Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members



Agenda Item #



Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting



January 10, 2017



Agenda Report #





TO: Mayor and Councilors



SUBJECT: Restrict Use of FY17 Salary Savings



INITIATED BY: Finance Department





Recommendation: Approval is requested by resolution to restrict the use of

salary savings in FY2017.



Background: In an effort to safeguard the future financial flexibility of the

Consolidated Government by making sound financial decisions as it relates to

the use of the Consolidated Government?s fund balance reserves, it is being

requested that the use of salary savings be restricted in FY2017. In recent

years, salary savings have been used to purchase capital outlay and other

unbudgeted operational items as well as provide pay improvement packages or

bonuses once salary savings were identified. However, due to the steady decline

of fund balance reserves, any salary savings achieved in FY2017 should be used

to help replenish fund balance reserves due to the Consolidated Government?s

current position of being below the established minimum level of 60 days.



Analysis: In accordance to the fund balance policy, the City Manager is

responsible for developing a plan to replenish fund balance and restricting the

use of salary savings to help replenish fund balance would be initiating one

part of that plan. Adherence to the Fund Balance Policy is instrumental in

demonstrating a well-managed government while also ensuring compliance with

applicable provisions, laws, and regulations set forth in the State of Georgia

as well as GFOA Best Practices.



Financial Considerations: Restricting the use of salary savings would

positively impact the City?s fund balance reserves and cash flow.



Legal Considerations: Council approval is needed to formally adopt this part

of the fund balance replenishment plan.



Recommendations/Actions: Approve a resolution restricting the use of salary

savings in FY2017 to help replenish fund balance reserves.





A RESOLUTION

No. ______



WHEREAS, the Consolidated Government has experienced a consistent decline in

fund balance reserves in recent fiscal years; and,



WHEREAS, this Council desires to demonstrate prudent use of government

resources in the current financial environment and tight budget conditions; and,



WHEREAS, in accordance to the Consolidated Government?s Fund Balance Policy,

the City Manager is responsible for developing a plan to replenish fund balance

reserves once it is below the established minimum level of 60 days; and,



WHEREAS, adherence to the Fund Balance Policy is instrumental in demonstrating

a well-managed government while also ensuring compliance with applicable

provisions, laws, and regulations set forth in the State of Georgia as well as

GFOA Best Practices; and,



NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:



That the use of salary savings is restricted in FY2017 in an effort to help

replenish fund balance reserves.



______________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held on

the 10th day of January, 2017, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative

vote of members of said council.



Councilor Allen voting ________.

Councilor Baker voting ________.

Councilor Barnes voting ________.

Councilor Davis voting ________.

Councilor Garrett voting ________.

Councilor Henderson voting ________.

Councilor Huff voting ________.

Councilor Pugh voting ________.

Councilor Thomas voting ________.

Councilor Woodson voting ________.







______________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor

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