MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2014
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:32
P.M., Tuesday, January 21, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington, Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis and Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also
present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 5:40
p.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., was absent.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
INVOCATION: Reverend Charles R. Hasty, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PLEDGE: Led by children with the Parks and Recreation, After School Program.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
Mayor Tomlinson made the following announcements to Council and the Public:
Asks that citizens of Columbus take the proper precautions for their pets as
well as their homes because of the cold weather. The city has initiated their
Emergency Management System for the homeless members of the community.
The State of the City speech was given January 21, 2014. The address is
available for viewing on www.columbusga.org and on video for those who missed
it. She welcomes invitations from Neighborhood Associations and Civic Groups
for questions and answer sessions.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
Councilor Barnes took a moment of personal privilege to say, The Dream
Lives festivities that were held on this past weekend was a great success. He
wanted to personally thank all participates and citizens that came to show
their support despite the cold weather. Also, he thanked Mr. Morris Dees for
his powerful presentation.
He also spoke on the other event that took place that weekend, the Stop
the Violence rally. Stopping the violence in the community is a crucial issue
and weighs heavily on the citizens of the community. All the presentations
given were extremely powerful. He thanked all the citizens who participated
and personally thanked Ms. Wanda Early for her giving and selfless nature
toward her community. She was responsible for organizing numerous Community
Events at the Fluellen Recreation Center with the support of local businesses
which she herself sought after also, to include funds she paid out of her own
pocket to fund these events.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
SPECIAL CALL COUNCIL MEETING?S AGENDA:
City Manager Isaiah Hugley began the session by stating this was the
second of three meetings devoted to Columbus Consolidated Government healthcare
discussions. The following dates are all the scheduled meeting dates for these
discussions:
January 7, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
January 21, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
January 28, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
On February 11, 2014, during the business meeting there will be a proposal
listed on the City Manager?s agenda for Council?s consideration.
At this meeting the Council will follow the same agenda as the first
meeting where Finance Director Pam Hodge will provide a fifteen minute
overview, Department Heads/ Elected Officials will provide a presentation as to
the impact of their respected Departments and Council will hear feedback from
CCG employees who wish to be heard on the topic.
City Manager Hugley addressed referrals/ questions asked at the last
discussion meeting for Human Resources Director, Reather Hollowell. Director
Hollowell provided a handout with the responses for the questions Council had
and is also available for any further inquiries. Councilor Woodson asked for a
larger printout of the costs associated with the 2014 proposed healthcare
changes to be available at the meeting for the employees present. These boards
were provided by the City Manager?s office and set up at the back of the
Council Chambers to be made assessable for employees to view during the
discussions. Copies of these changes were also made available for employees to
take to share with their co-workers, spouses and dependants if they desire to
do so.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
Councilor Gary Allen made a referral on discussions and concern of
citizens of the Midland area on an overlay of the expressway from Highway 80/
Beaver Run Road to Harris County. He officially requested that the Planning
Department begin developing a report for the resolution of this issue and
report back to Council. This request was accepted by the City Manager.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
Finance Director Pam Hodge?s Presentation:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director, came forward to give her presentation
on the current financial standings of the CCG budget. The following
information was provided by Director Hodge to Council during her presentation:
NET PROPERTY DIGEST GROWTH FY 2003 -2014
FY03 = 3.47%
FY04 = 4.13%
FY05 = 3.04%
FY06 = 3.33%
FY07 = 5.26%
FY08 = 7.26%
FY09 = 5.71%
FY10 = 2.37%
FY11 = -0.54%
FY12 = 2.11%
FY13 = 3.68%
FY14 = 0.86%
The average property tax from FY03 to FY09 was 4.6% and from FY10 to FY14 is
about 1.7%. The growth in the digest has grown but the property tax rate is
steadily declining. 25% of the revenues within the City?s budget are property
taxes.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX ANDOTHER LOCAL OPTION
SALES TAX FY 2009 ? 2014 (IN MILLIONS)______________________
2010 = about $67 M
2011 = about $68 M
2012 = about $72 M
2013 = about $69 M
2014 = about $ 67 M
*Partial years annualized
Another major revenue source comes from the Local Option Sales Tax.
Though it grew through 2012, a decline has been seen through 2014.
SALES TAX DOWNWARD TREND
Downward trend beginning in June 2012 and continuing through FY13 and FY14.
FY14 Sales Tax collection is down 6.60% YTD over FY13.
17 of the last 19 months have reported less revenue than the proceeding year.
Only 2 months (October 2012 and November 2012) reported higher sales tax than
the same month the year before.
REVENUES VS. EXPENDITURES
FY05: Revenues = about $122,000
Expenditures = about $120,000
FY06: Revenues = about $130,000
Expenditures = about $125,000
FY07: Revenues = about $142,000
Expenditures = about $132,000
FY08: Revenues = about $142,000
Expenditures = about $149,000
FY09: Revenues = about $142,000
Expenditures = about $149,000
FY10: Revenues = about $142,000
Expenditures = about $143,000
FY11: Revenues = about $148,000
Expenditures = about $150,000
FY12: Revenues = about $148,000
Expenditures = about $150,000
FY13: Revenues = about $152,000
Expenditures = about $155,000
FY14: Revenues = about $142,000
Expenditures = about $150,000
*Since FY08 Expenditures Exceed Revenues.
Though some of the expenditures were conscious decisions made during the
budget process, Reserves can no longer be depleted any further.
UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE
Fund Balance as Days of Operating Expenditures
2007: General Fund = about 130 days
OLOST = N/A
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2008: General Fund = about 100 days
OLOST = N/A
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2009: General Fund = about 95 days
OLOST = N/A
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2010: General Fund = about 90 days
OLOST = N/A
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2011: General Fund = about 80 days
OLOST = N/A
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2012: General Fund = about 75 days
OLOST = about 5 days
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2013: General Fund = about 60 days
OLOST = about 10 days
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
2014: General Fund = about 50 days
OLOST = about 15 days
Goal = 90 days
Minimum = 60 days
*2014 Undesignated Fund Balance is unaudited.
Starting in 2010, the City began going below their goal of Reserve days.
Starting in 2012, the City began including the Local Option Sales Tax in with
the Reserve days. This particular chart represents the only the funds that
have not been designated for a particular purpose.
Mayor Tomlinson made comments on the Local Option Sales Tax being rolled
into the Fund Balance, and that it has been suggested that this decision was
somehow done in an un-toured way to inflate the Fund Balance and keep the City
above 60 days. As she recalls, in 2011 they had depleted or almost depleted
the OLOST money with making good on the promises that were made about Officers
and others that were going to get stipends and hired.
She said in the year of 2012, this was the first year that the city had
any quantifiable reserve in the OLOST. Instead of spending money because there
was money, the city created a reserve for things that may be needed in the
future. Mayor Tomlinson asks Director Hodge to explain further so that this
cannot be misrepresented or misconstrued in any way.
Director Pam Hodge stated that the Mayor is correct. She said starting in
2009 any collections was either used for a particular purpose during that
budget cycle or was set aside in a reserve for the Rollback Requirements that
occurred in 2011. In 2009 through 2011 any funding that was available in the
OLOST fund was reserved for the Rollback. In 2012 the undesignated reserve was
created and not everything that was expected to be collected in that particular
fiscal year was budgeted for expenditure.
Mayor Tomlinson stated that the undesignated reserve was a segregated
reserve for purposes of the City?s internal purposes, just as the OLOST
collections and expenditures are segregated for financial purposes. It was a
reserve of excess monies not expended.
Director Hodges responded by saying that the Local Option Sales Tax has
two funds. One being for Public Safety, which adds up to 70%; and the other 30%
being for infrastructure. These funds are maintained separately and were only
combined for financial reporting purposes. Anything that was for that
particular fund stays there and is not transferred to any other funds.
6. CONFUSION OVER FUNDS
Operating Funds
General Fund
OLOST Fund ? Designated Separate from General Fund
Stormwater (Sewer) Fund
Paving Fund
Medical Center Fund
Integrated Waste Fund
Emergency Telephone (E911) Fund
Economic Development Fund
Debt Service Fund, etc.
Monies From Other Funds Cannot be Used to Supplement General Fund
Crime Prevention Grant Example (OLOST)
Green Island Roundabout Example (GDOT Funding)
The City?s budget has over 50 different funds which are accounted for and
reported separately. Each fund is legally required to be used for a particular
purpose and cannot be comingled with any other funds.
7. FY15 PRELIMINARY GENERAL FUND PROJECTIONS
Revenues $146.2 M
Expenditures $152.7 M
Deficit ($6.5 M)*
* Roughly 20 jobs per million
* $1.5 ? 2 million FY2015 additional anticipated healthcare cost increase
(assuming Health and Wellness Center savings)
8. STEPS BEING TAKEN TO AVOID JOBS OR SERVICE/ PROGRAMS
IMPACT_______________________________________________________
Move toward shared Health Care Costs of 25% employee funded and 75% City funded
for HMO coverage and 30% employee funded and 70% City funded for PPO coverage
($1.6 M)
Eliminate supplemental double-time payments (aka ?Gap Time?) not authorized by
or known to City Council ($1.45 M)
Reform Workers Compensation Administration ($200,000+)
Cease Pension Calculations on non-base pay (Unspecified at this time)
Eliminate supplements to city affiliates such as Keep Columbus Beautiful,
Uptown, Inc., Civil War Museum, etc. (approximately $300,000)
Work with Georgia State Legislature to get Sales Tax data remitted to counties
No General Capital Expenditure in FY2014 or FY2015
Investigate outsourcing city functions, such as Tax Assessor?s re-evaluation
and assessment service
Adjustment of Medical Center Contract
Investigate charging citizens for street light utilities
Ask each department head to supply a list of city services that should/ could
be cut
Ask each department head to supply a list of fee structure adjustment
opportunities
Ms. Hodge said there are programs and operations that are being evaluated
by departments, employees and management to avoid any job loss in the future.
Some of the money saving points that is being evaluated: services that may be
no longer valid that could be eliminated, are there services that could be
outsourced more efficiently. The items listed on the slides have already been
implemented such as the Worker?s Compensation reform which is expected to have
a savings of $200,000 in administrative cost.
Councilor Huff asked how many years the city has been in the present
percentage of shared healthcare cost with employees. Director Hodge replied
that the present percentages were approved in 2012, making this the second year
phase in.
9. PAY INCREASES
1.5% COLA (aggregate)
FY12 = $400,435 (Effective 10/1/2011)
FY13 = $257,414 (Effective 1/5/2013)
FY14 = $289,270 (Effective 1/4/2014)
4% Pension Offset (aggregate)
FY12 = n/a
FY13 = $2,059,316 (Effective 7/7/2012)
FY14 = $2,383,023 (Effective 7/6/2013)
Yearly amounts budgeted for COLA?s and Pension Offset
FY12 = $400,435
FY13 = $2,316,730
FY14 = $2,672,293
TOTAL = $5,389,458
Director Hodge said the pension offset was part of the pension reform to
ensure that pension benefits to all city employees can be sustained into the
future.
10. FY14 HEALTH INSURANCE FUND YEAR TO DATE ACTUALS
(THRU DEC 31,
2013)
_
Budget YTD $11,500,000
Expenditures YTD $13,126,495
Fund Deficit ($1,626,495)
In addition to our negative balance Year to Date for FY2014, we have $3.8
million negative net position for our FY2013 Health Insurance Fund due to
Incurred but Not Reported Health Cost.
Ms. Hodge said during the last meeting this particular slide showed the
financial standing through November with a fund deficit of $1,285,000. Through
December that deficit has increased to $1,626,495.
11. IMPACT OF PROPOSED HEALTHCARE CHANGES FOR ACTIVE
EMPLOYEES__________________________________________________
HMO Plan
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 571
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0.83
Annual Impact = $21.60
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 146
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $14.86
Annual impact = $386.40
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 165
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $1.45
Annual impact = $37.80
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 446
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $30.34
Annual impact = $788.76
POS/PPO Plan
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 108
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($2.37) savings
Annual impact = ($61.56) savings
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 47
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $6.42
Annual impact = $166.92
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 42
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($7.21) savings
Annual impact = ($187.44) savings
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 115
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $23.34
Annual impact = $606.72
Health & Wellness Center
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 255
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual Impact = $0
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 73
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 86
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 134
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
12. IMPACT OF PROSED HEALTHCARE CHANGES PRE-65 RETIREES
HMO Plan
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 108
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $35.24
Annual Impact = $422.88
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 34
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($5.44) savings
Annual impact = ($65.28) savings
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 4
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($50.66) savings
Annual impact = ($607.92) savings
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 10
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $93.27
Annual impact = $1,119.24
POS/PPO Plan
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 61
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $20.24
Annual impact = $242.88
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 12
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($38.28) savings
Annual impact = ($459.36) savings
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 3
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = ($84.48) savings
Annual impact = ($1,013.76) savings
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 6
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $66.99
Annual impact = $803.88
Health & Wellness Center
Employee:
Number of employees enrolled = 15
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual Impact = $0
Employee + Spouse:
Number of employees enrolled = 2
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
Employee + Child(ren):
Number of employees enrolled = 1
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
Family:
Number of employees enrolled = 2
Change in paycheck (Bi-Weekly) = $0
Annual impact = $0
13. 2/3 of employees will see either a savings, no change, or less than
$1.50 impact to their bi-weekly pay check for their premiums.
This information is in addition to any changes in employees? deductibles
and co- pays. Most employees will not see much of an impact, if not a savings
on their bi-weekly paychecks.
14. IMPACT OF DEFICIT
$6.5 M = 4.5% cut (all departments)
$6.5 M = 15.3% cut (if excluding Elected Officials and Public Safety)
These budget cuts are substantial to departments and the services they
provide.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Director Hodge if her department was able
to calculate CCG?s fee to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Director Hodge informed her
that they had not yet but will supply that information to Council.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
DEPARTMENT HEADS/ ELECTED OFFICIALS? PRESENTATIONS:
District Attorney Julia Slater:
District Attorney Slater begins her presentation by saying there are some
things that Council needs to know while making these decisions. Specifically
to the impacts to the District Attorney?s Office Budget which is 96%
personnel.
She said last year her office, in an effort to save money in their budget,
looked into their operating budget and it was reduced to the minimum. Some of
the cuts the office made were the research resources for the attorneys, books
and bar membership fees. District Attorney Slater expresses that they have cut
all that they can and still be able to function. Therefore, the only thing
left is personnel.
She said the truth of the matter is they need more personnel. She has
spoken to Council many times about this. It was presented last year that they
had hoped for a fast track system to reduce the length of stay for those who
are in the Muscogee County Jail. It was a plan that came together with
Superior Court Judges, District Attorney?s Office and the Office of the Public
Defender in hopes to reduce jail stay times and eventually save money. The
downside to this system would be that they would need more staffing to make
this possible.
District Attorney Slater said the Legislature has passed a new Juvenile
Code and said this has significantly increased the responsibilities of the
Office of the District Attorney without any funding from the State to make this
possible. With this new code, the Assistant District Attorneys that were
serving Juvenile Court were going twice a week and now are required to go six
times a week to cover hearings. It is said that District Attorney as well has
Juvenile Court Judges will be requesting a person in the future to cover these
hearings now that the Juvenile Justice Code has been passed.
She said that she cannot eliminate any of the positions in her office and
still be able to protect the citizens the way they deserved to be protected or
continue to fulfill her constitutional responsibilities.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK:
Brian Giffin, Columbus Civic Center:
Mr. Giffin states that he has been employed with the City for 20 years, 15
years with Parks and Recreation and the last 5 with the Civic Center. There is
a network of employees that have been discussing the proposed healthcare
changes.
He said most of the confusion lies in the out-of-pocket expenses the
employees will incur when they visit their physicians, go to emergency rooms
and their deductibles. These employees would like to see the changes in
benefits in past and current years to see how they have changed. Examples:
x-rays, certain procedures that are not covered under our insurance programs
now. He said they would like to know when this occurred and why weren?t they
informed.
Mr. Giffin spoke on the FOP recommendations and how there were many good
points but ultimately it?s Council?s decision. He said that so many
suggestions have been brought to Council on ways to increase revenues but were
rejected by Council. Example being the admission price for community pools was
suggested to be raised to $5 per person, but Council elected for it to be
brought down to $3 per person.
Another concern of the network of employees? is the pension plan. Mr.
Giffin states in order for him to go to receive his complete pension he has to
go to the natural retirement age of 65. At that point, he will have 38 years
of employment with the City Government. The benefits of the pension end at 30
years. He asked if the 4% that he will be paying in his last 8 years of
employment, is going to go to who since it will not be benefitting him.
Councilor Woodson asked Finance Director Hodge and Human Resources
Director Hollowell to answer Mr. Giffin?s questions on the changes in co-pays
over the years. Director Hodge said that the information that has been
provided only shows 2013 and 2014 but that he was asking about prior years.
Councilor Woodson asked for her to get that information to Mr. Giffin.
City Manager Hugley suggests that the network of employees that Mr. Giffin
is representing have a meeting with Finance Director Hodge and Human Resources
Director Hollowell to directly address any questions they may have.
Councilor Woodson said that she was under the impression that none of the
coverage that our insurance plans offer were to change. Director Hollowell
responded by saying that none of the coverage has changed.
Councilor Woodson asked the staff to answer Mr. Giffin?s concern on paying
into the pension fund for the last years of his employment with CCG until he
reaches his natural retirement age. Director Hodge comes forward to say 30
years is the maximum that the pension plan pays out. Any increase in salary
that last 8 years also increases his benefit. Your calculation of your pension
benefit is number of years of service and your highest 60 consecutive months of
your last 120 months. Any salary increase in those last 8 years would increase
his pension benefit.
Councilor Woodson then spoke on the recommendations from the Fraternal
Order of Police. She said that many of the recommendations are great but will
cost money and she is looking forward to the discussion on those
recommendations. One in particular, moving a department that is a one man show
to another department so that person will not only be responsible for their
programs but also programs of this department that it was recommended to be
moved to. It would not be possible for this person to take on all those
programs especially being so community oriented. She believes that there are
some that would be feasible without little or no problems but that it is
something that Council will have to look further into. Then there were others
that would end up benefitting one department but hurting another.
Councilor Henderson reiterates the only changes that are going to take
place in the benefit structure of the plans themselves are the out of pocket
deductibles and co-pays. There are absolutely no changes on the coverage or
services that our current insurance plans offer. He asked about Dental and
Vision plans though they are voluntary and does not affect the city?s budget,
it does affect employees? paychecks. Director Hollowell came forward to say
that there is no change for those plans. She did say that the Vision insurance
did decrease slightly and the Dental did slightly increase. But there was no
change in coverage and services. Councilor Henderson asked for a copy of the
changes in these voluntary plans.
Councilor Thomas said to Mr. Giffin and all employees that if they attempt
to access any medical services and are denied, do not hesitate to contact the
Human Resources Department to insure that you are being told the correct
information on the services that your insurance plan covers.
Councilor Davis states that he has had numerous discussions with
representatives of other counties who have had to deal with matters that our
city has been confronted with. His thought of the Health and Wellness Center
was, the more employees you get to participate, the more money that would be
saved on healthcare expenses. He has learned that other cities have opened
their healthcare centers to all their employees and he is wondering why CCG
would not allow any and all employees, regardless of the insurance plans they
chose to participate in, utilize the Health and Wellness Center.
City Manager Hugley responded by saying, that most cities that do this are
not self-funded as CCG is, and in some cases these cities do not give their
employees any other choice other than to utilize their healthcare centers. The
larger concern in comparison is that he does not know of many other self-funded
governments. They are smaller, whereas Columbus is one of the larger entities
because it is consolidated and has around 3,000 employees.
Councilor Davis said that it is his understanding that being self-funded
allows you to have more options and flexibility. If the purpose is to have
more employees participate in the Health and Wellness Center he asks why the
administration would not make the Center open to all employees no matter which
insurance plan they chose to enroll in. Councilor Davis then made a referral
for the administration to see if this is a possible option.
City Manager Hugley says that the City does do this to a sense. That if
an employee is enrolled in the Health and Wellness Center where there is no
co-pay or deductable, but you are able to still go to your private physician
where there is a co-pay and deductable. He stated that he is enrolled in the
Health and Wellness Center and he is able to go see any physician he chooses
but there is co-pay associated with those visits outside of the Center. In
essence it is described as being the best of both worlds.
Mayor Tomlinson states that CCG does encourage as much participation as
possible for the Health and Wellness Center and that option is open to all
employees. The reason CCG did not make it mandatory is because many employees
preferred to keep their own physicians and own insurance plans. She believes
that it would help Council better understand if the entities Councilor Davis
spoke with if their clinic were mandatory or not and if their co-use is similar
to what is available at the Health and Wellness Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that she and Councilor Baker spoke with
Human Resource Director Reather Hollowell before the meeting began and that was
one of the points they spoke about. Specifically, that there are some cities
that have clinics and allow their employees to utilize these facilities
regardless of the insurance plan that they are participants of. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh reissues the referral originally made by Councilor Davis to
Director Hollowell. She also says the questions asked by Brian Griffin could
be submitted to either Human Resources or the City Manager?s office to get a
response in writing and for this response to be copied to the members of
Council.
*** *** ***
Kevin Wells, Public Works, Solid Waste Collection:
Mr. Wells stated that he has met with other employees within his
department and they have a concern that the main point they continue to hear is
the $1.50 increase to premiums and that some employees? premiums will be
increasing by almost $65. There is nothing being said about the increase in
the deductible and other out of pocket expenses that will occur.
He said employees are hoping that Council will somehow compromise on the
expenses so that their out of pocket expenses are not quite as much. Mr. Wells
refers to the memorandum that he sent to Council which listed some options that
the employees had proposed as a compromise with the expenses. Employees
understand that the budget is getting tight but they also do not want to
continue having money taken out of their pockets. But if CCG can come to a
compromise then it would help not only the budget but also the employees.
The next issue that Mr. Wells addresses is the Retirement Plan. He states
that he continues to hear about it but can not seem to get any information as
to the specifics. He has questions as to the fact that overtime and holiday
pay not being counted in the Retirement fund but that employees are being
charged 4% to 8% to go toward the retirement fund then why is it not being
counted toward it. Employees feel that it should not be taken out if it is not
going to reflect on their retirement. The retirement fund was supposed to save
the city money but he is not sure where those funds are going.
Mayor Tomlinson told Mr. Wells that Finance Director Pam Hodge will
address the questions he has concerning the retirement plan. But she asks
which insurance plan premium will increase by $60 a paycheck.
Mr. Wells is referring to the latest chart that he printed with the
proposed premium increases. Director Hodge looked at the chart he is referring
to and said it is reflecting the monthly increases instead of the bi-weekly.
Director Hodge said that the specifics regarding the retirement fund and
overtime or holiday pay has not been discussed as of yet. But, she would
expect that anything that your pension is not calculated on is not subject to
that 4 or 8%.
Mr. Wells stated that as of right now it is part of the 4% that is taken
out of their paychecks. Mayor Tomlinson says that is because it is included
right now. Mr. Wells said that it would be nice for employees to see something
in black and white to understand what changes are being proposed to their
pension.
Councilor Henderson thanked Mr. Wells for coming before Council and the
compromises that he proposed. He asked Mr. Wells since he has spoken with
other employees in his department if they have given reasons as to why they
chose not to enroll in the Health and Wellness Center.
Mr. Wells said that there are some employees that participate in the
clinic but that there are some that chose not to. He uses his opinion for an
example, the clinic is getting better as far as the operations; but, the
physicians that they had in the past, he did not agree with the way they were
handling things. Another example being one of his co-workers visited the
clinic to have a physical done and it cost that person $50 more because the
physician at the time refused to administer a physical. That particular
employee was refunded his money after that situation was addressed.
Another concern being that the physicians at the clinic are not able to
order any medication or procedures if a patient is admitted to the hospital.
Mr. Wells stated that he is not comfortable will the fact that his doctor would
not be able to order any tests if he is in the hospital.
Councilor Henderson responded by saying that it varies from doctor to
doctor. Even if you go into a physicians office and pay your co-pay, that
basically covers what takes place in that particular office. If you were to
need a x-ray, if labs were no longer done on site and were sent off to an
independent lab or if you required further diagnostic undertaking, that would
be part of your deductable where you would pay 90% until you had reached your
out of pocket maximum. He appreciates Mr. Wells sharing his options so that it
can better assist CCG in getting the Health and Wellness Center to where it is
not just a viable options but a preferred option.
Mr. Wells stated that he has a concern that if he were to be involved in
an accident and was unable to speak, that the hospital would not be able to
access his medical records if he utilized the Health and Wellness Center.
Councilor Henderson says that he would be very surprised if the hospital would
not be able to access medical histories whether they are enrolled in the clinic
or not.
After that discussion, Councilor Thomas thanked Mr. Wells for his interest
in these issues and giving Council the information that they need. She stated
that Council has not had a discussion on any further changes to the employees?
pension plan. Therefore, the talk amongst employees that Mr. Wells has been
hearing is merely rumors since it has not been discussed.
There was a comment that Mr. Wells made that Councilor Thomas felt needed
to be repeated and emphasized. After using the figures from the proposed
insurance premium increases and decreases, the city is to see $138,000 to
$150,000. After seeing the very small amount that premium change was going to
generate, she no longer wanted to hear about the $1.50 increase to premiums and
wanted to discuss the $1.6 million that will be coming straight out of the
employees? pockets through co-pays and deductibles. She believes that this is
a very legitimate concern and is what is driving her to take a closer look at
what is being proposed to Council.
Councilor Huff asks Mr. Wells to discuss with his co-workers what increase
in co-pays and deductibles that they feel as if they could manage. He asked
that Mr. Wells get back with him on the discussion.
*** *** ***
Richard Hillsinger, Public Works, Right-of-Way Maintenance:
Mr. Hillsinger starts out by saying that he has been a correction officer
for 14 years. The first question that Mr. Hillsinger asked was how much does
the city pay for each individual employee for health insurance? The reason
being, he is one of the employees that do not have insurance through the city.
He wanted to know if CCG paid for every employee or just the employees that are
enrolled in the insurance plans the city offers.
Mayor Tomlinson answered by saying that the city receives bills throughout
the year that they literally write checks for. The total amount is about
$24,000,000. She does believe that CCG assesses it by how many employees we
have for budgeting purposes. But she is not sure if they save money just
because some employees opted out. The Mayor asked Director Hodge to further
explain what it means to be self-funded.
Director Hodge stated that to be self-funded means that Blue Cross Blue
Shield process all the insurance claims for the employer. Then the employer
pays what the insurance company has transmitted to the physician. In other
words if an employee is not enrolled in the insurance provided by CCG, then
they are not paying anything for that employee.
*** *** ***
Eric Gansauer, Public Works, Landscape & Forestry:
Mr. Gansauer starts off my referring to the number of participates in the
Health and Wellness Center as looking anemic. As being a participant himself,
he asked if the clinic is a sinking boat.
Mayor Tomlinson says that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh wanted to ask if he
was satisfied with the Health and Wellness Center. She believes at first they
did have a lot of misinformation and scary stories. She asked what Mr.
Gansauer?s personal experience has been.
Mr. Gansauer said that the jury is still out as far as he is concerned.
He said that he has seen during a recent visit with Dr. Woods that it is
improving. The main problem that he is having personally is communication
between the clinic and the Specialists that he and his wife use. He adds that
he has been very disappointed with Express Scripts.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked what kind of problems he is having
concerning his specialists.
He said his main concern involves the communication on prescriptions that
he is being prescribed by his Specialists that are carried but not available
through the Health and Wellness Center when not directly prescribed by one of
their physicians. Reason being, they are not a licensed pharmacy.
City Manager Hugley responds to a referral made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh on this concern. He begins by saying that it was his understanding that
if you are referred to a Specialist and they prescribe a medication, you must
fill that prescription at a pharmacy. Director Hollowell agreed with City
Manager Hugley and further explains that the only medications that will be
dispensed at the clinic are ones that are prescribed by their physicians.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Director Hollowell to address this
problem, let Council and other employees know so there is no further
misconceptions. City Manager Hugley encourages employees to contact Human
Resources with any concerns or questions they may have. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh says that she wants to ensure that employees know that their issues are
being addressed and not just listened to.
Councilor Henderson said he finds it disturbing and hard to believe that
they have never had this issue come up before, unless this is the first clinic
they have ever done. The fact that CCG was not proactive on informing
employees on the specifics concerns him. He believes that in the future
Council should revisit the administration of the clinic and discuss some of the
misinformation that has come up during this process.
Councilor Barnes said that when you sign up for the Health and Wellness
Center that your primary care physician should contact any specialists you see
for your conditions. At that point it is professional courtesy to allow that
patient to fulfill their ongoing prescriptions at the clinic.
There is further discussion between City Manager Hugley, Councilor Davis,
Councilor Huff and Councilor Thomas on the contract, number of participants and
financial standings of the Health and Wellness Center. After this discussion
it was decided to delay the renewal of the clinic?s contract until April after
the one year mark so that the performance and savings of the center can be
evaluated.
Mr. Gansauer then continued his presentation by saying the Director of
Public Works, Pat Biegler, asked the employees to come up with innovative ways
to save money within their department to propose to Council. It was said that
not only do we have to find ways to cut the budget but also there needs to be
ways to increase it. He believes that the city could generate money by
charging fees to companies that put up signs and billboards because ultimately
they are cutting down property of Columbus to make room for there
advertisement.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
Councilor Thomas then takes a moment of personal privilege to say that
this whole process has been rather disturbing because of the great impact that
it will have on their employees. Then you pick up the newspaper and see that
the Fire and EMS answered a call on Friday, January 17th, and saved a young
girl who was inside of a burning home. There were eleven people in this home
when the fire ignited and the girl was asleep in her bed. She recognized that
Chief Meyers and Chief Futrell were present. She experienced her appreciation
of their service.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
FOP Recommendations:
Implementation of a priority budgeting process.
Mayor Tomlinson said they will call on the City Manager and Finance
Director to speak on this. The good news for the citizens is, when this first
came up, a lot of people were saying, ?wow, this is a great idea.? The city
has been doing this for many, many years. All CCG departments do long-term
strategic planning. She refers to a disc that all departments with the
exception of some elected officials that provide this to administration with
their strategic plans and prioritized budgets.
City Manager Hugley said that the Strategic Action Plan was done in 2008 to
2014 and the current one is 2015 to 2025. A disc is provided to each of the
Councilors.
Mayor Tomlinson said that they have an Executive Committee Meeting once a week,
General Government Meeting once a month and an all Department Heads Meeting
once a month. During these meetings their strategic plans are discussed,
processed and feedback is given.
Finance Director Pam Hodge explained that all Department Heads prioritize
within their budgets. So they are prioritizing their allocated funds for
specific activities. During the annual budget process they meet with
departments to discuss the priorities for their department. She said that
priority budgeting is a part of their daily activities in CCG.
City Manager Hugley went into detail about the meetings he has with
department heads to go over specifics with their budgets, and said that Finance
Director Hodge is always present at these meetings.
Going from annual budgeting to bi-annual budgeting.
Director Hodge starts by saying that CCG is required by State and Local law to
have an annual budget process. She said that we could have a bi-annual budget
but by law we would have to adopt an annual budget.
City Attorney Clifton Fays added that it is required by the Charter as well as
State law that the city has an annual Operating and Capital Budget. These
budgets have to be written and passed by Council each year.
(PS1) Consolidate all Public Safety dispatch operations.
This would entail relocating the dispatch operations of the Muscogee County
Sheriff?s Office and the Muscogee County Marshal?s Office into the 911 Center
located within the Public Safety Building.
Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren starts by saying that his department does
priority budgeting every year and basically every time they have a staff
meeting,
they constantly look at ways that they may be able to improve their operations,
save money and better serve the citizens.
Major Stan Swiney takes the podium to respond to the recommendation. He said
from his understanding of what each department is responsible for there would
be little savings, if any at all. The personnel and equipment would have to be
relocated to the dispatch center. These costs would be frontloaded and he is
unsure what these costs would be. Then the whole of that dispatch person that
is also responsible for covering non-dispatch duties would have to be covered
by another employee.
Mayor Tomlinson spoke specifically on warrant information being needed at the
different departments and the trouble of getting that information if the
dispatch operations were combined. During a recent Public Safety head meeting,
there was much concern on this recommendation because it would yield to be
extremely less efficient.
Major Swiney said that the day to day operations of the departments are very
different. Councilor Thomas and Major Swiney went further in depth into the
calls each department may receive. Major Swiney stated that the dispatch
center was designed to dispatch Fire, EMS and Police to emergency calls.
(PS2) Eliminate duplicate and substandard Crime Prevention Programs.
This would entail eliminating all operations of the DARE Program within the
Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee County Marshal?s Office. This
program has been reviewed and studied at all levels of government and has been
found to be substandard in the reduction of crime and in some studies may be
counterproductive amongst it?s targeted demographic. The elimination of this
program would allow law enforcement personnel to either be reassigned to other
crime prevention programs or to standard law enforcement functions within their
respected agencies.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh commented by saying that her thirty-five year old son
still talks about Officer Williams who taught the DARE program when he attended
Dawson Elementary School. She said this program leaves a lasting impression
pertaining to Police Officers with these children.
Chief Boren agreed and said he is curious to know what the person who wrote
this particular recommendation?s definition of substandard is. He said that
his department does not do anything in a substandard manner. Everything that
they do is in a professional manner. This program makes a lasting impression
on the children involved. He too, has children that went through the DARE and
GREAT program who still asks about the officers who instructed these programs.
These programs help the children, the adults and the teachers within our
community.
Major Wanna Barker-Wright takes the podium and stated that the DARE and GREAT
programs are the most proactive programs that the Columbus Police Department
offers. She said these programs are servicing over 2,100 students in 29
schools. The officers who instruct these programs are proactive with decision
making, bullying and gaining the trust of these students. There have been
students who have come to give information to the officers on issues that they
may not feel comfortable in informing others. The teachers find it more
comforting with the presence of these officers in the schools. Major
Barker-Wright encouraged Council to talk with the students and parents to see
the positive impact these programs are having.
Mayor Tomlinson said she hears many accolades when she visits schools, she
hears many students speak on these programs and how much they enjoy them. She
asked what would be the cost savings be if these programs were eliminated and
how are these programs funded.
Major Barker-Wright responded by saying that there are 4 officers that were
assigned to these programs from patrol. She says that if these officers are on
the street, they would be getting calls to respond to the schools. In this
case, there would be no cost savings.
Mayor Tomlinson said that after the school tragedies all over the country, they
received many calls from concerned parents to have more police presence in the
schools and this is one way that this can be accomplished. These programs
allow a natural interaction between officers and the children without the
schools looking like a military zone.
Councilor Allen asked how often the officers attend these schools. Major
Barker-Wright says that in most cases they are in the schools twice a week.
This all depends on the number of fifth graders enrolled in these schools.
Councilor Baker pointed out that there is no cost to the city for these
particular programs. Major Barker-Wright confirms this and adds that the only
cost to CCG is associated with the officers? salaries.
Finance Director Hodge added that there is no operational expense related to
these programs in the General Fund. However, there is an allocation for them
in the Drug Alcohol Treatment and Education Fund. This Special Revenue Fund
comes from fees that are assessed for court cases.
Mayor Tomlinson summarizes by reiterating that if CCG was to eliminate the DARE
and GREAT programs it would not benefit the General Fund.
5) (PS3) The transfer of all Crime and Fire Prevention Programs to the Office
of Crime Prevention
The Office of Crime Prevention would absorb the costs of any crime and fire
prevention programs offered within the Columbus Consolidated Government and
could establish a network of retired Public Safety professionals and citizen
volunteers to operate these programs.
Crime Prevention Director Seth Brown responded by saying that this would not be
a cost saving solution. If they were to take on the programs, the retirees
involved would expect some compensation for their work. Therefore, would
establish additional cost for CCG. Director Brown explains that there are no
personnel in his department other than himself. With the paperwork that these
programs involve, plus the calls that are generated from the schools, he would
have to have at least one employee or a part-time assistant to handle this.
The most crucial point is the officers that run these programs are POST
Certified. Retirees are not. It is required that these programs be run by
active POST certified officers.
Fire Chief Meyer said that for years his department has gone to schools
teaching children about fire safety in hopes that they would then take it home
to their families. This education is administered by their Operations
Division. Therefore, there would be no cost savings with the relocation of this
program. It is also an accreditation requirement for the Fire Department to
provide.
Police Chief Boren said the other programs that the FOP is referring to is: The
Neighborhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, and Self Protection Awareness for Women,
Traffic Safety Awareness, Crimes against the Elderly, General Safety and
McGruff the Dog. These programs cost very little to the budget but the
dividends that CPD draws in return as far as information and volunteers is in
no comparison.
Mayor Tomlinson asked what the operational cost of these programs and how does
it affect the General Fund. Chief Boren said that this is a service provided
by CPD and it does not directly affect the General Fund other than the cost of
manpower.
Councilor Barnes spoke on the dedication of the persons involved in these
programs. He describes them as the eyes and ears of the community.
(PS4) Transfer of the Arson Investigator Positions from Fire/EMS to Police
Department
These positions are P.O.S.T. certified Peace Officer slots and should be
located within a law enforcement agency. By moving these positions into the
Columbus Police Department these investigators would be allowed access to more
investigative resources and training.
Fire Chief Meyer responds by saying, the Arson Investigators have all the
resources needed to perform their investigations. He said that he has not
heard or seen any other public safety departments come together quite like here
in Columbus. There are many employees of Fire/EMS that are POST certified to
include him. He explained that if the first responders to a fire can not
without a doubt conclude on the cause of fire, the investigator is called to
the scene. Last year there were 180 fires that were investigated in Columbus.
The findings of these investigators are also the way their department forms
their fire prevention education programs based on the trends in the community.
The investigator also plays the role of the fire inspector within the city.
Mayor Tomlinson said that there are ongoing discussions between the Public
Safety heads and her on open cases. They come together once a month for
meetings and discuss how each department can do their part in helping to solve
these cases.
18) (GG3) Columbus Consolidated Government Printing Operations and CSU
Enter into a Public/Private partnership with Columbus State University to
process and deliver all CCG printing needs via the CSU printing department.
Director Greg Coates begins by saying the Printing Division called and
acquired tangible figures to contradict the FOP?s assumption that it would save
money by transferring these tasks to CSU. Printing Supervisor, Parrish Green,
explains the slide that was presented to Council on the difference in cost for
printing between CCG and CSU. An example given is a print job that is a high
demand for the DMV brochure, the estimated cost given by CSU was $9,820,
whereas CCG?s cost is $2,175.50.
Mr. Green explained the reason for the CCG Print Shop is providing
services to CCG at the most cost effective and timely manner. The cost
differences prove that their department succeeds in these goals. He estimates
that the city saves around sixty to seventy-five percent on printing costs
alone.
Councilor Henderson proposes a question on the cost that is shown for
CCG. He points out that the cost does not include labor cost or the
maintenance cost of machinery. He then made a referral to see some kind of cost
allocation to include labor and maintenance.
Director Coates said that CSU has labor cost as does CCG. CSU has four
full time and two part time employees, CCG has just four full time employees.
He also said that if these jobs were outsourced, they would not put as much
care into getting the materials back to departments as the CCG print shop
does. Councilor Henderson agrees by saying, even if the cost was equal or our
cost was a little higher, he believes there is still a benefit from having the
printing done within the city because of the quick turnaround of orders.
Especially, when something comes up within the city for some type of Media
notification.
There was a short discussion between City Manager Hugley and Mayor
Tomlinson on the CSU printing service on whether or not they are in the
actually business or if it is something they do just for their establishment
and if they would even be interested in taking on the responsibility of
handling the printing for a government of our size.
Councilor Thomas said that once this information is gathered, Council
should have a discussion on the value of having this service accessible to us
and if it is cheaper to outsource these tasks, is it worth not having this
available to us.
Mayor Tomlinson said Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked why the FOP chose
CSU. If it was decided to out source the responsibilities of the print shop,
they would have to go through the RFP process and not just sole source them.
City Manager Hugley confirms this and says that whomever the city contracted
with for these jobs, they would have to meet our performance standards
otherwise we would be at their mercy.
Councilor Woodson added to the referral for someone to inquire on
whether or not the CSU price included their personnel cost or not. That way
the figures that are being compared are representing the same costs.
Ms. Day, an employee of the CCG Print Shop, said that she just wanted
to be sure her division was heard from and informed decisions were made. There
is a lot of information to this that the public may not be aware of.
Councilor Allen asked if it costs less for materials to be printed in
black and white verses color, even when the technology has developed so much
over the years. The print shop personnel present respond by saying, yes.
Councilor Allen made a referral for them to get with the City Manager to see if
this is a step that could be taken to help saving a little money.
Mayor Tomlinson said she agrees that the city could dial back a bit on
the use of color copies. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that this is something
that Council needs to come to a consensus on because at times there are
arguments that they are not able to see or understand what is being presented
to them if it does not include color.
After the employees of the Print Shop leaves the podium, Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh then tells City Manager Hugley that they can now go to black and
white copies, she believes that Council would not argue this change.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
The City Attorney requested an Executive Session to discuss matters of
litigation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go into Executive
Session. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting. Council went into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
The City Council Meeting was called back to order at 9:02 p.m. after a
brief Executive Session. Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the Council meet in
an executive session to discuss matters of litigation, but there were no votes
taken.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
With there being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Allen so
moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting, with the time of adjournment being 9:03 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.