Minutes
BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE
April 07, 2015
Members Present: Chairperson Berry H. Henderson, Councilors Jerry ?Pops?
Barnes, Tom Buck Glenn Davis, Judy W. Thomas. Also present were Mayor Teresa
Tomlinson, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Finance
Director Pam Hodge, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of
Council Lindsey Glisson.
Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Councilors Gary Allen
Mike Baker, Bruce Huff and Evelyn Woodson, were absent.
Call to Order: Chairperson Henderson called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
in the Council Chambers,.
The following documents were distributed around the Council table: Flash
drives were given to the Councilors; their computers were not compatible at
this time and were told to see Finance Director Pam Hodge?s presentation. Pam
Hodge stated that this is a problem that will get resolved before the next
budget review meeting.
Finance Director Pam Hodge provided an overview of the FY16 Budget Review
Session Agenda for this meeting and is listed as part of the following power
point presentation:
FY2016 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
April 07, 2015
Budget overview
Finance Director Pam Hodge explains that she will be doing an overview of the
entire FY16 budgets, and then informed Council know they may need any items
from the budget discussed in further detail, advise her so it may be addressed
in future council meetings.
Flash drive given to councilors with documents FY15 budget to actual report
thru March, FY16 recommended budget, overview, budget review schedule, so
councilors know which departments are schedule to present. C100 line item
detail report for operating funds, today?s PowerPoint and budget request from
elected officials.
________________________________________________________________________
The following presentation was made by Finance Director Pam Hodge, as outlined
below.
AGENDA
Budget Process/Schedule
Overview
Operating Funds Summary (including Capital/CIP)
Agency Appropriations
Non- Operating Funds Summary
Other Local Options Sales Tax (OLOST)
Transportation Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (TSPLOST)
________________________________________________________________________
PowerPoint Presentation
Budget Process
? Submitted to the Council by the Mayor no less than 60 days prior to each
fiscal year
? Includes operating and capital expenditures accompanied by revenues
? Shall be accompanied by a budget message from the Mayor containing policy,
major changes, general summary and other information deemed appropriate
? Made public by advertising in the newspaper and hearing for public comment
? Budget and Millage Ordinances along with related ordinances must be approved
by July 1st
________________________________________________________________________
Budget Schedule
April 2015
? Budget review sessions
? April 8th- Overview, Operating Funds, Agency Appropriations, Non- Operating
Funds, Other Local Sales Tax (OLOST) and Transportation Local Option Sales Tax
(TSPLOST)
? April 14th, 21st , 28th- Department/ Agency Presentations
________________________________________________________________________
May 2015
? Budget Review Session
? May 5th,12th ,19th ?Department/Agency Presentations
? May 26th- Add/Delete List
June 2015
? Budget Review Session
? Notice in the newspaper for public comments
? Public Hearing for Taxpayer Bill of Rights
? First and Second Reading- Budget Ordinance
? First and Second Reading- Millage Ordinance
July 1, 2015
? Fiscal year beings
________________________________________________________________________
FY16 Operating Funds
? Revenues $264,269,433
? Expenditures $265,676,956
? Use of Fund Balance $1,407,523
? General Fund $1,235,273
? Debt Service $172,250
________________________________________________________________________
FY16 Assumptions
? No change in the Millage Rate form FY15
? USD #1= 17.88 mills
? USD #2= 11.90 mills
? USD #4=11.00 mills
? 1.50% Increase in Digest
? 96% Collection Rate
? No subsidy to Integrate Waste Fund or naval Museum
Pam Hodge stated over the last 5 year the increase in the digest has been an
average of 1.78%, 5 years prior to that the digest increase average was 4.78%.
? Subsidies to E911, Golf Courses, Parking Management, and Civic Center
Value of one mill (Operating) $4,638,805
? Value of one mill (debt)= $5,067,644
Pam Hodge stated last year one mill was $4.5million so that?s where the
increase in the digest comes in, and one mill for debt services was $4.9
million so about $100,000 increase in the value of one mill.
? COLA included of 0.50% for active employees and 0.25% for retirees effective
January 2016
Pam Hodge stated that the 0.50% COLA increase for active employee equates to
$281,000.
? Health Insurance- Continue contribution share strategy of 70/30 for active
employees
Director Hodge stated a specific presentation regarding health insurance will
be given in a future session.
Millage Summary
USD #1 USD #2 USD #4
Total Gen and Urban 8.18 6.13 5.98
METRA 0.82 0.82 0.82
Total subject to cap 9.00 6.95 6.80
Stormwater 1.24 0.20 N/A
Paving 3.44 0.55 N/A
Medical Center 3.00 3.00 3.00
Economic Development 0.50 0.50 0.50
Debt Service 0.70 0.70 0.70
TOTAL 17.88 11.90 11.00
________________________________________________________________________
FY16 OPERATING BUDGET BY FUND
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: General funds makes up almost 57% of total operating budget
$150,000,000, followed by the other loss at $34,000,000.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
FY16 REVENUES
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: You can see our diversified revenue stream, which is important when
one stream is down, it doesn?t have a major impact across all funds, so this
shows we have multiple sources of revenues to support our operations.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
FY16 EXPENDITURES
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Public Works is 10.4% or $27,000,000 and Community Services 8.6% or
$23,000,000 which includes department like Engineering, Planning, Economic
Development, Medical Centre, and Agencies millage rates are all included in
Community Services.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
FY16 OPERATING BUDGET BY TYPE
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: 56.7% of our operating budget is for personnel services and benefits
associated with those positions.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
GENERAL FUND
? Revenues $149,642,111
? Expenditures $150,877,384
? Difference ($1,235,273)
? General Fund accounts for normal ?day to day? activities (i.e. Police, Fire,
Public Works, Parks & Recreation, courts, etc. Primarily funded from sales
tax, property taxes and franchise fees.
? Proposed Fees Increases = $233,498
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Fee increase is specifically related to Public Works and Animal
Control special enforcement area. Director Biegler will be at a later meeting
to walk through those areas.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL FUND
? Personnel
? Addition - Network Engineer (G19)
? Addition - Rapid Resolution Initiative
? 2 Asst. District Attorneys (G22)
? 1 Investigator (G16)
? 1 Legal Admin Clerk (G11)
? 2 Contract Asst. Public Defenders
? Funding Transfer ? 8 Positions from the Sheriff to the Police Dept.
? Reallocation of funding to Reserve ? 6 Marshal Positions, 3 Sheriff Positions
? Reclass ? Host Operations Supervisor (G19) to Telecommunications Supervisor
(G19)
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Departments with personnel change will be coming to Council to
address those changes. Director Toelle was at the last meeting and discussed
the findings and why an additional Network Engineer is needed. The Chief Judge
will give a presentation to give detail on the Rapid Resolution Initiative.
Reallocation of funding for 6 Marshal Positions, 3 Sheriff Positions that
reserve is set at $458,467. Reclassification in the IT department is budget
neutral, going from a Host Operations Supervisor to a Telecommunications
Supervisor.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL FUND
? Reclass ? GIS Supervisor (G17) to GIS Analyst (G17)
? Reclass ? Mayor?s Reorganization
? Executive Asst (G00) Appointed $53,718 to $38,860
? Executive Asst (G14) to Public Information Officer/Calendar Coordinator (G16B)
$35,303 to $38,018
? Administrative Secretary (G10) to Coordinator of Policy and Research (G16B)
$29,700 to $38,018
? Reclass ? Adult Probation Full Time Accounting Clerk (G10) to Part Time
Accounting Clerk (G10)
? Police Pay Restructure
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised that the Mayor?s reorganization is budget neutral, there have
been net decreases in merit positions since 2012 in Mayors office, and Mayor?s
department has decreased the budget by 29% from FY12 to current FY16.
Pam Hodge stat that those departments will be making a presentation in details
regarding the pay restructure and reform.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
GENERAL FUND ? FUND BALANCE
Reserve Days FY11 Actual FY12 Actual FY13 Actual FY14 Actual FY15 Projection
FY16 Projection
Traditional Funds 79.84 71.57 68.73 38.33 28.32 27.60
OLOST Funds 6.30 5.25 5.35 16.88 32.94 32.77
TOTAL General Fund 86.14 76.82 74.08 55.21 61.26 60.37
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: I will be giving a detailed presentation regarding the fund balance
and not just general funds, but all the funds.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
STORMWATER FUND
? Revenues $5,366,111
? Expenditures $5,366,111
? Difference $0
? Storm water Fund accounts for activities restricted for storm water and
drainage. Primarily funded from property taxes.
? Millage rate remains the same at 1.24 in USD#1, 0.20 in USD#2
________________________________________________________________________
STORMWATER FUND
? Capital = $253,000
? Engineering
? Computer Stations = $34,000
? Public Works
? 2 - 7 yard Dump Truck (Replacement) = $180,000
? Mini Excavator (Replacement) = $39,000
? CIP = $1,013,711
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: CIP storm water is used to transfer for project like pipe
replacement and storm water drainage improvements.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
PAVING FUND
? Revenues $15,280,919
? Expenditures $15,280,919
? Difference $0
? Paving Fund accounts for maintenance and improvements to roads and bridges.
Primarily funded with property taxes.
? Millage rate remains the same at 3.44 in USD#1, 0.55 in USD#2
_____________________________________________________________________
PAVING FUND
? Capital = $463,500
? Engineering
? Computer Stations = $59,500
? Public Works
? Bucket Loader = $258,000
? Boom Mower = $85,000
? Mid Size SUV (Replacement) = $28,000
? Pickup Truck (Replacement) = $33,000
? CIP = $2,259,747
_____________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: CIP is for road resurfacing, match for DOT agreements.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
MEDICAL CENTER FUND
? 3 mills projected at $13,359,759 (based on expected collections not digest)
? Proposed budget = $13,959,759
? Medical Center Fund accounts for funding for indigent hospital care. Funded
with property taxes.
? Contract includes inmate medical expenses
? $600,000 Transfer from the General Fund included for excess inmate medical
________________________________________________________________________
INTEGRATED WASTE FUND
? Revenues $11,375,000
? Expenditures $11,375,000
? Difference $0
? Integrated Waste accounts for refuse collection and disposal, recycling,
landfill operations.
? Residential Fee remains at $15.00/month
________________________________________________________________________
INTEGRATED WASTE FUND
? Proposed to change collection to once per week
? Prohibit of the use of plastic bags for yard waste
? Personnel
? Addition - 2 Correctional Detail Officers
? Transfer ? 1 employee from Keep Columbus Beautiful
? Capital = $210,000
? Articulated Loader = $150,000
? 6 ? Drop off Trailers = $60,000
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Director Biegler will be here to discuss in details the proposed
changes in integrated waste.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
E911 FUND
? Revenues $3,958,789
? Expenditures $3,958,789
? Difference $0
? E911 accounts for telephone subscriber surcharges and collection for
emergency dispatch. Primarily funded with land line, wireless and prepaid
phone charges.
? OLOST Subsidy = $1,128,789
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: In other OLOST there are 9 positions that are funded, as well as an
upgrade to the E911 system for a total of $704,000, so the other OLOST is
subsiding the operating just under $1.8 million.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
? Budget $2,226,627
? Economic Development Fund accounts for 0.50 mills used for attracting quality
companies, broadening the tax base, job creation and retention
? Development Authority (0.25 mills) = $1,113,314
? NCR / BC/BS project commitment = $800,000 (Year 1 of 10)
? Reserve for Economic Development = $313,313
________________________________________________________________________
DEBT SERVICE FUND
? Revenues $11,564,505
? Expenditures $11,736,755
? Difference $172,250
? Debt Service accounts for accumulation and disbursement of principle and
interest payments.
? Millage rate remains the same at 0.70 mills (FY15=0.70, FY14=0.79,
FY13/FY12=0.95)
????????________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Millage rate has declined over time to .70
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
METRA FUND
? Revenues $6,685,248
? Expenditures $6,685,248
? Difference $0
? METRA Fund accounts for the operations of the public transportation system.
Primarily funded from property taxes, federal and state grants, and service
charges.
? Capital = 937,700 (80% Federal, 10% State, 10% Local)
________________________________________________________________________
PARKING MANAGEMENT FUND
? Revenues $393,273
? Expenditures $393,273
? Difference $0
? Parking Management Fund accounts for the operation of the public parking and
parking garages. Primarily funded by parking fees.
? General Fund subsidy = $135,273
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Last year the subsidy was $150,000 so it has gone down
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
TRADE CENTER FUND
? Revenues $2,649,791
? Expenditures $2,649,791
? Difference $0
? Trade Center Fund accounts for the operations of the facility. Primarily
funded from event proceeds, beer tax ($770k), and Hotel/Motel Tax ($610k).
? Personnel
? Addition ? 1 Facilities Engineer (G23)
? Reclass ? Facility Maintenance Supervisor (G15) to Facilities Maintenance
Worker I (G11)
? Capital = $25,600
_____________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: The Trade Center this is operated by an authority as an enterprise
fund.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________
GOLF COURSES
? Bull Creek $1,248,800
? General Fund Subsidy $50,000
? Oxbow Creek $490,500
? General Fund Subsidy $250,000
________________________________________________________________________
CIVIC CENTER FUND
? Revenues $5,428,000
? Expenditures $5,428,000
? Difference $0
? Civic Center Fund accounts for the operations of the facility. Primarily
funded from Hotel/Motel Tax ($1.22 million) and event proceeds.
? General Fund Subsidy $200,000
? Personnel
? Reclass ? Maintenance Supervisor (G15) to Food and Beverage Coordinator (G15)
________________________________________________________________________
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND
? Total = $21,632,650
? Hospital Authority (Muscogee Manor) employees no longer covered on the city?s
plan effective January 1, 2015
? Continue 70/30 contribution strategy
? Expect minimal increase for active employees ranging from $3-$10 per pay
period effective January 1, 2016
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Will have a detailed presentation about some of the option.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND
? Total = $5,486,983
? Risk Management Fund accounts for general liability, vehicle claims and
worker?s compensation.
? Worker?s Comp administrative savings in FY16 at $200,000
________________________________________________________________________
AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS
FY15 FY16
Health Dept Services $502,012 $502,012
Health Dept Rent $315,713 $318,595
Dept of Family & Children $48,135 $48,135
River Valley Regional $198,413 $202,824
New Horizons $144,932 $144,932
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Most remain the same unless it was mandated, like the Health
Department?s rent going from $315,000 to $318,000. Regional Valley went from
$198,413 to $202,824 cost per capita, House bill 318 was going to make
membership optional, but that did not pass.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS
FY15 FY16
Airport Commission $40,000 $40,000
Uptown Columbus $44,988 $44,988
Keep Columbus Beautiful $49,854 $0
TOTAL $1,344,047 $1,301,486
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***Pam Hodge: Keep Columbus is zero because it is now absorbed into the Integrated
Waste Fund, which will be talked about in more detail at a later budget session.
*** ** ***
________________________________________________________________________
NAVAL MUSEUM
? Personnel Expenses $231,396
? Revenues $231,296
? Subsidy $0
? Naval Museum responsible for all operating and personnel expenses.
? FY99-FY03 = $78,840 subsidy
? FY04-FY07 = $103,840 subsidy
? FY08-FY11 = $300,000 subsidy
? FY12 = $250,000 subsidy
? FY13 = $200,000 subsidy
? FY14 = $175,000 subsidy
? FY15 = $135,000 subsidy
? TOTAL = $2,769,560 subsidy
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Naval Museum is on the schedule to address Council.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
NON-OPERATING FUNDS
? Funds not for the general operations of the government
? Restricted for a specific purpose
? Must be budgeted annually
? Maintained in a separate fund
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Sheriff and Police Forfeiture funds something that comes in that is
used for a specific purpose.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
NON-OPERATING FUNDS
Urban Development Action Grant $15,000
Economic Development Program $15,000
HOME Program $587,589
HUD Section 108 $831,600
Multi-Governmental $3,239,750
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Urban Development Action Grant for service fees, no new money but we
still have existing loans. Economic Development Program Small Business
Revolving Loan Program; these are service fees with that program. HOME Program
is deferred mortgage loans for qualified low to very low income applicants;
loans that are forgiven over a period of time. HUD Section 108 is for 2nd
Avenue Redevelopment area; and the last maturity date is August 1st of 2016, so
this will end in FY17. This was an allocation from the CDGB funding that will
no longer require for this purpose after FY17. Multi- Governmental track all
different grants related to Homeland Security, transportation planning, parks
and recreations, and drug courts.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
NON-OPERATING FUNDS
Hotel/Motel Tax $4,880,000
Police Forfeiture $100,000
County Drug Abuse Treatment (DATE) $68,000
Metro Drug Task Force $200,000
County Penalty/Assessment $1,400,000
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Hotel/Motel tax is distributed to the Civic Center, Trade Center and
the Performing Arts Center and CCVB. County Drug Abuse Treatment at $68,000 has
$40,000 for the D.A.R.E program for Police Department, $14,000 for Juvenile
Court and $14,000 for Adult Drug Court.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
NON-OPERATING FUNDS
Sheriff Forfeiture $100,000
Marshal Forfeiture $0
Capital Projects $15,273,458
TSPLOST $60,500,000
1999 SPLOST $18,900,000
____________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: Marshal?s Forfeiture fund is at zero. We have had one forfeiture so
we estimate it at zero, but as they receive forfeiture they are allowed to make
transactions and use those funds as they come in. Capital Projects is the fund
where the General Fund, storm water, paving, those allocation for CIP are
transferred to special project funds where they are tracked by project. This
includes storm water and paving, but also DOT grants that are received for
transportation projects. TSPLOST is for discretionary funds but also Tier One
projects, like the River Walk, Intercity Express Bus Park and Ride, South
Lumpkin Road Multi-Use facility, and US 27 and Custer Road Interchange, and we
are also just now starting the Buena Vista Spider web project, that will be
budgeted in FY16. SPLOST this is the remaining funds for ongoing project from
the 1999 SPLOST.
*** *** ***
NON-OPERATING FUNDS
Columbus Building Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2003A $700,000
Columbus Building Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2003B $4,000,000
Columbus Building Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2010B $15,000,000
Columbus Building Authority Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2010C $400,000
Family and Youth Coalition $45,000
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge: In 2003A Bonds, there is one storm water project remaining in that
fund. 2003B is a fund for the parking garage at the Trade Center that hasn?t
developed. The bonds don?t have a call date on them as of yet, so the funds
will remain there until the project happens or Council decides to do something
else, or pay back these bonds with proceeds. 2010B projects remaining are Fire
Station #9, road projects and storm water. 2010C Fort Benning Street Scapes
are ongoing projects.
*** *** ***
____________________________________________________
OLOST FUND
? Revenues $34,000,000
? Expenditures $34,000,000
? Difference $0
? OLOST Fund accounts for 70% allocated to Public Safety and 30% allocated to
Infrastructure
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge stated 70% for Public Safety $23.8 million and $10.2 million for
infrastructure.
*** *** ***
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Current Personnel
? Police Department
? 12 Sergeants
? 14 Corporals
? 84 Police Officers
? 9 E911 Technicians
? Fire Department
? 20 Firefighters
________________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Muscogee County Prison
? 2 Correctional Officers
? 1 Sergeant
? Marshal
? 5 Deputy Officers
? Sheriff
? 13 Deputy Officers
? 2 Sergeants
? 9 Correctional Officers
? 2 Lieutenants
____________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Crime Prevention
? 1 Crime Prevention Director
? Solicitor General
? 2 Asst. Solicitor Generals
? 1 Deputy Clerk
? District Attorney
? 2 Asst. District Attorneys
? Recorder?s Court
? 2 Judicial Admin Technicians
________________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Municipal Court Clerk
? 1 Sr. Deputy Clerk
? 1 Deputy Clerk II
? Probate Court
? 1 Deputy Clerk
? $3,121 Annual Supplement for sworn Public Safety Officers (excludes Elected
Officials)
________________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? E911 Subsidy = $1,128,789
? E911 System upgrade = $352,478
? (Year 2 of 5)
? Transfer for Debt Service = $120,355
? 800 MHz Radio System upgrade = $842,490
? (Year 1 of 10)
? Crime Prevention Grants = $750,000
? Capital Reserve = $147,261
________________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Capital
? Police = $1,482,515
? 20 Pursuit Vehicles with Technology Package = $1,007,300
? 3 Harley Davidson Motorcycles with Radar Unit = $80,835
? 21 Unmarked Police Vehicles = $394,380
? Fire = $2,010,000
? Burn Building = $1,300,000
? 40 SCBA Cylinders = $44,000
? 120 Sets of Protective Clothing = $156,000
? 2 Ambulances = $510,000
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised Council that they have been in discussion with the Fire
Department about lease options for the purchase ambulances and fire trucks,
also the Fire Department will be coming to council to discuss whether or not
they want to purchase two vehicles now, or propose a lease program for other
equipment so they can spread it out over several years.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Muscogee County Prison = $69,710
? Motorola Radios & equipment = $41,355
? 1 Pursuit Vehicle with Emergency Package = $28,355
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised Council that the $28,355 emergency package was not the
technology package, just for the cage and emergency package for the MCP.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Public Safety
? Sheriff = $237,200
? Washer = $47,350
? Dryer = $9,800
? Tilt Kettle = $16,793
? 2 Food Warmer = $9,370
? 12 Motorola Radios & equipment = $39,600
? 4 Ice machines = $7,964
? Panic Alarm System = $9,648
? Fire Alarm System = $58,000
? EKG = $6,200
? 8 AEDs = $24,000
? Oxygen Concentrator = $2,375
? 2 Hospital beds = $4,400
? Specialized Lift for Oversize Wheelchair Patients = $1,700
________________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Infrastructure
? Roads/Bridges = $1,552,964
? Flood Abatement/Storm water = $500,000
? Technology Improvements = $600,000
? Core Switch = $250,000
? City Fiber Interconnections = $100,000
? Technology Improvements = $250,000
? 800 MHz Radio System upgrade = $260,480
? (Year 1 of 10)
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised that the $1.5 million for roads/bridges is for resurfacing,
and road improvements that also goes along with some of the projects that are
in SPLOST. There is some allocation in the paving funds, for the 800 MHZ Radio
System upgrade. This is the general government portion of that agreement.
*** *** ***
______________________________________________________________________
OLOST ? Infrastructure
? Facility Improvements = $1,195,000
? Elevators (Government Center) = $240,000
? Energy Improvements = $75,000
? HVAC Upgrades = $180,000
? Roof Replacements = $200,000
? Cooper Creek Expansion (MOU with CORTA/CSU) = $500,000
? Debt Service = $6,010,833
? Cost Allocation = $80,723
? Personnel
? Delete 1 Project Engineer (G22)
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised Council that the Cooper Creek Expansion was a MOU that was
approved by council with CORTA/CSU for a total of $1.5 million. This was in the
second phase of the bonds which included the jail expansion, another road
project and expansion of the Cooper Creek Tennis. At this point we are not
ready to move forward with the jail expansion so this is a three year
allocation. When the bonds come forward we will be able to pay the city back if
Council desires to do that, to replace other OLOST funds. Debt service is for
the bonds that were issued in 2010.
A key position in Engineering that we brought to Council a few years ago that
we needed to make sure had a sufficient back up person for when the person
retired, that has happened so this position has been recommend to be deleted.
*** *** ***
________________________________________________________________________
TSPLOST
? FY16 Discretionary Funding = $2,500,000
? Current Discretionary Projects Approved
? Boxwood Blvd Bridge Replacement = $680,000
? Victory Drive Improvements = $250,000
________________________________________________________________________
*** *** ***
Pam Hodge advised council that the last page of their package is a spreadsheet
to keep up with all the TSPLOST projects. We will update this every time we
come to Council to request funding for projects out of the TSPLOST
discretionary funds. When Council adopted Resolution No. 239-13 there were
different categories that were suggested, that funds from TSPLOST to be
allocated, those categories included road improvements, bridge/culvert
repairs-maintenance, maintenance and safety improvements, future operations and
matching funds, and alternative transportation projects. On this spreadsheet I
have tried to track any project based on the category that it falls under, and
that what we adopted in Resolution No. 239-13 we follow. The spreadsheet will
track the revenue year by year through March, and project that were allocated
and what is left over. When we add projects it will make adjustment to what is
left over so that what we present to Council doesn?t get used up. Council will
have to decide if they want to not use funding for road improvements if there
is more bridge work that needs to be done. That way we stay in compliance with
Resolution No. 239-13.There are several projects that will be coming forward
for TSPLOST discretionary , so we will keep this updated and bring it back to
Council each time for your information.
*** *** ***
__________________________________________________________________
After the conclusion of her presentation, Director of Finance Pam Hodge
responded to the following question as outlined below.
Councilor Thomas asked about the Economic Development fund page on 14 weren?t
NCR and Blue Cross Blue Shield two separate projects? And aren?t we almost
finished paying NCR?
Pam Hodge stated that it came back to Council and NCR was refinanced, then NCR
and Blue Cross Blue Shield were combined into one line of credit for
Development Authority. Before it was $948,000 and refinanced at $800,000 so
there was some reduction in annual allocation and new repayment period.
*** *** ***
Councilor Thomas asked is the non- operating funds for police forfeiture is
just a pass through, so if they don?t have $100,000 then they can?t spend
$100,000.
Pam Hodge stated those non- operating funds for police are monies that are
received through the federal and state forfeiture, that has been designated by
the courts for the use of the police department.
Councilor Thomas asked if all of the non-operating funds, we expend what is
coming in , so these don?t take from our general funds or add to our budget if
that money does not come in?
Pam Hodge said that is correct, these are received for a particular purpose
and utilize for that. The only one that has personnel associated with it would
be the HOME program.
Councilor Henderson said the point is, those funds are balanced
*** *** ***
Councilor Thomas said if citizen would like a schedule of what will be
discussed at each budget session, maybe we can do a slide on CCGTV.
Pam Hodge said a schedule will be put on e-Cap of what department will be
discussed at the next meeting. You also have a schedule to date that I have
passed out. At the next meeting we have the Naval Museum, Parks and Recreation,
Clerk of Council, the Chief Judge, District Attorney and Public Defender to
discuss the Rapid Resolution initiative.
Councilor Thomas said Citizens would like to hear the department head
presentation, and why they made those budget requests.
Councilor Henderson said have it put on the landing page on the website to see
topics to be discussed. Department heads, Mayor, Finance Director and other
elected officials did a great job tightening their belts with recommend budget;
there aren?t a lot of people coming to talk about their budgets. I would like
to see those topics that put pressure on our ability to provided services in
that arena but also others. They should be put on the calendar early, because I
believe the citizen will have the same level of interest on those topics. And
to also utilize the time that is already scheduled to go back over some of the
funds that cause the most pressure on us to meet our service demands. Any other
question?
*** *** ***
Councilor Thomas said I?m not looking for a response, but questions that seem
to be important regarding the garbage fee, like how will it work, schedule, how
will they cut it down from two days a week to one day?, If we cut in service
but not in fee, wear and tear on the truck? These are some of the things I
would like Director Biegler to discuss. Where you can get the bio-degradable
trash bags, where you can buy them? Can they reuse them?
*** *** ***
Also several proposals about changes in long standing policies and procedures,
for example take home vehicle and gap pay. See if we can find someone who was
around when these policies came into play and the original purpose. Request for
reclassification, I want to be able to compare current job and new job
description requires. And lastly, I would like the City Manager to tell us with
the outside agency that we subsidize what do we get for our money. Legally
required? Contractually required? Example $48,000 to Uptown why? Health
Department rent, what do we rent? It would be helpful for me to make a decision
to move forward.
Councilor Henderson said point well taken, where Uptown was 15 years ago is
light years from where it is now in terms of have developed their own populist
. $48,000 then seemed huge now it?s probably not a big nut to them. That?s key,
our administration has done a good job, to take a look at the original intent
and subsidy to see that the service that we are providing to make sure that,
that need still exist at the level it did when it was initiated, like the
alcoholic beverage code, where we work closely with the police force with the
alcoholic beverage task force to keep certain areas of town that were over
populated with less than desirable establishment part of that was written in
there to minimize that from happening, and it?s good to go back to see if that
still needs to exist, and it may, it also may exist in other forms without
funneling money into it.
Councilor Thomas said but at least have the conversation, ad just because it
has always been done this way doesn?t mean we necessarily have to continue.
Councilor Henderson Pam, so when you other departments are talking to us,
please use layman?s terms, for the people who are watching. We talk about the
overall cost for providing a service, practically with personnel, we are
talking about what it cost the city, not what they are receiving in salary,
depending on who they are or what stage they are in, or what stage of their
career they are in, the benefits are vitally important or they are just
another thing keeping grits off the table.
*** *** ***
Councilor Davis Madam Finance Director I have a couple of questions for you.
First, there is not millage change this year correct.
Pam Hodge No millage change, that is correct.
Councilor Davis Second is the department primarily you have a couple proposal
here for once a week garbage pick up, no more plastic bags, I would like to see
a break down and understanding and the amount of money that would be saved. We
were previously told that if we went to once a week garbage pickup it would
only be a fuel saving. I would like to see those numbers and the reasoning
behind the plastic bag initiative so I can understand that better. As long as
that presentation is detailed we won?t have to ask that question at that point.
We have looked at our friends across the river seeing how they have
restructured for specific reason. We have asked our employees to do a lot this
past year. Looking at the pay scale it hits people in various ways and levels.
I would like to see a comparison of what we will be looking at. The cost of
living increase is always done across the board, but I would like to look at
what types of number we are looking at in saving or cost to the city, if we
split it up for 50,000 down 60,000 down 70,000 down in a salary grade to see
what we are talking about from that stand point. This hits employees with a
different level of stress. But this is important in the light of the document
we just received, seeing that we are asking for a minimal contribution?
Pam Hodge stated to Councilor Davis that, yes they were asking for a $3-10 per
pay period dollar contribution for health insurance.
Councilor Davis so this is strategic year, I would like to see that, from a
creative stand point that we can always come back and cover those who were left
out, but certainly be able to help those who are not quite able to carry that
burden. Is that ok budget chair?
Councilor Henderson If the money had been there the mayor would have brought a
more aggressive pay increase, and there are a lot of factors that go into a pay
increase. So often when we give nominal adjustment, that?s all we are able to
do, those with the least adjustment are those who are struggling to make ends
meet because they are at the entry level of those pay scales. The challenge is
when you do just a portion we end up back where we were with a compression
issue, like when we brought the University of Georgia in to try and fix.
The Mayor and I have spoken about taking a second look at the Public Safety
Pay in order to address some concerns, and I will be very thorough.
The time we messed with pay plan The Chambers of Commerce got the University
of Georgia involved to initiate that study, because they didn?t trust
government to come up with a solid pay plan, so that?s why they brought in the
Chambers of Commerce
Councilor Davis our finance department would have to show us what we are
talking about.
Councilor Henderson Councilor Davis brought to my attention things that
happened in the Atlanta area have an impact on what happens with our citizens.
They are trying to make ends meet for the State and that means some of the
money comes from the local municipality and counties. We have Constitutional
Officers that got a pay raise this year and we pay that. I don?t want to say
unfunded mandate, but opps I just did. We pay for decision made elsewhere. The
hotel surcharge tax was created to fund the transportation needs of all the
areas of the State that choose not to pass the TSPLOST like we did, so the
foresight of our citizens and trying to make sure we continue to fund the
transportation project, I feel like someone moved the target on us. But that?s
what we have to deal with. With us being a border community to Alabama it makes
it hard for us to attract and negotiate on conventions, it has a ripple effect,
because if heads are in bed that where the development will be, and further
raises the bar for us to generate the revenue. Mayor and Finance has done a
good job on trying to balance the budget.
Councilor Davis a very valid point, like sources that are stressing is
government and economy. I think it?s safe to say it will have an impact on how
we use our funds. I don?t know if our finance department has had time to look
through that since it?s all based on projection, kudos to our Finance
Department.
Somewhere in the budget presentation, I would like some input from the City
Attorney to try to understand the matter of how it relates to the TSPLOST
versus a surcharge under the heading tax. Questions from the community are, are
we being double taxed and are we sending our money elsewhere. It?s important to
understand how it affects us, and from an unconstitutional stand point being
double taxed is a legal matter that factors into this budget and future budget.
Do you agree madam Finance Director?
Pam Hodge Yes I will get with the City Attorney and we will look into that.
Councilor Henderson like Councilor Thomas was talking about the line of credit
that we have extended to the Chambers through the Development Authority. They
use to want inexpensive land and little bit of help with the infrastructure and
utility, now they want free land, running utilities and moving money. We did
that for an opportunity. That was the only bullet in our gun, and we didn?t
have another fall back. But they came with another opportunity to retain and
grow more jobs. We did work with the Development Authority and the brought
forth a plan to lower our annual obligations, but this is what the Council does
in an effort to generate more revenue.
Reminder that you have your thumb drive, so if you see anything that you want
to add to the budget you need to bring it with something to cut, that?s why we
have this line item. If you see a service or something that the city provides
that is more important than another, bring it and we will add it to the
add/delete list and we will address it towards the end of the process.
_____________________________
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
City Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.