Minutes
BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE
May 24, 2005
Members Present: Chairperson Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
and Councilors Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., Julius Hunter, Jr., Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson. Also
present were City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Jamie DeLoach,
Deputy City Manager Richard Bishop, Finance Director Angela Cole, Assistant
Finance Director Pam Hodge, Clerk of Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk
of Council Sandra Davis.
Members Absent: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent.
Call to Order: Chairperson Turner Pugh called the meeting to order at 12:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers, Plaza Level, of the Government Center.
AGENDA:
City Manager
-Overview
-Non-Operating Funds
-Add/Delete List
Finance Director & HR Director
-Benefits
-Health
-Pension
-Questions
City Manager Hugley provided a brief recap of some of the overview highlights
from previous budget sessions.
OVERVIEW:
OPERATING FUNDS
FY-06 proposed budget - $184.5 million
Revenues - $177,153,722
Difference - $7.3 million
$5,151,898 in expenditures that would be taken from the General Fund ? Fund
Balance to balance budget
$1.8 million in expenditures from the Debts Service Fund Balance
Using the overhead projector, City Manager Hugley displayed a listing of
operating funds and are listed as follows:
FY-06 OPERATING FUNDS:
Fund Revenues Expenditures Differences 2005 Budget % Change
General $119,444,915 $124,596,813 $ (5,151,898) $120,934,554 3.03%
Sewer 3,526,152 3,526,152 - 3,626,496 -2.77%
Paving 11,320,660 11,320,660 - 11,524,171 -1.77%
Medical Center 10,311,002 10,311,002 - 9,923,062 3.91%
Integrated Waste 9,124,455 9,124,455 - 9,323,416 -2.13%
E-911 2,961,088 2,961,088 - 2,797,904 5.83%
Debt Service 5,922,205 7,811,905 (1,889,700) 8,663,464 -9.83%
METRA 4,772,083 4,772,083 - 4,635,387 2.95%
Parking Mgmt 320,737 349,824 (29,087) 330,565 5.83%
Trade Center 2,049,358 2,049,358 - 1,810,549 13.19%
Bull Creek 1,350,300 1,350,300 - 1,378,075 -2.02%
Oxbow Creek 562,022 562,022 - 572,069 -1.76%
Civic Center 4,672,457 4,997,021 (324,564) 4,136,800 20.79%
Economic Dev. 816,288 816,288 - 826,850 -1.28%
Total $177,153,722 $184,548,971 $(7,395,249) $180,483,362 2.25%
City Manager Hugley reported that this budget is 2.25% greater than last
year?s budget. He said that the 2.25% increase over the FY-05 budget is less
than CIP (Consumer Price Index), which is 2.97%
What is in the FY06 budget for employees?
5% Bonus for full-time employees & 2.5% bonus for part-time and retirees, which
totals ($4.6 million) *
City absorbs increase in Healthcare costs at an average of $250 per employee
($640,000.00)
Public Safety Additional supplement for sworn personnel ($.2 million)
Total Benefit for Employees - $5.4 million
*For Qualified Employees employed Jan 1, 2005
*For Qualified Employees employed Jan 1, 2005
Note: 2% Pay increase effective Jan 1, 2006 for constitutional officers
In response to a question of Councilor McDaniel, City Manager Hugley
explained that the City does not pay $640,000.00 for healthcare for the
employees of the government, but the $540,000 represents the amount the
healthcare cost would have gone up and normally that cost would have been
passed on to the employee; however, the administration is recommending that the
amount be absorbed by the City.
City Manager Hugley suggested the increase that is being proposed for the
employees are to be distributed in a separate paycheck on July 29, 2005.
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NON-OPERATING FUNDS:
Funds not for the general operation of the government
Restricted for a specific purpose
Must be budgeted annually
Maintained in a separate fund
Urban Development Action Grant $72,822
Economic Development Program $15,000
HOME $1,264,437
HUD Section 108 $1,334,813
Multi-Governmental $1,824,002
Hotel/Motel Tax $2,652,398
Police Forfeiture $100,000
County Drug Abuse Treatment $100,000
Metro Drug Task Force $90,000
County Jail/Penalty Assessment $1,950,000
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the hotel/motel tax is split with the
Civic Center ? 2%, Trade Center ? 1%, Columbus Convention & Visitor?s Bureau ?
3% and the Performing Art Center - $1%
City Manager Hugley reminded everyone that in the County Jail/Penalty
Assessment, we have $1.9 million that we would use as revenue this year;
therefore, that $1,950,000 revenue would not be there next year.
Sheriff Forfeiture $100,000
Special Projects (CIP) $2,345,912
1999 Sales Tax Projects $28,994,218
Columbus Bldg. Authority Taxable Lease Revenue Bonds Series 1999C
$300,000
Columbus Bldg. Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2001 $100,000
Columbus Bldg. Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2003A $21,700,000
Columbus Bldg. Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2003B $3,500,000
G.O. Sales Tax Bonds Series 2003 $3,000,000
Family, Youth and Coalition $50,000
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ADD/DELETE LIST: GENERAL FUND
General Fund Expenditures $124,596,813
3 Cadets (Pugh) $78,760
Conditional Discharge (Pugh) $77,049
DARE, GREAT (Pugh) $0
Juvenile Diversion (Pugh) $0
Drug Court (Pugh) $100,000
Councilor McDaniel asked questions regarding the duties of the cadets at
the Police Department, at which time, Police Chief Ricky Boren came forward to
describe the various duties and to provide some brief information on the cadet
program. He explained that the cadets range in age from 18 - 21. He said that
we regulate their education requirements and provide in-house training to
ensure that they meet the qualifications to become police officers at the end
of that two or three year span. He said that we can assign them anywhere from
the desk services to one of bureaus for reading case files, answering the
telephone, etc., which is all in preparation to become a police officer.
Councilor Woodson explained the reasons why she supports the cadet program
by mentioning that Spencer High School has a law enforcement training class
that prepares the students for the field of law enforcement. She said that
upon completion of the four-year program the students are eligible to go into
the cadet programs. She said this allows for high school students that are
interested in law enforcement to get some early on training. Police Chief
Boren added that we do keep up with that program and if their grades are not
kept to a certain standard; then, they would not be eligible for the program.
#1: 3 Cadets ($78,760.00)
Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
City Manager Hugley noted that if the Council were to add everything from
the add/delete list into the budget, it would take the fund balance down to
69.34 days. He said in addition to what he would be proposing in the amount of
$100,000.00, this would drop the fund balance to 69 days. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers asked City Manager Hugley to translate the number of days in the fund
balance to dollars, at which time, City Manager Hugley requested some
additional time to calculate the figures.
After the discussion was concluded on this matter, the motion was defeated
by a vote of two to six. Councilors McDaniel and Woodson voted yes and
Councilors Anthony, Davis, Henderson, Hunter, Pugh, Rodgers and Suber voting no.
#2: Conditional Discharge Program ($77,049.00)
Councilor Henderson moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Davis.
Councilor Suber asked if this was the program that the judges had stated
that they would increase the fines in order to retain this program? City
Manager Hugley agreed with this statement. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then asked if
we were going to adjust our revenue projections accordingly. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers said that he asked the initial question regarding the dollar amount for
these add on items simply on the side of caution, because the next question is
where are the funds going to come from next year. He suggested that his
colleagues exercise extreme caution. He said if we are going to increase
revenues in those areas to fund that add on for the conditional discharge
program; he would support it but he is not going to support anything that
requires funding for next year when we do not know where it is coming from.
Finance Director Cole explained that the reason why we have not added the
amount on to the revenue side is because we don?t have any details on how they
are going to add that revenue; we don?t know if it is going to be added on to
the fees or how they are going to impose it from their courts. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers requested a delay on this item to get a response from the interested
parties as to how they intend to do it. Chairperson Turner Pugh pointed out
that if we don?t pay it here, we are going to pay in someplace else.
Regarding the expenditure amount, City Manager Hugley determined that it
would be $374,016.00 and new revenue would be $13,875.00. He explained that it
was understood that with no new revenue source identified, any add on would
come out of the fund balance.
Councilor Henderson reminded everyone that we do have a statement from the
judges that they are going to increase fines to generate revenue, aside from
that, he would vote for this anyway because we are saving money by not adding
to the population of the jail, which cost the City approximately $25,000 -
$30,000. a year to house inmates.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers determined that if the letter is good enough for us
to take the judges? word; then, why is it not good enough for us to put in the
revenue line item. City Manager Hugley agreed that the Finance Department
would put a revenue line item.
Chairperson Turner Pugh called attention to the motion on the table.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers added that with the caveat that the revenue would be
increased as well. Chairperson Turner Pugh recalled that this was not a part
of the motion, because the motion on the floor is to add $77,049 back into the
budget for the Conditional Discharge Program. The motion was approved by a
vote of eight to one. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voted no and Councilors Anthony,
Davis, Henderson, Hunter, Pugh, Rodgers, Suber and Woodson voted yes.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that this means that the Administrative
Tech position in the Conditional Discharge Program would be retained for the
upcoming fiscal year. He said that their operating expenses would be $48,000.
Administrative Tech with benefits is $29,049.00.
#3: DARE, GREAT ($0):
City manager Hugley explained that there was no change, because we did not
take anything out of the budget for that; this was an administrative decision.
Councilor Henderson pointed out that this Council does not have to do
anything.
#4: Juvenile Diversion ($0):
City Manager Hugley advised that it would be the same scenario with the
Juvenile Diversion Program.
#5: Drug Court ($100,000):
City Manager Hugley advised that they have applied for a $100,000.00
grant, but they have not received the word on if they have been approved for
that grant. He pointed out that the Council wanted it on the add list. He
added that if they get the grant and the Council approves the $100,000.00;
then, this money would go back into the general fund. He said of course if
they don?t get the grant; then, the program would be funded if this money were
added back into the budget.
Councilor McDaniel asked if some of the drug money that is confiscated
could be used for this, at which time, City Manager Hugley said that he would
check into that. Police Chief Ricky Boren explained that Drug Court is not
under his control, it is under the court system. He said that the seized money
that we use under the Federal guidelines could not be used in that court and
under the State guidelines it states that it could be used for the continuation
of drug work or undercover work on the streets. He said that this is a legal
question that would have to be addressed by the city attorney. In response to
questions regarding the jurisdiction of the drug court, Finance Director Cole
advised that this is dealing with juvenile drug cases that deal with
psychological evaluations and working with the family, which is primarily out
of the Juvenile Court system.
Assistant City Attorney Deloach mentioned that they have better then a 90%
success rate from the Juvenile Drug Court. She said that one place that the
funding could come from is money called ?DATE?. She said that it is from
Superior Court add ons and that money is available; even though, the drug
seized money cannot. She pointed out that there is a criminal fee that we
collect that could be used for drug court. Chairperson Turner Pugh asked
questions regarding this money and where does it go now, at which time,
Assistant City Attorney Deloach advised that it goes to the Police Department.
Police Chief Boren reiterated that the drug court is not a program of the
police department; it is something that is handle for the court and by the
court. Chairperson Turner Pugh clarified that the City Manager is saying that
the funds from the DATE are controlled by the Superior Court Judges; therefore,
the Administration would need to talk to the judges to see if the City could
use part of that money for the Drug Court Program. City Manager Hugley added
that the judges are obviously using their discretion to assign this money to
the county drug abuse treatment program at the Police Department in the amount
of $100,000.00. He said that what we would be doing is taking from one program
to fund another, but he would go to the judge to ask about diverting that money
from the program at the Columbus Police Department to the Drug Court; then, we
are fine with that.
City Manager Hugley suggestion that the discussions regarding the two fire
trucks be held when that particular times come up on the add/delete list.
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NOTE: Councilor Henderson left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 1:00 p.m.
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Councilor Hunter expressed his support for the continuation of the Drug
Court, because the greatest percentage of crimes is drug related; therefore, if
we could control the drug problem, the jails would be emptied.
When Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers questioned Police Chief Boren about the DATE
funding, Police Chief Boren advised that he is not receiving this funding. He
said that we have a Juvenile Diversion Program that we operate on our own but
is unaware of this money. City Manager Hugley said that he would find out
exactly where the $100,000.00 is going.
At this time, City Manager Hugley suggested that we delay the motion on
the Drug Court.
Police Chief Boren then responded to questions related to the number of
slots available in the Police Department and the amount of manpower that is on
the streets to respond to 911 calls. Police Chief Boren recalled that he is
short 30 police officers that are needed on the streets. Chairperson Turner
Pugh suggested using retired police officers to administer some of these
programs, at which time, Police Chief Boren advised that we have started the
process of looking at the possibility of doing that. He pointed out that this
would take some work with rewriting the accreditation and the Human Resource
Department would have to get involved to determine their status so that the
retired officers could keep receiving their retirement money. She then asked
Police Chief Boren to provide the Council with the projected figures on the
amount of money we are talking about.
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NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 1:15 p.m.
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City Manager Hugley said that if that $100,000. remains; then, the General
Fund would go to $124,773,862.
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City Attorney?s Salary:
Councilor McDaniel asked about the salary of the City Attorney. City
Manager Hugley said that the City Attorney?s salary is $75,000.00. Councilor
McDaniel said that the City Attorney has not received a raise since he accepted
the position, at which time, City Manager Hugley agreed with this statement and
pointed out that he has been the City Attorney for about four years.
Councilor McDaniel then requested a pay increase to $85,000.00 for City
Attorney Fay be placed on the add list for discussion. Councilor Suber
recalled that he is a City Employee; therefore, he has been receiving some kind
of raise, at which time, City Manager Hugley made a correction in his previous
statement by saying that there was a 3% raise two years ago. Chairperson
Turner Pugh determined that the request would be listed for next week?s meeting.
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NOTE: Mayor Poydasheff left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 1:20 p.m.
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Fire Trucks:
Councilor Suber asked about the number of fire engines that are needed.
He recalled that we added two additional fire trucks through the GMA Lease
Program last week. He pointed out that one has already been added, but the
Fire Chief is asking for two more fire engines. He then asked Fire Chief Roy
Waters to respond to several questions relating to when the last time new fire
trucks were added and the life expectancy of the engines.
After Fire Chief Waters provided the reasons for the request, Councilor
Suber made a motion that two additional fire trucks be added to the budget
through the GMA Lease Program, which would be an additional $10,000.00 added to
the budget because we already have $60,000.00 in there. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members present for this vote
with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and Councilor Henderson having already left the
meeting and Councilor Allen being absent for this meeting.
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Pursuit Vehicles:
Councilor Davis asked questions regarding the pursuit vehicles. He
recalled that last week we were looking at the need for more pursuit vehicles.
Police Chief Boren advised that he has a total of 244 police pursuit vehicles
and he is still waiting on the 30 cars for this fiscal year to come in. He
said the highest amount of mileage on any one of these vehicles is 177,900. He
pointed out that the request was for 38 vehicles with only 15 making it in the
budget, but he is fine in regards to the vehicles.
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Chairperson Turner Pugh said that the only other add/deletes are coming
from the staff. City Manager Hugley agreed with the statement and pointed out
that it would be coming out of the general fund. He determined that we could
wrap this up next week. Chairperson Turner Pugh said when these requests are
brought back next week, then, the staff needs to explain why the items were not
included in the original budget. City Manager Hugley said that at the next
meeting, we would also try to bring back answers to some of the questions that
were asked during the course of these budget review meetings.
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Civic Center:
Councilor Woodson reminded City Manager Hugley to bring a response
regarding the porter deck, the soundboard and the additional stage equipment
for the Civic Center. City Manager Hugley said that he did have a response to
those questions and would provide the answers to Councilor Woodson after the
meeting.
There being no other budget related items to discuss, this meeting
adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
________________________
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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