Berry Henderson and Jack Rodgers.

Total Expenditures - General Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Item 9 incurred discussion with Mayor Poydasheff voicing his concern for

ensuring the $84,000 is left in tact.



Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

9 Transfer Fund 508 Interest Back to the General Fund $1,555,951 Rodgers



Vote 8 Approved by:

#9 Councilors: Motion ?Jack Rodgers, 2nd Nathan Suber,

Evelyn Turner-Pugh, Evelyn Woodson,

Berry Henderson, Julius Hunter, Gary Allen

and Glenn Davis.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

#9 Councilors: None.

Total Revenues - General Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Items were placed on the ADD/DELETE list from the Capital Outlay and Capital

Improvement Projects form, they include the following:

Item Councilor Motion

Business License Motion Councilor Evelyn Woodson Added

Street Improvement Motion Councilor Evelyn Woodson Added

Street Improvement Roof Motion Councilor Henderson Removed

Replacement

1st Item and last Item





Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

Turn-out Gear $84,000 Woodson



Vote 7 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd Evelyn Woodson,

Julius Hunter, Glenn Davis, Gary Allen,

Evelyn Turner-Pugh and Berry Henderson.

Vote 1 Opposed by:

Councilors: Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers.

Capital Outlay

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







No ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

Business License Software $15,000 Woodson



Vote 4 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Evelyn Woodson, 2nd: Nathan Suber,

Julius Hunter and Evelyn Turner- Pugh.

Vote 4 Opposed by:

Councilors: Jack Rodgers, Glenn Davis, Gary Allen and

Berry Henderson.

Capital Outlay

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.









Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

Street Improvement Building replacement -

Excluding Inmates $25,000 Woodson



Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Jack Rodgers, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,

Evelyn Turner- Pugh, Julius Hunter and

Gary Allen.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Capital Outlay.

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

TYCorp TD 460 Parks & Recreations $25,000 Woodson



Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd:Evelyn Woodson,

Julius Hunter, Berry Henderson, Gary Allen,

Evelyn Turner- Pugh, Jack Rodgers, and

Glenn Davis.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Capital Outlay

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.





















Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

AER & Vat or (Parks & Recreations) $8,000 Woodson



Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Evelyn Turner-Pugh, Glenn Davis, Gary Allen,

Julius Hunter, Jack Rodgers and

Berry Henderson.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Capital Outlay

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.





No ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

2 Mid Size Extended Cab Pick-up $31,000 Suber



Vote 5 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Julius Hunter, Glenn Davis, Evelyn Turner-Pugh,

Vote 3 Opposed by:

Councilors: Gary Allen, Jack Rodgers and Berry Henderson.

Capital Outlay

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.





Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

1 Delay Pay Raise to Mid ?Year (3% Anniversary date) $1,916,118 Suber



Vote 6 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Jack Rodgers,

Glenn Davis, Gary Allen, Berry Henderson and

Evelyn Turner- Pugh.

Vote 2 Opposed by:

Councilors: Evelyn Woodson and Julius Hunter.

Alternatives re: Pay $3,050,957

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.





Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

11 & 12 Sewer Fund $5,638 Staff

($5638) Staff

Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Evelyn Turner- Pugh, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,

Gary Allen, Jack Rodgers and Julius Hunter.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Total ? Sewer Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.







Item 13, 14 & 15 incurred an amendment to item #15 because the Council

requested to further research some areas and return to them for consideration.

Item #15 included the deletion of 2 MEOs (Stump Grinding Positions). The cost

for item #15 was estimated at $57,636.



Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

13,14 & 15 Paving Fund $5,368 Staff

($5,368) Staff

Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Nathan Suber, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Evelyn Turner- Pugh, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,

Gary Allen, Jack Rodgers and Julius Hunter.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Total ? Paving Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.















Yes ACTION ADD/ (DELETE) Suggested by Councilor

Integrated Waste Fund $3852

($3852)

Vote 8 Approved by:

Councilors: Motion ? Gary Allen, 2nd: Evelyn Woodson,

Evelyn Turner- Pugh, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,

Nathan Suber, Jack Rodgers and Julius Hunter.

Vote 0 Opposed by:

Councilors: None.

Total ? Integrated Waste Fund

Absent for Vote Councilors: Charles McDaniel and Wayne Anthony.



End of Votes!



City Manager Cavezza reviewed the list of items requested to be submitted to

Council and went over the event schedule including the Public Hearing, Tax

Payers Bill of Rights, Millage Ordinance and Budget Ordinance.



Mr. Cavezza then submitted to the Council a proposal in reference to closing

out the FY93 SPLOST, stating they will be bringing this before Council by way

of an Ordinance, which he stated will allow them to pay-off the 2001 Bond Issue

which is $10,195,000 and will be transferred to debt services. He further said

this will offset the Debt Service Millage by taking $3,514,308 and allow

transfer to Debt Service and will prevent the Debt Service Millage from rising

this year and allow them to transfer the 1999 SPLOST $1,000,000 for the Trade

Center which will reduce what we will be paying.



Councilor Turner- Pugh adjourned the meeting at 2:30 p.m.











______________________

Triena Sharpe

Administrative Specialist