MINUTES
FY2013 BUDGET REVIEW
COMMITTEE MEETING
May 21, 2012
Members Present: Present other than Chairperson Skip Henderson were Councilors
Mike Baker, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson were present. Also present were
City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Deputy City Managers
David Arrington and Lisa Goodwin, and Finance Director Pam Hodge, and Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington. Councilors Jerry Barnes and R. Gary Allen took
their seats at 9:08 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at 9:10
a.m.
Members Absent: Councilors Glenn Davis, Bruce Huff, and Charles McDaniel, Jr.,
were absent.
Call to Order: Chairperson Henderson called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.
in the Council Chambers, Plaza Level, of the Government Center.
Chairperson Henderson thanked the members of the Council for their
flexibility in changing the schedule to Monday, May 21, 2012 from Tuesday, May
22, 2012.
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward to elaborate on a few of the
documents she distributed out to the members of the committee. They included
the most current budget schedule, the departments to be reviewed for the day,
the questions and responses from the previous budget review session, a summary
of the requests for changes in fees for integrated waste.
OVERVIEW:
Finance Director Pam Hodge remarked that the committee had a full schedule
for the day. She said that it would go on to discuss Public Services, Police /
Sheriff, several agencies, the Naval Museum, the Literacy Alliance, Human
Resources, Golf Authority, Probate Court, the Civic Center, and other
miscellaneous items. Before going into the details, she declared that the
operating budget was balanced.
OPERATING BUDGET:
Expenditures $266,800,000
Revenues $259,900,000
Use of Fund Balances $ 6,900,000
- General Fund $ 6,430,000
- METRA $ 133,000
- Trade Center $ 340,000
ASSUMPTIONS
No change in the Millage Rates from FY12
USD #1 = 17.88 mills
USD #2 = 11.90 mills
USD #4 = 11.00 mills
2.00% Increase in the Digest
96% Collection Rate
No subsidy to Integrated Waste Fund or Civic Center
Subsidies to E911, Golf Courses, Parking Management and Naval Museum
Value of one mill (Operating) $4,300,000
Value of one mill (Debt) $4,800,000
Pay Plan advancement / adjustment included as Pension Reform offset
COLA included of 0.50% for active employees and 0.25% for retirees effective
January 5, 2013
Health Insurance - City increase of $250 ($5,400 to $5,650) and Employees
premium increases in January 2013
Pay-as-you-go plan for post employment retiree benefits
HISTORY OF MILLAGE RATES (FY2003 ? 2013)
USD #1 USD #2 USD #4
2003 16.63 11.58 10.28
2004 17.50 12.53 11.15
2005 17.91 13.05 11.85
2006 17.91 13.05 11.85
2007 17.91 13.05 11.85
2008 17.91 13.05 11.85
2009 17.91 13.05 11.85
2010 17.91 12.99 11.70
2011 10.62 7.06 5.82
2012 17.88 11.90 11.00
2013 17.88 11.90 11.00
NET PROPERTY DIGEST GROWTH (FY2001 ? 2013)
FY01 5.22%
FY02 3.12%
FY03 3.47%
FY04 4.13%
FY05 3.04%
FY06 3.33%
FY07 5.26%
FY08 7.26%
FY09 5.71%
FY10 2.37%
FY11 -0.54%
FY12 2.11%
FY13 2.00%
FY13 OPERATING BUDGET BY FUND:
At 57.82%, general funds make up most of this budget.
FY13 REVENUES
The top two revenues are General Property Taxes and Sales & Use Taxes, both at
28.49%.
FY13 EXPENDITURES
The top three areas of expenditures are Public Safety, at 39.77%, Recreation &
Culture, at 7.82%, and Public Services, at 10.42%.
FY13 OPERATING BUDGET BY TYPE
Personnel Services ? 57.37% Operating ? 36%
Capital ? 2.69% 2% Pay Adjustment ? 0.87%
CIP ? 2.69%
Finance Director Pam Hodge remarked that the last meeting of the month was
scheduled for May 29, 2012.
Chairperson Henderson suggested that an additional meeting be scheduled in
advance for May 31, 2012. He also said that in the operating portion of the
budget, the millage rate could not be altered.
Councilor Woodson asked if the 9 million cap was only for USD #1, or all of the
districts. Finance Director Hodge answered that the former was correct. The
differences between USD #1 and USD #2 were discussed in detail.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Public Services Director Pat Biegler then came forward to speak about the
Public Services Budget. She explained that Public Services have four separate
funds: the Paving fund, the Stormwater fund, the General fund and the
Integrated Waste fund. In the Paving fund, the recommended budget was
$11,296,440. She proposed that the heavy equipment division be consolidated
with the street maintenance and the beautification divisions (all divisions of
the Paving fund). Such a move would provide better, more direct control over
existing assets where they are needed while saving money. The Stormwater budget
was proposed at $4,423,731. The General fund was $8,274,674. Ms. Biegler
mentioned hiring an electrician and plumber for the year as part of the budget.
Ms. Biegler then explained that some obscure rules and regulations for Animal
Control Center would probably be enforced in coming years; therefore, its
budget would probably have to be significantly increased. A few questions on
this topic were asked and responses provided. Ms. Biegler then described the
Integrated Waste fund. Its proposed budget is currently $9,091,965. She
explained two long-term goals she had set for Integrated Waste: 1) Provide
excellent waste pickup service for a reasonable cost, for which changes in
operation would have to be made; 2) Reduce liability for landfills by extending
the lifespan of each landfill, for which two methods (diversion and better
compaction) could be used. Ms. Biegler recommended that the compaction be
1,100lb per CY.
She also recommended that yard waste from the city be composted or ground down,
instead of being put in landfills. Some questions about the financial aspect
and the necessary equipment were asked and responses provided.
Ms. Biegler then moved onto the topic of recycling, proposing her three-year
plan for recycling. In Year 1, the disposing fees at the landfill would be
increased, Saturday hours at the landfill would be reduced or eliminated, the
residential limits at the landfill would be eliminated, fees for biological
waste or commercial pickups would be increased, public education about new
biodegradable bags would begin, new drop-off sites would be added, etc. Some
Councilors asked Ms. Biegler to clarify some of these proposals, to which she
responded.
In Year 2, the new recycling center would be opened, the diversion rate would
be checked to see if it is at 40% (at which point the strategy to raise this
rate would also be rechecked), single stream recycling would be started,
96-gallon recycling containers would be delivered to some areas, and a big
recycling educational program would be launched. In Year 3, if the diversion
rate reaches 40%, a new goal would be set. Councilor Thomas expressed some
concerns about the impact on the private business community, as did some other
Councilors. A few general questions were asked and answered.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police R. T. Boren came forward to present the FY13 budget for the
Police Department. First, however, he presented some relevant statistics:
911 Calls for Service
Year # of Calls
2007 146,253
2008 155,428
1009 164,801
2010 166,828
2011 168,892
FBI Part One Crimes
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Murder 24 30 13 15 17
Rape 56 70 44 37 34
Robbery 626 324 575 477 418
Aggravated Assault 678 538 511 476 464
Burglary 2634 3270 3798 3452 3339
Larceny 9357 9642 9351 8959 8018
Auto Theft 1791 1612 1520 1007 1048
Totals 15,166 15,486 15,812 14,423 13,339
Recruitment Summary
Year Applications Received Employees Hired %
2007 270 66 24.4%
2008 501 70 14%
2009 601 105 17.5%
2010 367 44 12.0%
2011 320 44 13.75%
TOTALS 2059 329 15.97%
Hiring/Attrition Summary
Year Employees Hired Employees Lost %
2007 66 53 80%
2008 70 33 47%
2009 105 47 45%
2010 44 39 88%
2011 44 47 106%
TOTALS 329 219 66.56%
Officers in Training (May 16, 2012)
New Hires: Pre-Academy 5
Attending Academy 12
CPD Recruits Training (In-House) 17
Recruits w/Field Training Officer 7
Total Officers in Training 41
Councilor Thomas asked a question regarding the possibility that police
training could be relocated. Chief Boren explained that upper management had
changed and that a plot of land was being looked at, but there was no guarantee.
FY2013 Budget
Proposed: $28,167,595
Personnel Costs: $25,383,046
Fuel Cost: $1,035,939
Total: $26,418,985
Percent of Budget: 93.8%
LOST Fuel Supplement: $276,527.00
FY2013 LOST Capital Outlay
Police Pursuit Vehicles (30) $765,000
Police Pursuit Emergency Equipment (30) $795,000
Unmarked Vehicles (15) $330,000
Motorcycles (5) $110,000
Motor Radar Units (5) $10,000
Unmarked SUVs for ID (4) $100,000
In-Car Video Systems (30) $111,000
TOTAL: $2,221,000
Chief Boren explained the current initiatives of the Police Department,
including an off-site evidence storage facility, etc. He then covered the
proposed initiatives: an in-service training program which would increase
street staffing by training officers on their off days.
Councilor Barnes asked about the cost of this approach to training. Councilor
Woodson asked about the possibility of using the space left vacant by moving
police trainees as an off-site evidence storage facility, which Chief Boren
could not answer. Some Councilors suggested a few adequate places for his
purpose.
Chief Boren then described the future concerns for the Police Department. They
were: 1) a lack of salary maintenance, a prime reason for leaving the police
force; 2) continued attrition, as a result of inadequate salary and other
reasons; 3) difficulty in hiring good officers; 4) looming retirement of key
leaders.
Chief Boren then continued on to describe the Crime Prevention Grant, a sum of
$160,000 from the government in order to fund the anti-drug, bullying, gang
oriented summer programs D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T., for 5th and 7th graders
respectively. With this, Chief Boren concluded the presentation and took
several questions from the Councilors.
SHERIFF?S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Darr then proposed the creation of two positions (one a lieutenant,
one a deputy) within the Police Department, which was accepted favorably by the
Council. The Council asked him a few questions, and it seemed that the proposal
was received somewhat favorably.
COLUMBUS NAVAL MUSEUM
The newly hired Executive Director of the Naval Museum then came forward to
present the budget of the Museum. Since his hiring, the Executive Director has
combined the two positions of Executive Director and Director of Programs,
thereby cutting costs. He has also eliminated a part-time curator and a
part-time janitor position, and came in at a substantially reduced salary. He
said that the Museum has become very firm on the issue of fiscal
responsibility. Also, in order to increase visitations, the Naval Museum has
recently begun focusing more on special events and performance arts. The
Director advocated a new approach to the museum in a digital outreach program.
The current plan of the Naval Museum includes present fiscal responsibility and
modest, but steady economic growth.
THE LITERACY ALLIANCE
Barbara Moushon, Executive Director at the Literacy Alliance, came forward to
introduce the Literary Alliance?s budget and its program in general. The
Literacy Alliance strives to raise general literacy rates in the Chattahoochee
Valley region, in order to provide better job opportunities (for the educated);
reduce crime, poverty, drug abuse and pregnancy; reduce federally-spent money;
and impact future generations positively. The members of the Council felt
favorably toward the Alliance.
Expenses
Year Expenses Under budget by
2011 $80,814 $2,661
2010 $70,634 $4,100
2009 $76,183 $8,457
HUMAN RESOURCES
Tom Barron, Director of Human Resources, came forward to give a presentation on
the mission of Human Resources and Risk Management. He proceeded to give a
brief history of the Human Resources Department, recreated as a separate
department after the reorganization of the Department of Administration. One
technical trainer, performing the duties of a prior trainer along with the
duties of the now-eliminated position of director, exists within the Department
with a Grade 16. However, UGA, after a reevaluation, recommended a Grade 18 for
this position. Mr. Barron explained that the Department sought approval to
correct the misclassification of this position.
Mr. Barron went on to explain the Risk Management Division and propose the
creation of a new position (Risk Manager) within it. He explained that in
Columbus, worker?s compensation loss rates are much higher than those of
surrounding communities, and have an increasing trend. To curb those costs, he
proposed the creation of a Risk Manager position, which was evaluated to be
Grade 23. The Council asked Mr. Barron some questions on the role of the
proposed Risk Manager, and details on the monetary savings.
COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
John Milam came forward to speak about the Bull Creek Golf Course. He said that
the value of this course to the community is overwhelming, and cited some
statistics supporting that conclusion. Although, financially, the Bull Creek
Golf Course has a deficit, the Oxbow Meadow Golf Course has increased its
revenues and decreased its expenses. He declared that the Golf Authority is
pleased with the two golf courses and their revenues and importance within the
community.
The Councilors and Mr. Milam discussed the importance of these courses, the
possibility of the Oxbow Meadows course being expanded, and the integration of
youth into the activity.
PROBATE COURT
Probate Court Judge Julia Lumpkin next came forward to request the
reclassification of the license clerk supervisor position. Although the
position had been approved by the Council at the previous time, the University
of Georgia had reclassified it, and it required a separate approval by the
Council.
CIVIC CENTER
Ross Horner, Director of the Columbus Civic Center, came forward with a
presentation on his department. Mr. Horner gave some remarks on changes within
the Civic Center. He said that some jobs at the Civic Center had been changed
to make the Center more adaptable and efficient. He also said that changes to
maximize revenues had been made. Travel expenses had been cut, as had energy
expenses and advertising expenses. Also, two positions within the Civic Center
had been eliminated, going from 33 employees to 31 employees. Overall, Mr.
Horner said, the Civic Center was on a trend of money-saving and better
organization.
*** *** ***
Chairperson Henderson announced that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday,
May 29, at 9:30 A.M.
DELETE LIST
Councilor Thomas then put the following on the Delete List:
Reclassification of the Administrative Secretary in the Mayor?s office
Assistant to the City Manager in the City Manager?s office
TV Station Manager in the City Manager?s office
Technical Training Manager reclassification in Human Resources
Street Division Manager in the Paving Fund
New Positions on the Delete List
Traffic Control Center Operator
Volunteer Coordinator in Public Services
Aquatics Facility Manager
Aquatics Facility Supervisor
Aquatics Technician
Head Lifeguards
Assistant Facility Supervisor
Parts and Maintenance Worker
*** *** ***
With no further presentations, questions, or comments, the meeting was then
adjourned at approximately 12:56 P.M.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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