Minutes
BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE
May 17, 2005
Members Present: Chairperson Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
and Councilors R. Gary Allen (arrived 12:55 p.m.), Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis,
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 Berry Henderson was absent.
Call to Order: Chairperson Turner Pugh called the meeting to order at 11:11
a.m. in the Council Chambers, Plaza Level, of the Government Center.
Request for Add/Delete List
Chairperson Evelyn Turner Pugh highlighted the request that were presented to
her from the members of Council for the add/delete list:
Conditional Discharge Program
D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T Programs (Request of Councilor Turner Pugh)
Cadet Program (Request of Councilor Woodson)
AGENDA:
City Manager
-Summary & Overview
-Department Presentation - (Roy Reese, Department of Special Project
-Agency Appropriations
-Capital and Capital Improvements
-1999 SPLOST - Update
Finance Director & HR Director
-Benefits
-Health
-Pension
-Questions
City Manager Hugley provided a brief recap of some of the overview highlights
from the first budget meeting held last Tuesday.
OVERVIEW:
OPERATING FUNDS
Revenues $177,153,722
Expenditures $184,548,971
Difference ($7,395,249)
? FY-06 proposed budget - $184.5 million
? Revenues - $177,153,722
? Difference - $7.3 million
o $5,151,898 in expenditures that would be taken from the General Fund ? Fund
Balance to balance budget
o $1.8 million in expenditures from the Debts Service Fund Balance
City Manager Hugley reported on the projected revenue and expenditures on
the various funds:
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 the CPI for the calendar year 2004 was
2.97% and from March 2004 ? March 2005 the CPI was 3.15%. He pointed out the
2.25% increase over last year?s budget and named the areas that contributed to
the increase: $1.4 million contributed to HOPE IV, $1.9 million to support the
Pension Plan, 5% bonus for employees, which equates to approximately $4.6
million, absorbing $250.00 on an average that would have been passed on to
employees for healthcare for a total of $640,000.00 and $200.00 supplemental in
addition to the 5% increase to public safety employees, which is approximately
$240,000.00. He explained that all of these factors contributed to the
administration?s need to go into the fund balance. He pointed out that the
fund balance would go from 90 days to 70.08 days.
*** *** ***
Departmental Presentation:
City Manager Hugley recognized the presence of Mr. Roy Reese, Special Projects
Department Director. He briefly explained that the administration is proposing
that two intern positions not be included in the FY-06 budget. He pointed out
that the department director did want the opportunity to present his case to
the Council but his recommendation is not to include the two positions.
Mr. Roy Reese, Special Projects Director, came forward to justify the need to
retain the two intern positions in the FY-06 budget. He spoke for several
minutes explaining the responsibility of the Special Projects Office, which
consist of training for city employees. He highlighted the savings involved
with training in-house and the bringing in of qualified instructors to the
Learning Center. He also talked about the staff make up of the office and
emphasized the importance of providing internship.
In conclusion, Special Projects Director Reese requested that the two intern
positions be retained, because his office had never considered turning in the
two intern positions as part of his budget reduction. He pointed out that we
have met the reduction that was asked of us without doing that and with the
absolute minimal impact on the value to the city and the delivery to the
participants in the training programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked about the catering services in the amount of
$10,000.00 under the Special Projects Department. Special Projects Director
Reese explained that this is the line item account that the graduation
luncheons are in, as well as, the drinks, snacks, etc. He then expounded
further on the items provided and during which situations these items are
provided to the employees in training.
Councilor Woodson pointed out one other benefit of having various training
institutes bring forth instructors to use the Learning Center, by mentioning
that employees are sometimes able to receive training at no cost because the
Learning Center is being used to conduct the training. After some additional
comments were made by Councilor Suber regarding the lack of city revenues and
the non-passage of the L.O.S.T. (Local Option Sales Tax), Councilor Woodson
asked if Special Projects Director Reese had considered getting in contact with
the colleges to see about internship for college credits or grants that could
assist with supporting this program, at which time, Special Projects Director
Reese replied by explaining the difference in the pure intern and the co-op
student intern, which is that one is paid and the other is not. City Manager
Hugley explained that we have worked with Columbus State University to receive
interns at no cost; therefore, those opportunities are out there. He
emphasized that we are not cutting training, and the two interns were just
assisting them in the office.
*** *** ***
HEALTH CARE:
Finance Director Angela Cole came forward to discuss healthcare issues in
relation to pharmeceutical cost
Pharmacy Cost:
? HMO Average Prescription/Month= $30.10
? PPO Average Prescription/Month = $50.27
? Indemnity Average Prescription/Month = $112.35
? Note: Average is on paid prescriptions, excluding co payments.
Regarding information provided by the healthcare provider, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield, Finance Director Cole pointed out the anticipated inflation cost for
pharmeceutical cost to be in the 14% range. She then outlined the projected
cost for next year, and are listed as follows:
? HMO - $37.23
? PPO - $61.87
? Indemnity - $138.12
Cost Control Strategies:
? Continue 3-tier pharmacy program
? Post-65 Tricare Rx Carve-Out
? Received $107,782 from rebates
? Employee Education Program
? Web MD
? Blue Choice On-Call (24-hour nurse)
? Achieve best price for goods and services
?Formulary and utilization
? Maintain a healthy workforce
?Self care tools
? Focus on high cost populations
?Disease and case management
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers called attention to a suggestion that he had spoken to
former City Manager Cavezza about, which is to look at the retired military
population and the feasibility of the city enrolling them in the Tri-Care
Program as opposed to the City being liable for all of their medical care and
to look at what the cost exchange would be. Human Resources Director Tom
Barron advised that we have taken a long look at that program and the program
had an insurance component with it that we would have to purchase. He further
explained that it would not pay for itself and would have been a cost looser
for us; therefore, we did not move forward with that program. He pointed out
that we have looked at some options to encourage people to migrate to Tri-Care.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers maintained that the particular program may not have been
good for the city, but the concept would demand some further detailed
research. City Manager Hugley advised that we would take another look at that
and come back to the Council with something.
Retireee Premium Rate Proposal:
(Retirees over 65) *
Effective January of fiscal year listed
Fiscal Year Current Rate New Rate
2006 $75.00 $87.00
2007 $87.00 $99.00
2008 $99.00 $111.00
2009 $111.00 $123.00
2010 $123.00 $136.00
*Benchmark for Premium Rate for retirees over 65 to AARP Plan C ? Medigap =
$136.00
Councilor Suber asked if anyone other than AARP had been looked at, at which
time, City Manager Hugley advised that they had not looked at any others.
Councilor Suber suggested that we give the employees a choice and allow them to
make a decision on which one to choose. City Manager Hugley explained that the
cost for AARP was lower than the others, and this is why we suggested AARP. He
advised that we could come back to the Council with some other alternatives and
provide a choice. Finance Director Cole clarified that they would still be on
the City?s program, we just happen to use the cost of AARP for benchmark
purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said that in terms of similar coverage, AARP is the least
expensive but that is a rich program as well. Finance Director Cole agreed
that their program is a rich program. City Manager Hugley further clarified
that it is about getting the cost to where AARP is and not about offering them
AARP or some other coverage.
At this time, Human Resources Director Tom Barron, came forward to provide an
overview on benefits and pension.
Tricare Rx Carve Out
? Some retirees are eligible for Tricare
? Tricare Rx co-payments are either $0, $3 or $9 (CCG plan $20, $30 or $50).
? Tricare won?t pay if retiree enrolled in City Rx plan.
? Retirees who permanently leave Rx plan get best benefit & $5 premium savings.
? City Rx liability reduced.
Mayor Poydasheff said that he believes that if an individual is retired
military with Tricare; then, that individual could get their prescriptions
filled at no cost at the two pharmacys in Ft. Benning, as long as,
the individual falls within the ambient of what DOD (Department of Defense)
authorizes for purchases.
Medicare Part ?D?:
Benefits and Premiums
? Rx Benefits
o ?$250 Annual Deductible
o ?Then 75% Co-pay next $2,000
o ?Next $2,850 out of retiree?s pocket
o ?Part D pays $1,500/29% first $5,100 of Rx
o ?95% Co-pay after retiree pays $3,600
? Projected Initial Premium $35 monthly
o ?Income <135% poverty, no deductible no premium
o ?<150% poverty, reduced deductible and premium
Employer Options
? Pay Medicare Part D Premium for retiree
o ?control of plan design, rules & cost is lost
? Provide wrap-around or supplemental coverage (Reimbursement Plan, no drug
card)
o ?supplemental coverage limits catastrophic coverage payments (95%) by Part D
? Provide actuarially equivalent drug plan and receive subsidy payment
? Cancel CCG Rx & increase retirement income
? Cancel CCG retiree drug benefit without offset
Part D Recommendation
?BCBS actuaries have determined that our current Rx plan is equivalent or
better than Medicare Part D.
?Recommendation is to participate in the subsidy program, reserving long-term
decisions until actual Part D operating data is available.
Medicare Subsidy Program
?Subsidy equals 28% of allowable covered Part D Rx claim costs incurred between
$250 and $5,000 for each Medicare eligible retiree and spouse.
?Medicare estimates that the rebate will average $668 per beneficiary in 2006.
?If Medicare is correct, we could expect an annual rebate of about $428,000.
In response to comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Human Resources Director
Barron agreed that the City would not loose if we force all of the retirees to
go to Part D, but then we have to decided if the City is going to pay the
premium for Part D. He explained that if we choose that option, we have no
control over what happens with that program, because Medicare is completely in
charge. He added that if the premiums increase in future years, as is
projected, the City would be tied to that and it could get to be an expensive
program. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said that he would believe that there is a
means for opting out, at which time, Human Resources Director Barron stated
that he does not know if that is the case.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said that he respects the recommendation, but he does not
recall being presented with any numbers so that the Council could make that
decision. Human Resources Director Barron said that we could provide those
numbers as best we can. He explained that some of this is not easy to quantify
because there are no limited projections on where Medicare is going to go, but
from what he has seen, it appears that the premiums and benefits for Medicare
is going to go up very high.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then requested a more indepth presentation. Mayor
Poydasheff requested to be provided with the information as well. He then
suggested contacting Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Lynn Westmoreland or the
two State Senators Ed Harbison and Seth Harp, because they may have a better
prognostic of what the Federal Government is going to be doing with Medicare.
Chairperson Turner Pugh suggested that this matter be a part of the upcoming
Work Session.
Councilor Anthony recalled that the Federal Employee Association has been
addressing this issue and gave a good report at a National Conference;
therefore, the report may be another resource of information. He also
suggested contacting Ms. Debra Newman, who has an older workforce, and is
addressing the same issues relative to their retirees.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that since this matter would be discussed at
the work session, he would suggest suspending the remainder of the presentation
until the work session is held. Councilor Suber asked how would this affect
the budget, at which time, City Manager Hugley confirmed that these numbers are
not included in the budget. He explained that this presentation was being
provided to find out if this is the direction in which we want to go.
Chairperson Turner Pugh contended that if this is not a part of the budget;
then, the discussions should wait until after the budget session is over. City
Manager Hugley maintained that the Finance Director has advised that we have to
provide notification by September 15th and if we decide to go in this
direction; then, it could have some budget implications for FY-06.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
Note: The Budget Review Session was temporarily concluded at 12:08 p.m. and
reconvened at 12:40 p.m. Mayor Poydasheff returned to his seat at 12:45 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
PENSION PLAN:
Human Resources Director Barron came forward to provide a presentation on the
Pension Plan.
Future Liabilities continue to grow (2000 to 2004) Trend
?Within 5 yrs normal retirement # and % increase
o ?General Government ? 113, +28%
o ?Public Safety ? 142, +25%
o ?Total of 255, +26%
?Within 5 yrs of early retirement # and % increase
o ?General Government ? 252, +12%
o ?Public Safety ? 136, +11%
o ?Total of 388, +12%
?Total CCG Normal & Early - 643 +17%
Pension Board Recommendation
?Reduce plan earnings assumption to 7%
?Why?
o ?Current earnings assumption is 7.5%
o ?Plan unable to average stated earning assumption for several years
o ?Investment managers predict a 6.5% net rate of earnings over next 10 years
using current mix
Councilor Suber asked about using the conservative 6.5% net rate, at which
time, Human Resources Direct Barron explained that the lower the assumption
then the more we have to put into the plan. He said the other reason is that
the Pension Board is currently looking at changing some of the investment
managers and changing the investment mix so they are hoping that they can find
that half percent.
In response to a question from Chairperson Turner Pugh, City Manager Hugley
reported that the total amount in the proposed budget is $1.9 million for
pension. Councilor Suber recalled that we were to receive some information on
the possibility of the employees being able to participate in the pension
plan. City Manager Hugley advised that we do not have that information yet.
AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS
City Manager Hugley provided a power point presentation on agency
appropriations and gave a brief explanation on the recommended funding level of
each.
Agency FY05Appropriation FY06 Requested FY06 Recommended
New Horizons Community Service Board $260,914 $260,914 $260,914
Health Dept. Services 813,475 813,475 813,475
Health Dept. Rent 269,919 269,919 271,837
Airport Commission 40,000 40,000 40,000
Planning Commission RDC 100,000 149,032 90,000
CRCD Senior Meals 20,000 20,000 20,000
Lower Chattahoochee Direct Service Corp. 27,810 27,810 27,810
Health Dept. Senior Referral 23,644 23,644 21,280
Keep Columbus Beautiful 81,215 73,093 73,093
Dept. of Family & Children Services 100,000 100,000 100,000
Sexual Assault Support Cntr - 0 - 20,000 - 0 -
Uptown Columbus 100,000 125,000 90,000
Literacy Alliance 20,000 40,000 18,000
Total $1,856,977 $1,962,887 1,826,409
Chairperson Turner Pugh asked about the services provided by the Department of
Family & Children Services, at which time, City Manager Hugley advised that the
$100,000 funding is the match to a grant that DFACS receives from the State.
Councilor Davis inquired about the rent increase for the Health Department.
City Manager Hugley, conferring with Finance Director Cole, pointed out the
$271,837.00 is based on the formula that we use and with the cost of utilities
going up, that increase in cost is included in that number. Councilor Anthony
then requested some clarification on the formula that is used. City Manager
Hugley said that he would bring that information back to the Council.
*** *** ***
FY-06 CAPITAL OUTLAY REQUEST:
Capital By Fund - $3,958,669.
? $ 829,965 ? General Fund (FY05 $148,000)
? $ 43,000 ? Sewer Fund (FY05 $121,000)
? $1,148,300 ? Paving Fund (FY05 $690,800)
? $1,205,048 ? Integrated Waste Fund
(FY05 $1,438,450)
? $ 513,850 ? METRA (FY05 $604,940)
? $ 109,256 ? Trade Center ($109,167)
? $ 28,000 ? Bull Creek ($28,000)
? $ 20,000 ? Oxbow Creek ($10,000)
? $ 61,250 ? Civic Center ($131,679)
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
Note: Councilor Allen returned to the meeting at approximately 12:55 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
Fleet Vehicles
? Age of fleet prior to 99 SPLOST
?Public Safety 7 yrs
?Others 7 yrs
? Age of fleet today
?Public Safety 5 yrs
?Others 8 yrs
?
? ?Some effort to continue replacing vehicles and equipment is necessary to
keep the fleet functioning.
City Manager Hugley provided a detailed graph of the average fleet age with ?
replacement schedule starting with year 2005 and making projections into the
future throughout year 2010.
Year Average
2005 5.5
2006 5.89
2007 6.5
2008 6.8
2009 7.7
2010 8.1
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the Fleet Manager reviews all request for
vehicle replacement and there is a criteria that a vehicle has to meet in order
to be considered for disposition and are listed as follows: (1) 100,000 miles
or 5 years (2) the cost of maintenance has to exceed the fair market value of
the vehicle.
General Fund
Engineering
? Traffic Engineering $77,000
?$32,000 ? Isuzu (Street sign truck)
?$25,000 ? Cargo Van w/ shelving racks
?$20,000 ? Midsize SUV
? Public Services
?Special Enforcement $108,000
?$60,000 ? 3 Full size ? ton Pick-ups
?$48,000 ? 3 Pro MDL Chaise Mounts
?Facilities Maintenance $130,000
?$110,000 ? ? Ton Service Truck w/ Utility Body
?$20,000 ? Cargo ? ton Van
? Parks & Recreation $385,800 (Initial Request $800,000.)
?Park Services
?$97,500 ? 13 Dixie Choppers
?$43,000 ? 5 Gang Mower/Rotary
?$29,000 ? Chemical Sprayer
?$28,000 ? 7 16-ft. Utility Trailer
?$44,000 ? 2 4-door Pick up Truck
?$24,000 ? 15 Passenger Van
Chairperson Turner Pugh suggested that the initial request be provided, as
well, as the actual amount budgeted. City Manager Hugley then went back to
provide the initial requested funding for the Department of Parks and
Recreation.
? General Fund
?$20,000 ? Cargo ? ton Van
?$33,000 ? Flat bed Truck
?$36,000 ? 2 Tractors 60 hp
?$10,000 ? 4 Bush hogs
?$3,800 ? Flail Mower
?$7,000 ? 2 Line Markers
?$4,500 ? 8 ft. x 20 ft. trailer
?$6,000 ? Steiner mower with attachments
? Muscogee County Prison $44,000 (Initial Request $87,000)
?$21,000 ? 7 passenger Van
?$23,000 ? 15 passenger Van
? Police Department $6,165 (Initial Request $1.4 million)
?$6,165 ? 9 Replacement Weapons
City Manager Hugley advised the Council that he would be coming back to the
Council, because the Police Department would be funding vehicles and equipment
out of the 1999 SPLOST; so, that is not all that they are getting.
Councilor Davis asked that City Manager Hugley describe the equipment to him
and the use of the chemical sprayer. City Manager Hugley explained that the
chemical sprayers are used to spray the ballfields or right-of-ways to kill
weeds. After there were some additional questions, Mr. Tommy Groce, from the
Department of Parks and Recreation came forward to describe in detail the piece
of equipment and its function. City Manager Hugley recalled that this would be
a replacement; even though, they really need two.
? Clerk Of Superior Court $79,000 (Initial Request of $99,000)
?$20,000 ? Plat scanner
?$25,000 ? Computer server
?$19,000 ? Document scanner
?$5,000 ? Plat monitor
?$10,000 - Maintenance
? Fire Department $262,292 (Initial Request of 3 Fire Engines)
?$262,292 ? Fire Engine
In response to a question of Chairperson Turner Pugh, Fire & EMS Chief Roy
Waters, pointed out that this would be a replacement vehicle for Engine 6; the
Fire Station on Brown Avenue. When asked about the location of the other two
request fire engines, Fire & EMS Chief Waters advised that one of the engines
would be at Station 9 on Elm Drive and the other would be on Whitesville Road.
Councilor Suber asked if there were previous discussions regarding purchasing
all three fire engines; instead of, the one. Fire & EMS Chief Waters agreed
that the Council had discussed the need to replace three of the fire engines
and the three SUV?s that were to replace the vehicles that the three Battalion
Chiefs use. He recalled the justification that he provided at that time for
the three SUV?s. He then briefly explained that it would be extremely
difficult to go to an ALS/BLS system, which the Council has stated that we
should be working towards. He maintained that the trucks that he would be
replacing do not have the room available to carry the equipment necessary to
provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) in the community.
After Councilor Suber determined that he thought the three fire trucks were
already included, City Manager Hugley said that we could add the other two fire
engines and that engine would come out of the GMA Lease Pool. He explained
that with the addition, we would have to increase the amount of money coming
out of the debt service fund balance to pay the annual cost of the lease
payment to GMA.
Councilor Suber requested that the additional two fire trucks be put on the
add/delete list.
Councilor Woodson asked about the equipment that would be needed for the new
fire stations that are coming aboard. Fire & EMS Chief Water replied that the
vehicles that were appropriated for SPLOST for the Department of Fire & EMS
have already been purchased, which includes the new stations. He explained
that the vehicles that he is requesting are replacement vehicles.
City Manager Hugley noted that he would bring some numbers on the cost or
increase that would be required in the budget or fund balance to fund two
additional fire engines. Mayor Poydasheff suggested checking the local
commercial banks to see if GEMA is still providing the lowest rate.
Prior Year Public Safety SPLOST Allocation balance $686,130
SHERIFF $111,105
?$111,105 ? 3 Pursuit Vehicles with Technology Packages
POLICE $575,025
?$19,500 ? Harley Davidson Motorcycle
?$555,525 ? 15 Pursuit Vehicles with Technology Packages
City Manager Hugley advised that the initial request for the Police Department
was $1.4 million and the initial request for capital from the Sheriff?s
Department was $492,000.00. He determined that normally this would be the last
year of the SPLOST money for public safety, but he is of the understanding that
they would have some carry-over money from this year.
Councilor Davis asked Police Chief Ricky Boren to address the status of his
initial capital request and the need for 38 pursuit vehicles, because only 15
are recommended. Police Chief Boren said that he could provide the requested
information in a short period of time. He then responded to questions
regarding the technology package.
Councilor Suber asked about the recording equipment in the police cars, at
which time, Police Chief Boren spoke of the problems with the wiring of the
recording equipment. Councilor Suber then requested that since we are having
problems with the wiring in the recording equipment in the Sheriff?s Department
and in the Police Department; then, we need to find another company to provide
this equipment. Police Chief Boren said that we are in the process of doing
that.
Sewer Fund - $43,000 (Initial Request $73,000)
?$14,000 ? Air compressor
?$29,000 ? Flatbed Truck w/ 12 ft. bed
Paving Fund - $1.1 million
?STREET REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $160,000
?$18,000 ? ? Ton Full Size 4-door Pick up
?$58,000 ? 2 Flatbed with 12-ft. dump
?$84,000 ? 3 Inmate Vans
?
? ?LANDSCAPE & FORESTRY
?$67,000 ? Flatbed Logging Truck
?RIGHT-OF-WAY MAINTENANCE $170,000
?$58,000 ? 2 Ford Flat Bed Dump Trucks
?$20,000 ? Ford Tractor
?$22,000 ? Tiger Tractor
?$28,000 ? GMC Inmate Van
?$42,000 ? 6 Dixie Choppers
?MAINTENANCE
?$15,500 ? Mid Size Pick up w/ extended cab
?
? ?HIGHWAYS
?$50,000 ? 2 Mid Size SUV?s
? ?STREET IMPROVEMENTS $685,800
?$235,000 ? Cat 330 Excavator
?$250,000 ? 2 Sweepers
?$100,000 ? Tri-Axle Lowboy Trailer
?$50,000 ? 40-ft. Tri Axle Trailer
?$21,800 ? Full Size 4x4 ? ton Pick up
?$29,000 ? Flatbed Four Door Dump w/ 8 ? ton bed
Chairperson Turner Pugh asked questions regarding the number of street
sweepers. Department of Public Services Rufus Riggs explained that there are
four street sweepers with one being replaced in the FY-05 budget and two that
have excess use on them. He pointed out that a sweeper lasts about five years
and those that we have that are requested to be replaced are 1998 models; we
asked for one last year and two this year.
Integrated Waste $1,761,600
($556,552 funded out of Integrated Waste CIP Vehicle Replacement)
RECYCLING
?$230,000 ? Recycling Collection Truck
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION $779,000
?$580,000 ? 4 Refuse Trucks
?$168,000 ? 2 Grab All Trucks
?$15,500 ? Mid Size Pickup w/ Extended cab
?$15,500 ? Mid Size Sedan
OXBOW MEADOWS LANDFILL
?$21,800 ? ? ton 4x4 Pick up
PINE GROVE LANDILL
?$340,000 ? Compactor
GRANITE BLUFF LANDFILL $390,800
?$369,000 ? D7 Crawler Tractor
?$21,800 ? Full Size ? ton 4x4 Pick up
METRA $513,850
?$280,000 ? 35-ft. Low Floor Bus
?$30,000 ? Service Truck
?$80,000 ? Rebuilt Engines
?$60,000 ? Rebuilt Transmissions
?$48,550 ? Para-transit
?$15,300 ? Operational Equipment
?
METRA capital is funded 80/10/10 (Federal/State/Local)
City share is approximately $51,385
Councilor Woodson asked about the reduction in bus routes and the need to
purchase more buses with the ridership level being so low. City Manager Hugley
explained that we have to reduce the level of service based on the 10% budget
cuts that all departments were asked to do and not because people were not
riding the bus. In response to another question of Councilor Woodson,
Department of Transportation Director Lisa Goodwin pointed out that this is a
replacement bus, because we have a two-year bus replacement schedule each
year. She explained that the twelve year buses or 500,000 miles are targeted
for replacement.
Councilor Davis asked about the option of temporary leases on some of
these items instead of purchasing them. City Manager Hugley pointed out that
we lease seasonal equipment. Public Services Director Riggs expounded further
that we have found that we pay for the equipment two times through the lease
terms, as opposed to paying for it once. He also provided some examples of
equipment leases versus the purchase of equipment. He said that it is not cost
effective.
Councilor Davis then asked about the usage of the mid-size SUV?s out of
the paving fund for highways. Deputy City Manager Bishop said that those
vehicles would be used for the Engineering Department in the signal shop.
TRADE CENTER $109,256 (Requested $109,256)
?$25,000 ? Forklift, 5000#
?$15,666 ? Ascension Portable Wheelchair Lift
?$19,500 ? 6 LCD Video Projectors
?$5,872 ? 4 Full Floor Lecterns
?$1,524 ? 2 Table top Lecterns
?$6,500 ? 500 D103 8-ft. drapes
?$2,375 ? 125 D102 3-ft. drapes
?$1,500 ? 125 B101 8-ft. Uprights
?$750 - 125 B105 3-ft. Uprights
?$5,500 ? 250 B403 Supports
?$1,125 ? 125 B503 11x11 Base
?$1,625 ? 125 B502 15x15 Base
?$921 ? 3 C105 Carts, Poles
?$1,095 ? 5 C108 Carts, 15? base
?$714 ? 3 C109 Carts, 11? base
?$957 ? 3 C103 Carts, 8-ft. Upright
?$562 ? 2 C102 Carts, 3-ft. Upright
?$6,100 ? 25 8-ft. Table Dollies
?$4,795 ? 35 4-ft. Tables
?$7,175 ? 35 8-ft. Tables
BULL CREEK GOLF $28,000 (Requested $28,000.)
?$12,000 ? Backhoe
?$8,000 ? Greens? mower
?$8,000 ? Range Ball Dispenser
OXBOW CREEK GOLF $20,000 (Requested $20,000.)
?$12,000 ? Greens? mower
?$8,000 ? Top Dresser
CIVIC CENTER $61,250 (Requested $280,000.)
?$11,250 ? 150 Ice Skates
?$20,000 ? Hockey Glass
?$10,000 ? Metal Poles
?$6,000 ? Dasher Top Plates
?$14,000 ? Rubber Flooring
Councilor Allen asked about the purchase of skates and if the City is
planning on extending the hours for public ice skating. City Manager Hugley
responded by saying that we could do that, but one of the biggest complaints
that we have received is the condition of the skates. Civic Center Manager
Dale Hester added that the skates were purchased in 1996 and we have not
replaced them. He commented that we are working on extending the hours to have
more skating time.
Civic Center Manager Hester responded to questions from Councilor Allen
regarding set dates and times for public skating, at which time, Civic Center
Manager Hester explained his reasons for not being able to do that.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
Note: Councilor Hunter left the meeting at approximately 1:30 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
Councilor Woodson asked about items on the request listed for the Civic
Center that were not being recommended by staff in particular the sound board.
She asked if the Civic Center had enough funding in their budget to purchase
some of these items, at which time, City Manager Hugley then explained the
funding sources for the Civic Center. He pointed out that we have not had to
take money out of the general fund to support the Civic Center, but we have in
past years. He stated that we looked at what they were requesting for this
year and we tried to project revenue and balance the budget for the Civic
Center based on anticipated revenues. He pointed out that we want to wait
until mid-year to see how they are doing, and if at mid-year they have had an
increased number of events or an increased number of events booked; then, we
would come back to the Council to increase their expenses to allow the Civic
Center to purchase certain things.
Councilor Woodson then requested to put the sound board on the add list.
Referring back to certain dates and times for public ice skating, Councilor
Suber made some comments to support the suggestion of designating certain dates
and times for ice skating. Chairperson Turner Pugh suggested that if certain
dates are locked in for ice skating and Civic Center Manager Hester has the
opportunity for another event for that time; then, there would not be any harm
in doing that.
CIP BY FUND
?General Fund
?Hope VI - $1,454,325 ($254,325 out of General Fund CIP Contingency) (Request
for $4 million)
?Sewer Fund
?$100,000 ? Environmental monitoring, Cusseta Road fuel facility
?$788,188 ? Hope VI ($465,448 out of Sewer Fund CIP Contingency)
Councilor Davis asked about our commitment to Hope VI and if this is the
first payment. Finance Director Cole said that for Hope VI, we have
commitments that we have budgeted in FY-2005, FY-2006 and FY-2007. Responding
to further questions from Councilor Davis, Finance Director Cole said that we
have not paid out for 2005; we have not been invoiced for it as of yet.
City Manager Hugley recalled that our total commitment is approximately
$5.3 million for Hope VI. He explained that we have monies coming out of
various funds. Councilor Davis also commented on how this matter was presented
by former City Manager Carmen Cavezza. He explained that the amount was close
to $1.2 million over a five-year period and this seems to be larger sums
administered. Deputy City Manager Bishop pointed out that we had a number of
meetings with the Housing Authority and their construction team to develop the
cash flow to meet the projections. He explained that the project is picking up
steam and almost $4 million dollars of the City?s money would be spent this
upcoming year.
Deputy City Manager Bishop then responded to further questions from
Councilor Davis regarding the commitments that were made from other
organizations.
?Paving Fund
?Hope VI - $723,172
?Integrated Waste
?New Cell Construction - $800,000
Councilor McDaniel asked why is the department asking for $300,000 for
obsolete traffic equipment that was denied by the administration, because it
was his understanding that the City brought all new equipment with $4.5
million. Deputy City Manager Bishop recalled that $4.5 million was used to
purchase equipment in 1990 but the equipment has become obsolete with the
change in technology.
Chairperson Turner Pugh asked what the subscriber replacement was
regarding the 800 MHZ. Deputy City Manager Bishop said that he wants to
provide accurate information; therefore, he would provide a response at a later
date.
Councilor Woodson asked if others use that frequency, at which time,
Deputy City Manager Bishop explained that the others buy the equipment.
SPLOST FY06 ALLOCATIONS $28,994,218:
?$3,687,868 ? Road Widening and Intersection Improvements
?$6,000,000 ? Stormwater Control and Flood Abatement
?$1,200,000 ? Lake Oliver Recreation Improvements
?$1,200,000 ? NFL Improvements
?$3,000,000 ? Enterprise Zone, acquisition of land, infrastructure, relocation,
demolition and site preparation
?$1,000,000 ? Parks & Green Space
?$12,906,350 ? Bonded debt principal and interest payment
FUTURE SPLOST ALLOCATIONS:
?FY07
?$4.4 million Roads, Streets & Bridges
?$5.0 million Stormwater & Flood Abatement
?$1.2 million NFL Improvements
?$4.5 million Liberty District Redevelopment
?$13.1 million Debt payment
?FY08
?$5.2 million Roads, Streets & Bridges
?$4.9 million Stormwater & Flood Abatement
?$8.0 million Oxbow Meadows
?$2.0 million Walking Trails/Trolley System
?$13.3 million Debt payment
?FY09
?$3.0 million City Service Center
?$9.0 million Walking Trails/Trolley System
?$7.5 million Debt payment
In conclusion, City Manager Hugley projected that the City would be able
to close out the 1999 sales tax in 2009, which would reduce the sales tax by
one cent.
Gateway Project
City Manager Hugley then responded to questions from Councilor Woodson
regarding green space and the Gateway Project. Councilor Anthony requested a
copy of the last three slides that show how the SPLOST money is going to be
allocated over a period of time. He pointed out that these were not requests
but needs that were made from the department, but because of budget
constraints, we were not able to fund them.
*** *** ***
City Manager Hugley announced that the public could view the budget by
going onto the City?s website at www.columbusga.org, the public library, or the
Finance Office. He pointed out that the next budget meeting would be held on
May 24, 2005, at which time, we would be covering Non-Operating Funds and the
Add/Delete list. He said that on May 31, 2005, we plan to wrap up any
unfinished business.
*** *** ***
Greenspace
In response to Councilor Suber regarding some property in Midland that he
believed was purchased with money for green space, City Manager Hugley
responded by saying that we did not but we do have some State money for green
space.
*** *** ***
Referring back to a question regarding the subscribers for radios, Deputy
City Manager Bishop explained this is money that we are trying to set up for
the future to start replacing our 800 MHZ radios, because they are analog now
and we want to start going to digital.
*** *** ***
Rails to Trails
Councilor Davis asked questions regarding the rails to trails project. He
then asked that a work session be scheduled to provide some additional
information out to the community about the plans that the City has for this
project. City Manager Hugley responded by saying that we did recently have a
meeting at Hannan Elementary School, but we can schedule a future work
session. He briefly shared that we had $11 million to take care of the
trolley, rails and trails and the planning efforts are well under way.
*** *** ***
Widening of Whittlesley Road
Councilor Davis asked if any money from the road, street and bridge
improvement has been channeled for the widening of Whittlesley Road. Deputy
City Manager Bishop pointed out that we are trying to get finished with the
environmental. He advised that we met with DOT and we are hoping the document
is ready towards the end of the summer. He projected that the next step would
be to acquire right-of-way with a construction date within the next two years.
He cautioned that something could go south with the environmental, but this is
the goal.
*** *** ***
Mayor Poydasheff added some additional comments regarding the rails to
trails project. He mentioned that the trolley project is not down the tubes,
but it may be a rubber tire trolley, which would work just as well and less
costly. Councilor McDaniel said since this project was approved by the
citizens, we may want to go back to the citizens to see if they still want this
project to happen because the City needs other equipment.
*** *** ***
Brown Avenue Bridge
Councilor Woodson asked about the priority on the Brown Avenue Bridge.
She pointed out that we have been waiting for three years. Deputy City Manager
Bishop said that the last conversation that he had about two months with DOT is
that they are working on the design, but he would verify that information.
*** *** ***
Civic Center
Councilor Woodson requested some additional information on the porter deck
for the Civic Center and its condition. She recapped the three items that she
is requesting some additional information on and how badly do we need it:
porter deck, additional stage equipment and soundboard.
There being no other budget related items to discuss, this meeting adjourned at
2:01 p.m.
________________________
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.