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New Port Richey Online
Special MeetingThu, Sep 15, 2016

First public hearing on the FY2016-2017 budget: a tentative 9.15 mill rate (down from 9.25), a $19.7M general fund, and $60.5M across all funds.

6 items on the agenda · 1 decision recorded

On the agenda

  1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call0:00
  2. 2

    Pledge of Allegiance

    Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for servicemen and women.

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    Show transcript

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    [00:00:16] I ask you to all stand [00:00:18] and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, [00:00:20] followed by a moment of silence in honor of our [00:00:22] servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:24] I pledge allegiance to the [00:00:26] flag of the United States [00:00:28] of America and to the [00:00:30] Republic for which it stands, [00:00:32] one nation, under God, [00:00:34] indivisible, with liberty [00:00:36] and justice for all.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

  3. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Brief moment of silence observed at the special meeting.

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    [00:00:40] Thank you. You may be [00:00:42] seated.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

  4. 4.a

    You arrived here from a search for “FY2016-2017 Operating Budget — transcript expanded below

    First Public Hearing - FY2016-2017 Operating Budget

    discussed

    Staff presented the proposed FY2016-2017 operating budget at the first public hearing. The tentative millage rate of 9.15 mills (down from 9.25) was discussed along with a balanced general fund of $19,708,885 and total budgeted expenditures across all funds of approximately $60.5 million. Two citizens (Mike Nirenbrock and Mr. Gallagher) commented, suggesting the city invest in a formal cost allocation plan.

    • direction:Council held the first public hearing on the FY2016-2017 operating budget and tentative millage rate of 9.15 mills, taking public comment. (none)
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    [00:00:48] Business items. We only [00:00:50] have one business item on the agenda. [00:00:52] That is the first public hearing. [00:00:54] Ms. Manz. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, [00:00:56] members of the Council. I'm pleased [00:00:58] to submit to you the 2016-17 [00:01:00] fiscal year budget. [00:01:02] The budget has been developed [00:01:04] to not only meet legal fiscal requirements, [00:01:06] but also to provide [00:01:08] detailed information to stakeholders [00:01:10] and other interested parties [00:01:12] for spending in the new fiscal year [00:01:14] and a five-year plan [00:01:16] for capital expenditures. [00:01:18] The budget is the result of many [00:01:20] months of effort from elected officials [00:01:22] and city staff and provides [00:01:24] a long-term perspective and [00:01:26] commitment to provide the best possible [00:01:28] services to residents [00:01:30] at the lowest cost. [00:01:32] City Council has convened [00:01:34] five public work sessions to [00:01:36] review the proposed budget. [00:01:38] The objectives of this budget [00:01:40] are to [00:01:42] preserve the current level of service [00:01:44] with little or no growth [00:01:46] in revenues while making [00:01:48] progress towards and implementing the city's [00:01:50] long-range plans. [00:01:52] Other significant [00:01:54] assumptions that were taken into consideration [00:01:56] in relationship to the [00:01:58] adoption of this budget is we wanted to be [00:02:00] conservative and realistic, [00:02:02] both in the projection of our revenues [00:02:04] and our expenditures. [00:02:06] We are [00:02:08] reflecting a modest increase [00:02:10] of 1.8 percent [00:02:12] in property tax revenues. [00:02:14] The property tax rate [00:02:16] upon which this budget [00:02:18] was structured is [00:02:20] 9.15 mills, which is [00:02:22] 0.10 [00:02:24] percent mills less than last [00:02:26] year. [00:02:28] We want to maintain a target fund balance [00:02:30] of 15 percent [00:02:32] to preserve our financial integrity. [00:02:34] Wage adjustments [00:02:36] have been budgeted at 1.5 [00:02:38] percent for all union and non-union [00:02:40] employees, and the [00:02:42] staffing levels have been recommended [00:02:44] to increase by five full-time [00:02:46] positions. [00:02:48] The fiscal year 2016-17 [00:02:50] general fund budget [00:02:52] is balanced without the use [00:02:54] of reserve funds. [00:02:56] The total general fund revenue budget [00:02:58] is $19,708,885. [00:03:06] The total budgeted [00:03:08] expenditure for all funds [00:03:10] for fiscal year [00:03:12] 16-17 is approximately [00:03:14] $60,573,000. [00:03:18] The total amount of [00:03:20] major capital expenditures [00:03:22] for fiscal year [00:03:24] 16-17 is [00:03:26] $16,691,040. [00:03:30] As part of our [00:03:32] statutory requirement to you, [00:03:34] I need to read the following [00:03:36] into the record. [00:03:38] Florida Statute [00:03:40] 200.065 [00:03:42] Part 2, Section C-1 [00:03:44] prescribes that City Council [00:03:46] adopt the millage [00:03:48] rate prior to adopting [00:03:50] the 2016-17 [00:03:52] budget. A notification [00:03:54] regarding the public hearing has been [00:03:56] provided to every property owner in the city [00:03:58] by the Pasco County [00:04:00] Appraiser's Office. [00:04:02] This notification [00:04:04] is in the form of [00:04:06] the Truth in Millage Notice [00:04:08] was mailed the week of August [00:04:10] 18, 2016. [00:04:12] Action requested is to [00:04:14] adopt Resolution [00:04:16] 2016-31. [00:04:20] The name of the taxing authority [00:04:22] is the City of New Port Richey. [00:04:24] The tentative millage rate of [00:04:26] 9.15 [00:04:28] mills is 0.37% [00:04:30] less [00:04:32] than the rollback rate [00:04:34] of [00:04:36] 9.18 [00:04:38] mills. Total ad valorem [00:04:40] revenues that will be generated are [00:04:42] estimated to be [00:04:44] $4,430,060 [00:04:46] that is [00:04:48] approximately [00:04:50] $145,895 [00:04:52] more [00:04:54] than what was [00:04:56] generated in ad valorem [00:04:58] fiscal year 2015-16 [00:05:00] due to the increase of property [00:05:02] values. The millage [00:05:04] rate is 9.15 [00:05:06] and is a decrease from the [00:05:08] prior year millage [00:05:10] of 9.25. [00:05:12] Although the statute requires [00:05:14] discussion regarding the [00:05:16] percent increase over the rollback [00:05:18] rate and the specific [00:05:20] purposes for which ad valorem [00:05:22] is being increased, for the [00:05:24] record, in [00:05:26] neither case does that apply [00:05:28] to the City. [00:05:30] At this time, the City's Finance [00:05:32] Director, Crystal Peace, [00:05:34] will make a presentation regarding the [00:05:36] proposed fiscal year [00:05:38] 2016-17 operating budget. [00:05:40] After the close of [00:05:42] the presentation, it is [00:05:44] requested that the Mayor invite public [00:05:46] comment on the millage. [00:05:48] Thank you all for your participation [00:05:50] in the development of this budget. [00:05:54] Good evening. [00:05:56] It is my pleasure to present [00:05:58] to you this evening the proposed budget for the [00:06:00] upcoming 2016-2017 [00:06:02] fiscal year. [00:06:04] As the City Manager has already [00:06:06] mentioned, it's [00:06:08] presented tonight, the presentation [00:06:10] tonight, as a result of the collective efforts [00:06:12] of the City Manager, the Department Heads [00:06:14] and their staff. [00:06:16] Before I get into the [00:06:18] details of the budget, I would like to [00:06:20] give an overview of some changes that have occurred [00:06:22] and will occur in the upcoming [00:06:24] fiscal year, and those changes are compared [00:06:26] to last fiscal year and previous [00:06:28] years. The first [00:06:30] item that I [00:06:32] would like to point out is the change in revenue [00:06:34] that we as a City can control [00:06:36] and how it has [00:06:38] increased gradually [00:06:40] over the fiscal years. [00:06:42] Because of staff's efforts, the [00:06:44] City has seen an increase in development [00:06:46] activity. This is evident by [00:06:48] the increase in building permits [00:06:50] issued in fiscal year 2016 [00:06:52] as opposed to fiscal year 2015. [00:06:54] You'll note that this year, [00:06:56] this fiscal year, we've issued [00:06:58] 1,603 permits. [00:07:00] Last year, it was [00:07:02] 1,515. [00:07:06] This increase [00:07:08] is a result [00:07:10] that is directly correlated [00:07:12] to an increase in building permit [00:07:14] revenue overall of about [00:07:16] $70,000. [00:07:18] The next item is [00:07:20] grant activity. In fiscal year [00:07:22] 2016, we have received [00:07:24] about $300,000 [00:07:26] in grant funding [00:07:28] and we're expecting to receive [00:07:30] $544,650 [00:07:34] in fiscal year 2017. [00:07:36] This amount has increased [00:07:38] from even three years ago, which [00:07:40] indicates that staff continues to [00:07:42] apply for various grants that would [00:07:44] essentially free up local dollars [00:07:46] to be used toward [00:07:48] other expenditures. [00:07:52] The City expects to also see [00:07:54] an increase in charges for services [00:07:56] as well, going from [00:07:58] approximately $743,000 [00:08:00] in fiscal year 2016 [00:08:02] to an expectation [00:08:04] of about [00:08:06] $950,000 in fiscal year [00:08:08] 2017. [00:08:10] In charges for services, [00:08:12] it includes off-duty pay, [00:08:14] street lighting, [00:08:16] services for areas outside of the [00:08:18] City limits, recreation and [00:08:20] aquatics, library, [00:08:22] magistrate, and public records request. [00:08:24] Mayor, may I ask a question [00:08:26] or are we going to wait until the whole? [00:08:28] I just have a quick question. [00:08:30] So on the first portion about the [00:08:32] development activity within the City increases, [00:08:34] are those building permits because [00:08:36] there are people that are doing [00:08:38] things or are we being more [00:08:40] efficient in [00:08:42] getting the permits [00:08:44] processed? [00:08:46] Thank you. [00:08:48] That would be [00:08:50] my response, but yeah, it's a collective effort. [00:08:52] I think a combination of [00:08:54] new business within the City [00:08:56] and the collection efforts and [00:08:58] inspection efforts going out there [00:09:00] and making sure that we're [00:09:02] getting those permits that [00:09:04] are needed to be issued. [00:09:06] From a national perspective, it's better times [00:09:08] so people are spending more money on [00:09:10] things like to improve their property. [00:09:12] Thank you. [00:09:18] Some other positives that I would like to point out [00:09:20] that are included in [00:09:22] the proposed budget. [00:09:24] Overall, the City contributions to [00:09:26] the pension plans will [00:09:28] decrease from prior year. [00:09:30] The percentage of payroll [00:09:32] that the City will have to contribute [00:09:34] has decreased [00:09:36] from 42.1% to 35.9% [00:09:38] for the Police [00:09:40] Pension Fund and [00:09:42] from 26% to 23.1% [00:09:44] for the Firefighter [00:09:46] Pension Fund. [00:09:48] And [00:09:50] finally, for health [00:09:52] insurance costs, as we mentioned [00:09:54] during the work session, [00:09:56] no increase. There will be [00:09:58] no increase in premiums, so that's [00:10:00] definitely [00:10:02] included. [00:10:04] You won't see an increase in next year's budget [00:10:06] related to that. [00:10:08] Some challenges. [00:10:10] FRS rates [00:10:12] have increased from [00:10:14] last year, so we can expect [00:10:16] a 3.58% increase [00:10:18] for regular employees and a 1.59% [00:10:20] increase for senior management. [00:10:22] That would be the City's contribution [00:10:24] toward their retirement plans. [00:10:26] And then finally, [00:10:28] we can expect a 10% increase [00:10:30] in our general liability, property [00:10:32] and flood insurance for next year. [00:10:36] Some additional items to note. [00:10:38] We've included [00:10:40] a contingency [00:10:42] of $200,000 [00:10:44] and that's just built in [00:10:46] to cover unforeseen costs for next [00:10:48] year. The general [00:10:50] fund is balanced without the use of [00:10:52] carryover of prior funds, [00:10:54] which the City Manager has [00:10:56] mentioned in her introduction. [00:10:58] And [00:11:00] finally, some changes from [00:11:02] when the budget was originally [00:11:04] presented during the work session. [00:11:06] Originally, we [00:11:08] reestablished or proposed the [00:11:10] reestablishment of R&R, [00:11:12] but we decided [00:11:14] to defer that until next year. [00:11:16] So we'll revisit that concept [00:11:18] and look into it for [00:11:20] next year's budget. Additionally, [00:11:22] we originally proposed [00:11:24] the purchase of police vehicles, [00:11:26] but we decided that we would [00:11:28] defer that cost as well. [00:11:30] And finally, [00:11:32] the Neighborhood Improvement Project. [00:11:34] We have [00:11:36] included expenditures related [00:11:38] to this project of $130,000 [00:11:40] approximately in [00:11:42] our next year's budget, [00:11:44] and we'll defer the remaining $450,000 [00:11:46] in fiscal year 2018. [00:11:52] So now, the fiscal [00:11:54] overview. [00:11:56] Overall, [00:11:58] the proposed [00:12:00] revenue for the general fund, [00:12:02] we're proposing $19,708,885,000 [00:12:08] compared to [00:12:10] the estimate of [00:12:12] fiscal year 2016, [00:12:14] which is $19,826,470. [00:12:18] So it's pretty [00:12:20] close to [00:12:22] what we're estimating for fiscal [00:12:24] year 2016. [00:12:26] I do want to point out for [00:12:28] property taxes, [00:12:30] that does [00:12:32] include property taxes, and [00:12:34] that comes with a proposed millage [00:12:36] of $9.15. [00:12:44] The next [00:12:46] is [00:12:48] the general fund expenditures, [00:12:50] and this slide provides a breakdown [00:12:52] by city, or excuse me, [00:12:54] by department. [00:12:56] And you'll note that each [00:12:58] department has proposed [00:13:00] a budget that is [00:13:02] less than what was proposed [00:13:04] for fiscal year 2016. [00:13:06] Other than, [00:13:08] with the exception of the technology solutions [00:13:10] department, that one is the only one [00:13:12] that had an increase, or a significant [00:13:14] increase, and that's due to [00:13:16] the Tyler Technology [00:13:18] Project. [00:13:20] Over the years, we've [00:13:22] rolled forward [00:13:24] the encumbered [00:13:26] amount of the contract, [00:13:28] so the amount that's [00:13:30] remaining in that contract is [00:13:34] $367,000, [00:13:36] so that is built [00:13:38] into the budget for next year. [00:13:40] That department [00:13:42] also has, is [00:13:44] proposing an additional employee, or [00:13:46] additional position. [00:13:48] Other than that, [00:13:50] I mean, the majority of the other departments [00:13:52] do propose [00:13:54] a reduction [00:13:56] in expenditures compared to last [00:13:58] year's budget. [00:14:01] So total [00:14:03] department expenditures [00:14:05] equals [00:14:07] $18,595,170, [00:14:13] which overall is a 5% [00:14:15] decrease from last year. [00:14:17] When we include [00:14:19] transfers and reserves, [00:14:21] there's a total [00:14:23] expenditures for the general fund. The total [00:14:25] expenditures are $19,708,885. [00:14:29] Which is a 5%, [00:14:31] overall 5% decrease from last year. [00:14:33] Last year's $20,668,124. [00:14:39] Strictly for the general fund, correct? [00:14:41] Yeah, this is just general fund. [00:14:43] Right. [00:14:45] Next is water [00:14:47] and sewer revenues. [00:14:49] We're proposing [00:14:51] a total of $14,555,730 [00:14:56] of revenue for water [00:14:58] and sewer. [00:15:00] And compared to the estimate for fiscal year 16 at $13,676,914. [00:15:10] So there is an increase built into that, which can be accounted for by the 4% increase in [00:15:25] our utility rates, annual increase. [00:15:31] Expenditures for the water and sewer, total division expenditures total $8,706,270, which [00:15:42] is a 3% decline from last year's amended budget. [00:15:46] When we factor in the transfers and reserves, total expenditures for the water and sewer [00:15:51] fund are $14,555,730, which is an overall 4% decrease from last year's budget. [00:16:07] So that is the city's operating budget, and it does cover the general fund in water and [00:16:16] sewer funds. [00:16:19] And as far as the capital improvement program, the only noted change from what has been presented [00:16:24] in previous work sessions before is the neighborhood improvement project, which was reduced and [00:16:32] staggered over the next two years instead of next fiscal year. [00:16:39] So I can filter questions, I mean, answer any questions you may have. [00:16:44] Any questions before we open the public hearing? [00:16:47] The way you came back from the original budget that was presented to us is basically once [00:16:52] the paving assessment program was not moved forward with those revenue dollars that were [00:16:58] initially factored into the original budget that we looked at, we went back and backed [00:17:03] away from R&R as one factor, the improvement program, and you had a third factor in there. [00:17:15] And then can you highlight for me where the savings are, how we've arrived at a lesser [00:17:26] pension fund payment amount from previous years? [00:17:32] Because in just my overview and looking at things, obviously that's an obligation we [00:17:40] have through our collective bargaining agreement, but you're saying it's gone from a 40 percent [00:17:46] number somewhere in that range down to 30, and then the fire department's down. [00:17:52] What were the factors? [00:17:53] Because I know that last year we had a make-up clause of about $100,000 in that fund. [00:18:01] Is it because it's having better experience or they're not projecting that they're going [00:18:06] to be that type of a shortfall this year? [00:18:10] What were the factors that came into play? [00:18:12] And then obviously with the health insurance not having a hit that we initially thought [00:18:16] was going to be there, those are my collective questions right out of the gate. [00:18:24] As far as the pension funds, every year evaluation is done on the pension plan and an actuary [00:18:33] does provide us with our annual required contribution to the plan. [00:18:37] Along with that, we're given a percentage of the current employees that are included [00:18:44] in that pension plan, a percentage of their payroll that we have to use to fund the pension. [00:18:55] What I presented to you is the decline in the percentage of that payroll each period. [00:19:02] I can get you the total dollar amount associated with that. [00:19:05] I don't have them in front of me, but we do get those figures from the pension plan's [00:19:11] actuary that performs evaluation each year. [00:19:15] That's not really guaranteed for the year. [00:19:18] I mean, you know, it's based on, you know, Wall Street, you know. [00:19:23] Well, we do receive an annual required contribution each year and they give us a percentage. [00:19:30] And we use that percentage of the current employees' payroll to reach that annual required [00:19:36] contribution amount at the end of the year. [00:19:39] If we haven't met it, then that's where a lump sum payment to meet our requirement is [00:19:47] given to the pension plan and that's where that unfunded portion is accounted for. [00:19:54] It's made up at the end of the year. [00:19:56] So in some years, we have had to give a lump sum payment to meet our annual requirement. [00:20:03] Very regularly the last few years because of the economy. [00:20:07] Because of the valuation? [00:20:08] Yeah. [00:20:09] You know, economy drops, stocks drop, bonds drop. [00:20:15] At some point, would you just clarify the balance that is in each one of those funds? [00:20:26] In the documentation I've been looking at, I can't seem to, I don't have the current [00:20:32] present value of the fire and the police and then you mentioned that there's obviously, [00:20:40] there must be a lot more people taking advantage of retiring from FRS and we're having to pay [00:20:45] more to keep up with all those people that are retired that are living longer than we [00:20:49] hope for them to live in their actuarial tables. [00:20:52] And with that, we're having to, you know, I don't mean to be crass, but we seem to be [00:21:00] living a whole lot longer. [00:21:01] We're having a whole lot more fun because I keep looking at Facebook more and more and [00:21:05] it seems like all those older people that got to retire that figured out what Facebook [00:21:08] is all about are giving me every avenue of what they're doing and they're having a heck [00:21:12] of a time. [00:21:13] Heck of a time. [00:21:14] So I just, just from the value perspective because obviously we've got contract negotiations [00:21:22] that are going to be starting up with both of our collective bargaining groups next year [00:21:28] and possibly both of them next year and the year after and all I remember is the last [00:21:34] time we went through that and it took us a while to get closed out on the contract was [00:21:42] how those, how those funds performed and obviously we've got obligations by those agreements. [00:21:52] So understanding what the impact is because those funds and hold come from the general [00:21:58] fund and that's usually dictated by ad valorem so, but that's, I'll, I have a few other comments [00:22:05] and questions and stuff but I'd rather wait until we get further into this. [00:22:09] Deputy Mayor, I'm relieved that you weren't suggesting that we needed to take action to [00:22:14] deal with those people living longer. [00:22:16] I'm getting older every day, Mayor, that's all I can tell you. [00:22:20] I have no questions at this time. [00:22:21] Anything else before we open for public hearing? [00:22:23] No, I'll wait for after public hearing. [00:22:24] Thank you, sir. [00:22:25] At this point it would be appropriate to open this up for public comment. [00:22:29] I am pleased we do have some people in the audience who kept their eyes open through [00:22:33] the whole discussion. [00:22:35] If you would come forward and give us your name and address for the record, please. [00:22:39] Mike Nirenbrock, 6910 Grand Boulevard. [00:22:43] First of all, Mr. Gallagher and I would like to thank the City Manager and the Finance [00:22:46] Director for meeting with us and providing us with some of the budget documents, the [00:22:50] draft budget documents. [00:22:53] I called poor Ms. Feast today to discuss a few things with her. [00:22:58] I know I was extremely nervous 33 out of 34 years on budget night. [00:23:04] First year I was too stupid to know I was supposed to be nervous but. [00:23:08] So you're giving us a hall pass? [00:23:09] Nope. [00:23:10] Did you get it from Gallagher so we could get a hall pass? [00:23:12] No. [00:23:13] And you're due back in ABC tomorrow morning. [00:23:20] First thing I'd like to suggest is that the City Council consider investing in a cost [00:23:29] allocation plan. [00:23:31] You are doing a lot of transfers from fund to fund, from water and sewer to general fund, [00:23:37] to a lot of the other funds. [00:23:40] And without a proper cost allocation plan, you don't know if you're transferring the [00:23:47] correct amounts. [00:23:50] And I can tell you from my own personal experience, it's a real eye opener when you find out what [00:23:54] it really costs for one particular department to provide service to another department. [00:24:03] And one of the points was increased grant opportunities. [00:24:09] Especially if you get involved with any federal grants, you're going to have to have that [00:24:13] cost allocation study done anyway or you'll never get your overhead approved. [00:24:19] So I don't think everything gets more expensive every year. [00:24:24] I don't think it would be that expensive for a city in the number of funds that you have. [00:24:30] And I think it would be a great investment. [00:24:32] It would shut up people like me and Mr. Gallagher as far as whether the allocations are being [00:24:38] done properly. [00:24:39] You have to realize, we really do appreciate the knowledge that you bring to the table. [00:24:47] And over the years, there has been some cost allocations done. [00:24:52] And Mr. Rivera, what's the name of the group that we worked with? [00:24:56] Burton and Associates. [00:24:57] For some reason, I keep wanting to call them Gilmore and Associates, but Burton and Associates. [00:25:01] So you're absolutely correct on the internal charges. [00:25:06] Especially when you consider you have two completely different customer groups between [00:25:10] your water and sewer and your general fund. [00:25:13] And it's very important that everything be above reproach on that. [00:25:19] Can you highlight, just since you're educating us with 30 plus years of experience and stuff, [00:25:27] and I hope you don't mind that I ask. [00:25:29] I just want to, with that, to just kind of educate us just a little bit. [00:25:37] I'm not sure where that came from, but I know you were nervous 33 out of 34, but I don't [00:25:44] know if that put you at 35 or not. [00:25:46] But if you could, because it's important not only for us and our overview, but how you [00:25:55] had to deal with that or what the nets are. [00:25:58] And I don't have you on the clock, too. [00:26:00] The whole idea of the cost allocation plan is to find out, especially for a lot of your [00:26:07] administrative services, how their costs should be allocated across all the duties, all the [00:26:15] different funding sources and all the different funds. [00:26:19] You have how many funds? [00:26:22] No, she doesn't have that many. [00:26:28] I think it's five or six. [00:26:30] Six. [00:26:31] Yeah, I think it's five or six. [00:26:32] Okay. [00:26:33] We used to have cost allocations through the CRA, too. [00:26:36] And the CRA, and that's another. [00:26:37] That was even crazier when that was going on. [00:26:40] We had over 70 funds. [00:26:42] So we had to allocate that out, and we had a lot of federal money, Community Development [00:26:46] Block Grant, and they watched it like a hawk, and they would disallow anything they could [00:26:51] possibly disallow. [00:26:52] So it just gives you, it gets very finite about what it costs for that person to do [00:27:00] their job. [00:27:01] It also gives you a great view of here's this department, and here are the revenues it generates. [00:27:09] And then here's what's left over that has to come from property taxes. [00:27:14] So as property taxes become more and more important, it's nice to know that, yes, this [00:27:21] department costs $6 million, but they generate $3 million in revenue. [00:27:25] So it's a net of $3 million that has to come from some other source. [00:27:30] Thank you. [00:27:32] The other thing is that currently the general fund as presented doesn't have a budgeted [00:27:39] fund balance for next year. [00:27:42] And I think I'm going to have a meeting with Ms. Feist next week, Tuesday, and we're going [00:27:51] to look at some of those things. [00:27:53] And I understand she's being very conservative, and I was always very conservative. [00:27:58] I did the same thing she did the first two years I was at the city as far as fund balance. [00:28:04] But in a budget, in a general fund budget where there's $4 million in property taxes, [00:28:11] if all of a sudden you have $2 million in fund balance carry forward, that makes a heck [00:28:16] of a difference to your budget. [00:28:18] And the reserve that she showed, $200,000, is ridiculously low. [00:28:26] We talked today about what we had to do at the county when we realized that in a hurricane [00:28:32] event, yes, the feds show up, but the fed money doesn't show up for quite some time. [00:28:40] And if you ever got into a really bad event, if we ever really got hit, all your emergency [00:28:46] services are going to be operating around the clock for weeks at a time, and the overtime [00:28:52] is going to skyrocket, and you're going to have all kinds of expenses you don't realize. [00:28:56] Your example would have been the no-name storm. [00:28:58] Well, no, I'm thinking more of a hurricane. [00:29:01] You're thinking about the whole event? [00:29:03] Yeah. [00:29:04] And that's some questions that we had asked during the budget process, because previously [00:29:08] we had statutory for our fund balance, and then there was always a carry forward that [00:29:14] allowed you to look at a host of other items, as well as ad valorem rollbacks and all that. [00:29:24] And I'm sure you're aware of our economics still working off of Excel spreadsheets in [00:29:28] some areas at the moment. [00:29:31] But I can tell you that at the county, when we set a goal as to how many weeks can we [00:29:38] survive with a reserve, and when it was presented to the county commission, they said, how long [00:29:45] can we survive right now? [00:29:46] I said, six days. [00:29:48] And they said, well, that's unacceptable. [00:29:50] So we started over several years to start building a fund balance. [00:29:53] So I think you need to have a much more significant storm reserve. [00:30:00] not just a reserve for contingencies. [00:30:02] We had one of those, and Board of County Commissioners [00:30:05] usually would spend that during the year. [00:30:08] But you need a storm reserve, [00:30:09] and you need to build it up over a few years. [00:30:14] Let me just throw this last thing out. [00:30:17] If it turns out that there's about $2 million [00:30:21] in fund balance, you could put $1 million in reserve, [00:30:27] and you could put $1 million towards property tax reduction. [00:30:32] Now, we used to have a saying, when you're at nine mils, [00:30:35] you're really at 10 mils, [00:30:36] because you really don't have anywhere to go. [00:30:40] And it's, when the budget gets squeezed [00:30:43] from all the different things, [00:30:45] property tax is the only place you have to go. [00:30:47] And if you're at 9.10, or 9.15, or 9.25, [00:30:52] you've got no place to go. [00:30:53] And if there is that possibility, [00:30:58] you still can amend the millage rate [00:31:02] at the second final public hearing, and do that. [00:31:07] So she and I are going to meet [00:31:08] for a couple hours next Tuesday, [00:31:10] and just kind of share some ideas. [00:31:14] And hopefully, they'll give you a chance [00:31:18] to do a little something with reserve, [00:31:19] and maybe with property taxes. [00:31:21] We've had those discussions in previous years. [00:31:26] And rightfully so, from being at nine, [00:31:32] or nine and a half, those didn't work, we tried to do it. [00:31:34] Chopper, you had a question? [00:31:36] No, you answered it, because I wanted to differentiate [00:31:40] between the reserves and the reserve fund. [00:31:45] Well, one is statutory, and that's assigned, [00:31:48] and the other's the unassigned, [00:31:49] which is really what you're talking about, [00:31:51] but what does it carry forward? [00:31:52] Well, I mean, it's just good fiscal policy [00:31:56] to have a reserve, it's your rainy day fund type of thing. [00:31:59] Well, when I came aboard, our required fund [00:32:04] was at 25%, and within a year, maybe a year and a half, [00:32:07] it was all gone, it was back down to 15%. [00:32:10] You know, they just hated to put it [00:32:12] in the general fund. [00:32:13] No, but I mean, you know, when you look back to 2008, [00:32:21] the advantage that the county had was, [00:32:24] in all those years, when the real estate market [00:32:27] was going crazy, the board was actually using that [00:32:30] to reduce the millage rate. [00:32:32] So when everything fell off the cliff, they had room. [00:32:39] Once you get up this high, you have a tough time recovering. [00:32:42] That was actually the same situation for the city, [00:32:45] and the millage rate was significantly lower [00:32:48] than it is today, in 2008. [00:32:52] And it went all the way up to nine and a half [00:32:55] as we struggled, just to make sure we could keep [00:32:57] the doors open and the lights on. [00:32:59] So, points well taken, I appreciate you having [00:33:02] the willingness to meet with Crystal [00:33:03] and share some of your decades of experience. [00:33:06] Hopefully she won't be nervous. [00:33:08] Hopefully, thank you very much. [00:33:10] I would be. [00:33:11] Thank you. [00:33:15] Oh, he just threw you under the Janslik bus, [00:33:21] because he, because John. [00:33:22] I remember that one from you last time. [00:33:24] Well, because, yeah, well, you know, in the 90s, [00:33:27] he was still alive, so we're good, thanks. [00:33:29] John Gallagher, 6712 River Road, New Port Richey, Florida. [00:33:33] Mr. Mayor, members of council, thanks for letting me speak. [00:33:37] You've heard what Mr. Nuremberg has to say, [00:33:43] and I guess he and I have always been the same mindset. [00:33:47] Try to build a good financial house [00:33:52] before you go off spending a lot of money. [00:33:56] I think you know what you need to do as far as reserves. [00:33:58] Mike talked about the hurricane fund. [00:34:01] Well, it wasn't something that we required, [00:34:03] but quite frankly, I named it the hurricane fund [00:34:05] so the Board of County Commissioners [00:34:06] wouldn't go hit it every week. [00:34:08] You know, you mean you're gonna hit the hurricane fund? [00:34:12] Well, what happens if we have a hurricane? [00:34:13] Because at that time, [00:34:14] they used to call it the Bank of Gallagher. [00:34:16] Where does, who gets all the money? [00:34:18] Who pays for the police department? [00:34:21] Who pays for the fire department? [00:34:22] Who pays for all those people that are working all along? [00:34:24] And they're gonna look to the city manager [00:34:27] and say, go find the money, [00:34:29] and she's gotta have a deep pocket there someplace. [00:34:34] I'm not sure any money has been put in this budget [00:34:38] for resurfacing roads. [00:34:40] I saw something in the budget [00:34:42] where there was like 2.2 million unrestricted or something. [00:34:46] That just may be prior year's money. [00:34:48] I'm not sure. [00:34:49] Is that what it is? [00:34:50] That's it, yeah. [00:34:50] Roll forward. [00:34:51] But in kind of, I had heard the city council say, [00:34:54] the system you have doesn't work. [00:34:58] Well, in kind of looking around a little bit, [00:35:00] I think if we all look at ourselves in the mirror, [00:35:02] the reason why it doesn't work is because of us. [00:35:06] Some people, you charge 100% paving assessment. [00:35:10] Some people, depends upon how many people show up, [00:35:13] it's 50%, it's 25%. [00:35:16] From what little I've seen, if I'm wrong, just whack me, [00:35:20] it's all over the lot. [00:35:22] And you need a consistent policy. [00:35:27] Here, I believe, and out in the county, [00:35:32] we had a policy that was pretty tough, [00:35:34] but everybody stuck to it. [00:35:36] Residential roads, 100%. [00:35:39] Collective roads, a third, a third, a third. [00:35:42] Main arteries, however you classify, [00:35:45] Gulf Drive, Main Street, those streets, [00:35:48] you pay that 100% out of your gas tax [00:35:50] or whatever funds that you have. [00:35:53] And you gotta stay together, united. [00:35:56] Nobody wants to go and foreclose on somebody [00:36:01] to collect the lien. [00:36:03] But I think, and all you gotta do is send one out, [00:36:07] and the word will spread throughout the city [00:36:09] that the county, I mean, the city is going to collect that. [00:36:13] Now, I noticed on a program you had before, [00:36:16] on program management, [00:36:20] you had the tax collector putting that on a tax bill. [00:36:25] Maybe you ought to explore, [00:36:27] can you put paving assessments on a tax bill? [00:36:31] I mean, you don't have to have one like 2,000 bucks, [00:36:34] you pay it next month, maybe you can structure something [00:36:36] where it goes on a tax bill over 10 years. [00:36:39] And that way, you're guaranteed your money [00:36:41] without having to use your police powers. [00:36:44] But I don't know if, you got a city attorney there [00:36:47] who looks pretty bright, so he may know the answer. [00:36:51] This'll be a subject that we get that workshop [00:36:54] after the 1st of October and try to hash out [00:36:57] something that's equitable and keeps the roads [00:36:59] in good shape, so. [00:37:02] Well, I mean, my two cents would be used to gas tax [00:37:05] and go out there and take care of the infrastructure. [00:37:09] I also, looking at the budget, had some concerns [00:37:11] about, I'm not sure of all the transfers, [00:37:14] Mike talked about a little bit, [00:37:15] going to the water and sewer fund, [00:37:18] taking money from the water and sewer fund [00:37:20] and put it in the general fund. [00:37:22] Old school, me, I always wrote the bond documents [00:37:25] that didn't allow elected officials to do that [00:37:27] because the utility customers, it's an enterprise fund, [00:37:30] the money's generated, it should stay there. [00:37:34] And I see some more of those transfers in this year's budget [00:37:36] and I see a big one back in 13 or 14. [00:37:40] And then I say, you're gonna do another rate increase. [00:37:42] And then you're increasing the utility rates 4%. [00:37:47] Do you have enough money there where you could say [00:37:49] the utility rates, we're not gonna do the 4% this year? [00:37:54] And the answer shouldn't be, well, if we hadn't transferred [00:37:57] 9 million, we'd have enough money. [00:38:00] But those are just some thoughts. [00:38:03] The city is a great city to live in. [00:38:07] I've lived here my whole life. [00:38:10] And sometimes I think we're reaching [00:38:13] a little too high for the moon [00:38:16] and we forget the infrastructure [00:38:18] and the financial infrastructure [00:38:19] that you need to keep viable. [00:38:22] Because as Mike said, when we'd get to 9 mils, [00:38:25] we'd just tell the board 10 mils. [00:38:27] Because the difference between 9 and 10 mils was peanuts. [00:38:31] I mean, I don't know what the difference is [00:38:32] between your millage you're setting tonight [00:38:35] compared to 10 mils, but I bet you it's not a lot of money. [00:38:38] It's peanuts. [00:38:39] And so, thank you. [00:38:42] Thank you. [00:38:46] I think everybody that's in the audience [00:38:48] has had an opportunity to address council [00:38:51] during the public hearing. [00:38:52] So, that being said, I will close the public hearing [00:38:56] and bring this back to council. [00:39:03] Discussion, comments, anyone? [00:39:06] I can kick off. [00:39:08] I appreciate what the two of you have brought forward. [00:39:12] There has been some of that cost accounting going on [00:39:15] and that's in fact when the water and sewer fund [00:39:20] started paying something into the city [00:39:23] was specifically because it had been under-accounted [00:39:28] in prior years. [00:39:29] And so, we tried to get some of that overhead cost [00:39:34] back to the city properly accounting for it. [00:39:39] We have something, and again, you've heard [00:39:41] in the previous meeting, there were references [00:39:43] and a reference tonight to something called Tyler, [00:39:47] which please tell me, Brian, is going to be [00:39:51] fully operational very early in the new fiscal year? [00:39:56] Yes, we're moving forward, as Crystal alluded to, [00:40:00] with all the different changes going on in finance, [00:40:03] we need to get the financial data in [00:40:06] in order to bring it into the database [00:40:08] to make that cutover. [00:40:09] But we're moving forward and we've moved forward [00:40:12] in the last six months more so than we've done [00:40:16] in quite some time. [00:40:17] That will also make cost allocation between departments [00:40:19] much, much easier because we'll have solid numbers [00:40:22] and not somebody sitting there [00:40:23] trying to play with spreadsheets. [00:40:26] So, it's a big jump. [00:40:30] I personally love the idea of the hurricane fund. [00:40:32] I think that's a great concept and I understand [00:40:34] why you called it what you did. [00:40:37] The storm that we had last year that resulted [00:40:40] in some significant expenditures that we had to do [00:40:44] on paving and the expenses that we encountered [00:40:49] just this past week when Hermaine came by, [00:40:52] I think speaks well to the reason we probably [00:40:55] ought to have something designated as a hurricane fund. [00:40:59] And personally, I'd love to see us do that. [00:41:04] I think that's probably more important [00:41:06] than aggressively dropping the millage [00:41:09] is to start looking at building that sort of reserve [00:41:12] because one of these days, we're going to take a hit. [00:41:15] It's not if, it's simply when. [00:41:18] Mr. Mayor? [00:41:19] Yes, sir. [00:41:19] On that note, Ms. Mance, could we get a tally [00:41:21] of what the incurred expenses were [00:41:24] just with overtime, police, and public works [00:41:27] from this most recent storm we've had? [00:41:30] Yes, sir, Mr. Connolly. [00:41:30] Just so we have something to base it on. [00:41:32] You know, we did have coastal flooding. [00:41:34] Police were out there. [00:41:35] Public works, I saw, working diligently overtime [00:41:38] all three, four days straight. [00:41:40] So, it'll be just a small, you know, [00:41:44] not nearly what we could expect with a direct hit [00:41:47] from a category one, two, or three hurricane, [00:41:49] but give us something to kind of base projections on [00:41:52] for overtime that we incurred, you know, per day. [00:41:56] I could be prepared to pass that along to you [00:41:58] tomorrow on my city manager's report. [00:41:59] Thank you. [00:42:00] That would be super, thank you. [00:42:02] Those were my comments. [00:42:04] Mr. Mayor, I'd be happy to start. [00:42:07] I obviously understand and really appreciate [00:42:12] Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Nuremberg coming to see us [00:42:14] because, obviously, you never know [00:42:17] what you're quite going to get. [00:42:20] But with their experience, and they obviously have looked [00:42:24] at key factors in this budget. [00:42:26] The inter-transfers have always been a source [00:42:31] of multiple conversations. [00:42:34] Part of some of that previous years [00:42:36] was accounting for the Tampa Bay water funds [00:42:42] and also utilizing some of those funds [00:42:47] to pay down existing debt that we had [00:42:50] so that we could free up other revenue lines [00:42:53] because the majority of the general fund [00:42:57] along with the CRA had been turned [00:42:59] into a debt service fund. [00:43:02] I hate to take us through some of these, [00:43:04] but I need to ask about some of these [00:43:06] because, obviously, it refers me back [00:43:11] to the movie, Dave, where he sits there [00:43:13] and he kind of accounts through and gets back. [00:43:15] But the answer to the first question [00:43:17] and one that Mr. Gallagher had brought up [00:43:21] is, obviously, taking a stand [00:43:23] on our pavement program moving forward. [00:43:26] I had an opportunity to speak with the manager yesterday [00:43:29] and, obviously, what happens in Mr. Gallagher [00:43:32] and Mr. Nuremberg knows when you fill the house, [00:43:36] everybody up here gets really antsy [00:43:39] because, for you to get from here to your car, [00:43:42] you have to walk through them [00:43:44] and, if you walk around them, they know where you live, [00:43:48] especially if you don't have the meeting in Dade City [00:43:50] and you live on the west side. [00:43:52] That's what's generated some of that back and forth [00:43:55] and the changes of what the policy were and all that. [00:43:59] Rightfully so, he brings up the point [00:44:01] that you need to identify what is a collector, [00:44:04] what's an arterial, [00:44:05] and then what is actually a residential road. [00:44:08] And either that or what's an alleyway [00:44:12] that, if I put it into a big fund, [00:44:15] I'm paying for somebody else's thing [00:44:16] that I'll never go down the alleyway, [00:44:18] but it's part of the city's spine, let's put it that way. [00:44:25] Over and above that is there are specific changes [00:44:29] that you've made throughout the budget [00:44:32] and, obviously, getting a chance to see it [00:44:35] in its completion here over the last few days, [00:44:38] even though we tried to follow a lot of the process [00:44:42] and looking at trying to establish [00:44:44] an unassigned or undesignated fund. [00:44:48] That's usually what we tried to look at [00:44:50] from rollovers in prior years, so that'll be important. [00:44:55] But there are specific things in different departments [00:44:58] that I have questions about. [00:45:00] about, and if that frees up money to be put to the side to have a philosophical discussion [00:45:08] about and or how we're going to allocate it, this is the only, either here at our work [00:45:15] session or the only two times we get to do it. And I think we've all looked at our meeting [00:45:20] schedule between now and the 29th when we have to make this go real without having a [00:45:27] multitude of budget changes next year, which looks like bait and switch to the public, [00:45:34] which I don't want to go through, and I don't want to go through that exercise in explaining [00:45:39] mid-year on certain items. So if you'll indulge me for a few minutes, there are obviously [00:45:47] specific areas within the budget that I had questions, concerns, and obviously just wanted [00:45:55] to highlight some of our previous conversations. If that's okay, Mr. Mayor, I just, I mean, [00:46:02] we have to get this as correct as we can, and then we get one more chance to put it [00:46:07] for real on the 29th. But obviously on the revenue sides... [00:46:13] Can you tell us the page number as you go through here? [00:46:15] I will absolutely do that, thank you. And that's what I was going to ask from staff [00:46:19] as we go through some things. Obviously as we look in anything that I start with, I start [00:46:24] with the general fund because that's where the revenue comes from. That dictates everything [00:46:30] else. Either you're going to do it or you're not because you don't have the money to do [00:46:33] it. And obviously there was the blighted removal program, which was a program where we were [00:46:41] receiving money back from the county, and I call that the Roman Goli Fund because he [00:46:48] was a gentleman at the county that we always worked with to get those blighted dollars [00:46:53] for homes that we tore down. Is that correct, Mr. Rivera? You're the keeper of the... [00:47:01] Yes. [00:47:01] Can I just go ahead and call on staff? Is that okay? [00:47:04] So basically that revenue stream, or what used to be out there for us to do blighted, [00:47:10] it doesn't end in play. At this point, in this budget setting, it's not in play. [00:47:18] And then obviously I see where our fund allocations are coming back for the police and fire back [00:47:23] from the state. And those are statutorily set, and those are numbers that we've gotten [00:47:28] from state, at least they met earlier this year because it's an election year. Otherwise [00:47:34] they'd still be up there and we'd still be digging through some things. [00:47:39] The other is on the second page, on page nine, where it talks about off-duty pay, which is [00:47:46] also going to be something that's going to play back in when we get into a couple other [00:47:50] departments as well as in the police department. But this off-duty pay, I'm just trying to [00:47:56] make sure that I totally understand it because you can see where the numbers were and what [00:48:00] we're projecting for next year. I mean, we go from an amended budget of 82 to 203,000. [00:48:10] And if we miss that, that's a mid-late year makeup. And that's a big swing with the bat [00:48:15] you're trying to find those. But it's on page nine. Page nine about, it's line item 342-10. [00:48:23] You have different page numbers. Page nine for us is the city manager's. [00:48:29] But if you go by the rev code. Give us the rev code and we're okay. [00:48:33] Bill, that'll be fine. 342-10. [00:48:36] Yeah, so, and obviously I was working off of, I didn't have the yellow book. I'm sorry. [00:48:43] Okay, I just want to make sure. Okay, so I'm just trying to make sure I understand that [00:48:51] line is that the revenue is charged to an outside group, whether it be a fundraiser [00:48:59] or whether it be school overtime or directing traffic or whatever entity. But we built that [00:49:06] from not only historical, but from where we see some of our fundraising events and some [00:49:15] of the off-duty hours. Is that right, Mr. [00:49:17] You're right on target, Councilman. But the reason you're seeing that significant change [00:49:23] in that one is we have a different contract with the hospital now. They are the largest [00:49:31] off-duty employer that we have. [00:49:33] Oh yeah, they have one or two officers. I'm sorry. [00:49:36] Well, it's one officer, but what they've done is they've extended those hours significantly. [00:49:41] They came to us asking us if we could do that. And along with that, and this is what [00:49:47] Crystal has done and we have done, is projected out those revenues based on that contract [00:49:53] and then the other special events that you just alluded to. [00:49:56] Okay. Did you have some dental work or something? [00:50:01] So funny, I've had more people say that. [00:50:03] I'm so sorry. I didn't know if I caused that pain in your mouth already or not, because [00:50:07] I'm only on the one or two, but no. I'm just trying to make sure, because if we don't hit [00:50:14] the revenue projections right, it becomes very tedious. Also, down below on line item [00:50:23] 351-12, which is the red light fines, since we've redone that contract and this is where [00:50:31] we're going to be, and we only extended that for one year. So in essence, I think it would [00:50:39] behoove us to make sure that we're okay in looking at that program early on next year, [00:50:46] because we all have our own places with that particular revenue fund, and all of us have [00:50:54] made our positions well known. But obviously, it is a dollar amount that, if it's not in [00:51:02] this budget, you're going to have to go further than R&R and some of those other things. [00:51:10] If I may, just to let you know, the amount that's budgeted is just for the 10 months [00:51:17] of the fiscal year, so through June 30th, the contract, and it's the expected amount [00:51:22] to receive just through the contract, so it's not the whole fiscal year. [00:51:26] Thank you. I appreciate the clarification, because I was thinking it was going to go [00:51:29] out. We do have a deadline, and then looking at it early on in the year to figure out if [00:51:35] that's a revenue fund, and where the program is just overall, depending on what the impact [00:51:42] was. [00:51:42] And then the last one is on my page 10. It's on the very last page, and I believe it's [00:51:47] the line item that Mr. Nuremberg was talking about, which is 389-90, which shows no balance [00:51:55] for the prior year balance unassigned. Is that what you... Because that's the carryover [00:52:03] money, or money that wasn't spent in this year's budget that we move forward into next. [00:52:10] Is that correct? Is that my understanding? [00:52:12] So this is actually a revenue source account, so we would only have money in there if we [00:52:21] planned on using any prior year fund balance, or fund balance. So because we haven't budgeted [00:52:28] to use any, it's zero there. It doesn't mean that there's no reserve or fund balance to [00:52:34] be rolled forward. It's just that we haven't planned on using any of it. [00:52:38] But you're going to identify... In some way, you're going to identify what that... [00:52:43] What the balance is, so that it could be... That we could talk about, or at least know [00:52:48] about it when we make our final budget approval on the 29th. Is that correct? [00:52:53] Yes, I can have that. [00:52:57] You know, and just... Every year, we move some things in the budget, or we consolidate [00:53:03] some things, and it goes from one to the other. Obviously, we do some... We take two or three [00:53:10] places in the budget to kind of restate what we have in our capital plan, and how it flows [00:53:15] back and forth. As I said, just... And then again, we talked about some of these internal [00:53:25] transfers, and some of the transfers that are coming from the CRA, and we've had those [00:53:30] conversations too. So, I tried to look in this budget, and now I'm going over to the [00:53:39] expenditure side, and I'm starting on the city council side. And I'm trying to make [00:53:44] sure that I can account for the new city attorney's contract throughout the account, because a [00:53:51] majority of their monthly retainer is in the city council budget. Because I think last [00:53:59] week, when we approved it, I thought it was like $15,000 a month. Is that correct? As [00:54:05] their monthly retainer? [00:54:07] Sorry, I don't recall specifically the amount. [00:54:11] But that being the case, we've got costs here, and then previously, we did have cost allocations [00:54:18] to other departments that show up in other places in the budget. I'm just trying to make [00:54:22] sure that my expense side does that. I didn't have any issues with the city manager side. [00:54:30] On the administrative side, with the assistant to the manager coming up, if that's going [00:54:39] to be a full year funding, and if there was any dollars that would be in your carry forward [00:54:47] fund for what that position wasn't filled for this year. So in my mind, there's been [00:54:52] like four or five months that that position was not that, as well as the city clerk and [00:54:59] the city administrative assistant, there's some dollar cost savings that should be in [00:55:07] a fund that kind of looks forward. [00:55:11] Because that's an operating expense, in essence, it's in the general fund balance at year end. [00:55:17] So it didn't roll forward, or it hasn't been budgeted to roll forward to next year, but [00:55:23] it is in its fund balance. [00:55:30] Mike, on technology, which was my page 23, but it comes right after the city clerk. [00:55:43] I just want to be clear that line item 6418, which is software, is the Tyler Technologies. [00:55:51] And that amount that's out there, that $367,200, is the phase three, and there's only three [00:56:03] phases of Tyler, correct? So that software cost, which we've allocated over the last [00:56:10] three years, something will show up, but it won't be to this extreme with a comma and [00:56:18] zeros on both sides going into 1718, is that correct? [00:56:25] That is correct, sir. [00:56:25] This concludes what we've been trying to do over the last three years to update our internal [00:56:32] computer processes throughout the entire city, correct? [00:56:36] Yes, sir. [00:56:36] Every department's been, will be affected by Tyler. I'm just making a general statement. [00:56:42] Yes, sir. [00:56:43] All right. [00:56:43] So long as we're on that page, Mr. Lewis, we can jump in. [00:56:47] The special purpose equipment, the 5600, what specifically is that item 6431? [00:56:56] The special purpose equipment encompasses two different items. There's a voiceover IP system [00:57:00] like the one we just approved for the police department a month ago, and a round of microphones [00:57:07] for this council chamber. [00:57:09] I know they want to hear us better at home. I understand that. [00:57:19] Then obviously on the next one, on the accounting and budgeting, I see a car allowance in there. [00:57:27] I thought my understanding was that fringe wasn't going to carry forward, but maybe I [00:57:32] misunderstood that, that line item. [00:57:37] You're correct about that. [00:57:39] So I just found $3,300. I want that to be noted because I have to be in class tomorrow. [00:57:46] I've already been told by Mr. Nirenbrock I've got AVC tomorrow. [00:57:54] I don't like to pick on anybody, but everybody's going to get in the pool sometime today. [00:57:59] Also, I noticed that in that department, 4011 for traveling in and out, [00:58:06] on training, that we are increasing that for next year to basically doubling it. [00:58:16] Does that include any ... I probably wouldn't be here. It might be somewhere else. [00:58:19] Is there anything in there for ... Mr. Nirenbrock talked about a cost allocation. [00:58:26] I also had a thought that, and I used an analogy with the city manager yesterday in my meeting, [00:58:34] but trying to close out our old books with SkyGuard or whatever it was. [00:58:41] SunGuard. [00:58:42] SunGuard. It wasn't Guard or anything, but with the technology. [00:58:48] To figure out a way to close out those books and not totally rely on that data to populate [00:58:55] our new ... I know we do our best to clean it and to accommodate it. [00:59:04] Account for it and everything else, but I didn't know if there'd be parallel to close [00:59:07] out. [00:59:09] What I'm concerned about is things that may have slipped from year to year to year that [00:59:15] when we go to close to go, that we're going to have an unexpected surprise or a large [00:59:20] balance somewhere. [00:59:22] I didn't know what our internal philosophy was going to be about closing out those books [00:59:28] so that we can assess and attest to everything that was there, and then roll the biggest [00:59:35] best that we can into Tyler without rolling the dice and saying maybe 20% of this information [00:59:42] may be not that good, and then we have to go back and clean. [00:59:46] I'm just trying to understand that because we really have made a huge financial investment [00:59:52] in that to get up to speed because everybody thinks our technology is there because they [00:59:58] can pick up their phone and go through everything. [01:00:00] And we're like, sorry, I have to go back. [01:00:02] So can you kind of walk me a little bit [01:00:05] so that I can understand? [01:00:05] I know that there's been plenty of discussion [01:00:08] on how much information we do want to input into Tyler. [01:00:14] I think at one point we were considering all of it, [01:00:18] then only a couple of years. [01:00:21] In discussion with Tyler Technologies, [01:00:24] what we've decided on as far as the financial information, [01:00:27] we've gone back to fiscal year 13 or 14? [01:00:30] 14. [01:00:30] 14. [01:00:31] So it will provide enough information [01:00:36] in order for us to do our historical analysis [01:00:39] and have that historical data that's still relevant [01:00:41] and important without transferring over [01:00:45] a lot of information that's, for lack of better words, [01:00:49] not good information. [01:00:52] I know that, do you want to speak on anything? [01:00:55] Well, just to follow that, Bill, [01:00:58] that's one of the key elements [01:00:59] that we're currently working on [01:01:00] that needs the due diligence as we transfer [01:01:05] and we move this data into the Tyler Technology software [01:01:08] is that those funds have to be closed out [01:01:11] in a fiscal year order in order for them [01:01:13] to be balanced in the new software before we move forward. [01:01:16] I'm just looking for peace of mind. [01:01:19] I use an old analogy like musical chairs [01:01:21] and all of a sudden the music stops [01:01:23] and there's no place to sit, [01:01:25] but there might be money that needs to be paid [01:01:28] or it hasn't flowed through. [01:01:30] I don't know that that's true. [01:01:32] I'm just concerned about that. [01:01:34] The other is obviously in billing and collection, [01:01:37] which is the next department we show up in this, [01:01:40] I believe, probably has to go into point of sale elements [01:01:45] or whatever, but it's line item 4031 [01:01:49] with the credit card charges. [01:01:52] In previous years it's been around there, [01:01:54] but last year for some reason it was like 15 grand [01:01:56] and now it's going back to 60. [01:01:59] So is that point of sale or is that a charge [01:02:03] because they're using a credit card or what's that? [01:02:06] Is that what that is? [01:02:07] Yes, it is. [01:02:08] And I'm sorry, could you repeat that number? [01:02:09] I'm sorry. [01:02:10] It's 49. [01:02:10] It's in 4931. [01:02:11] 4931, it's for billing and collections. [01:02:14] Gotcha, thank you. [01:02:15] The amount that we have budgeted this fiscal year [01:02:18] or for next fiscal year, I'm sorry, [01:02:20] is consistent with the actual figures in 14, 15, and 16. [01:02:24] So it is more in line with what's actually occurring [01:02:29] instead of what was budgeted last year. [01:02:31] All right, I just, like I said, I just. [01:02:34] I thought, Tyler, that that number would go down. [01:02:37] Yes, and it will. [01:02:39] Once we implement, Tyler, they do have a, [01:02:42] I'm sorry, Brian, I'm speaking for you, [01:02:43] but there is a function in there that will allow us [01:02:47] to work with a merchant service provider [01:02:50] to get that cost down. [01:02:54] And I'm moving to library now [01:02:56] because that's the next one I had in my order. [01:03:06] I'm okay with 99% of this. [01:03:08] My one is on the back, the last page. [01:03:11] It's line item 6612. [01:03:17] When we talk about library materials, [01:03:20] and everything I keep hearing is that we're, [01:03:24] we don't need as much storage, [01:03:27] and we're also looking at game planning [01:03:30] once we find a new home for the fire department, [01:03:35] and then how we might retrofit their old building [01:03:39] or whatever happens. [01:03:41] And there's a lot of things to talk about that [01:03:43] down the road, but the warehousing and the size [01:03:47] and not having enough room and all that, [01:03:49] but that particular line item, [01:03:51] and when I took over the years, [01:03:54] it looks like we've invested close to $260,000, [01:03:59] including this upcoming year, the 82. [01:04:01] So I'm just trying to make sure that, [01:04:06] I know you probably, I know your audience [01:04:10] or your customer base is probably threefold. [01:04:14] It's the ones you want to get in the door, [01:04:15] like when we used to have the library on the hill over here [01:04:18] when I was growing up, and then the ability [01:04:22] to get the millennials in there and stuff, [01:04:27] and then some of us old timers that really need [01:04:29] to have something in our hand that we can flip a page with. [01:04:32] So if you could just give me an idea, [01:04:34] because that's what I'm doing. [01:04:35] Sure, I'd be happy to. [01:04:37] Part of this is when something is missing or not returned, [01:04:43] even though they pay for it, [01:04:45] that money goes back into the general fund [01:04:47] and we don't replace it. [01:04:49] And so some things we need to replace. [01:04:54] Your materials, whether they're books, videos, [01:04:59] CDs, even eBooks, all that has a cost to it. [01:05:04] Your e-materials, you really are only like leasing, [01:05:09] and you have to renew those every year. [01:05:11] So part of that is that cost, [01:05:14] and we're trying to bring the collection back up. [01:05:17] We had taken a hit back in 2008, [01:05:23] when the budget started being cut, [01:05:25] and we haven't been able to even keep up [01:05:27] with keeping our collection up to date. [01:05:30] And we only have a four-year, [01:05:33] we don't have the whole 20-year. [01:05:35] So we're trying to update some of the collection, [01:05:37] weed, or deselect is probably a nice word. [01:05:41] Is it also being driven by part of the additional services [01:05:45] that we're providing over and above [01:05:46] what people would think is a standard [01:05:49] or traditional library, is that part of? [01:05:53] Well, part of it, [01:05:54] but even your regular book materials are costing much more. [01:06:00] And we're checking out over 700,000 items a year, [01:06:05] so that also adds to it. [01:06:07] So there are things that are getting a lot of use, [01:06:09] and you need to replace them. [01:06:10] Okay, well, that was my biggest. [01:06:12] Are you keeping that, [01:06:15] I don't know what the program was, [01:06:17] pick up somebody's tab, we'll call that, [01:06:19] in a bar-related comment. [01:06:22] We'll probably do that again in February. [01:06:25] I mean, I wouldn't, why don't we do that year-round? [01:06:29] Well, we could if you all would like us to do that. [01:06:32] I mean, you know, we've got some nice people out there. [01:06:34] Yeah, yeah. [01:06:36] Yeah, we could do that. [01:06:38] Can you, a librarian, [01:06:38] I'm not sure I'm following what you're talking about. [01:06:40] Well, for Valentine's. [01:06:41] You're picking up a tab, [01:06:42] and all of a sudden we went from a bar tab to kids, [01:06:45] and I was trying to figure out what. [01:06:45] Well, they have an outstanding bill at the library, [01:06:49] and they can't check anything more out. [01:06:50] So they have these tickets that are on a board, [01:06:53] and if you pick up a ticket and pay somebody's tab, [01:06:57] then they can check out books again. [01:06:58] For Valentine's, we made little hearts, [01:07:01] and there was no recognizable name or anything on it. [01:07:06] We used a number, [01:07:08] and if somebody wanted to pay the tab of that child [01:07:10] so they could check out again, [01:07:12] they picked up a heart, and they paid for it. [01:07:16] I just, I think that, you know, with, you know, [01:07:19] you know, I constantly bring. [01:07:21] Why do they have a tab? [01:07:22] I mean, the kid's not returning books in time, [01:07:24] they're losing the books. [01:07:24] Where are these tabs coming from that people are picking up? [01:07:28] Both, they don't return them, [01:07:29] or else they're overly overdue. [01:07:32] Sounds like a sweet program, [01:07:34] but I mean, what are we teaching the kids, you know? [01:07:36] You don't return the books and don't pick up your tab, [01:07:37] you can go back and get another one? [01:07:38] I mean. [01:07:40] Well, they can't, if they've got a tab, [01:07:42] they can't, they can't get any more books. [01:07:44] You have to be a good Samaritan to pick up their tab, [01:07:46] or somebody has to buy it. [01:07:48] I don't mean, there was, [01:07:49] I don't think there was a dozen on the sheet, [01:07:50] on the board when I saw it. [01:07:54] We have quite, you know, we have a few, [01:07:57] but their poverty may be homes. [01:08:00] Their parents really don't care. [01:08:04] Sometimes they've been run from house to house [01:08:07] because of divorce, [01:08:09] and a parent holds materials at the one house hostage. [01:08:14] I mean, we have all sorts of things. [01:08:16] You probably see a lot of different scenarios. [01:08:18] And I thought, because we have eight, [01:08:20] you know, I keep bringing up Alice, [01:08:22] that asset limited income restraint, but employed, [01:08:24] we have a 65% in town. [01:08:26] So, you know, some of these are on that low end [01:08:28] of that Alice report, so. [01:08:31] I've moved to the police department, [01:08:33] because they're next on the, next on Bill's top, [01:08:37] top, top ten or top hit list. [01:08:39] And it just goes back to just some overview items. [01:08:42] Obviously, I recognize that you took the automobiles out. [01:08:45] That was, that jumped out. [01:08:47] But the other is, and it goes back [01:08:49] to the other conversation, Chief, [01:08:51] where we talked about the overtime. [01:08:53] Because, obviously, the line items in previous years, [01:08:59] you know, prior to your oversight of that department, [01:09:04] you know, one year was, and I, [01:09:07] I can only imagine it was probably [01:09:08] because of staffing levels. [01:09:13] But I'm looking at, on police support services, [01:09:18] which I believe would be the second, [01:09:20] the second subcategory in that department. [01:09:27] And it's line item 1411. [01:09:31] Basically, the overtime projected [01:09:34] for next year's about 40, about $40,000. [01:09:38] Plus, in a couple of these, we see [01:09:42] where this employee health insurance stipend [01:09:45] has been relieved, or has gone away. [01:09:50] I see it here, but I also see it on the fire side [01:09:53] where it isn't. [01:09:53] I didn't know if that was a collective bargaining thing [01:09:55] that we still have to pay people [01:09:58] for not being part of our health plan. [01:10:02] It should be eliminated in every department. [01:10:04] We'll be there in a minute. [01:10:05] Okay. [01:10:06] Okay? [01:10:08] But, Chief, so what I'm understanding is, [01:10:11] is that the revenue that's coming in on my revenue side, [01:10:14] a good portion of that, is what's gonna be paying [01:10:16] for this overtime, because that's where it's, [01:10:19] or this, this is strictly for officers on the road? [01:10:21] Yes. [01:10:22] That's for patrol officers, detectives. [01:10:26] It's that kind of overtime. [01:10:28] We have an incident happen at the end of shift, [01:10:31] and people stay over, you know, the case carries them over. [01:10:37] Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. [01:10:39] I was thinking we were in a different category. [01:10:41] This is dispatch. [01:10:42] It's overtime and dispatch. [01:10:44] And that's because of staffing levels? [01:10:46] Yes, I have mandatory staffing levels at two. [01:10:48] Right. [01:10:50] Okay, all right, I just wanted to, okay. [01:10:52] And again, when you go over to community services, [01:10:55] police community services, which is the next department, [01:10:58] again, fairly sizable overtime platform there. [01:11:05] And then, as you mentioned, Crystal, [01:11:09] and I had it highlighted or asterisked, [01:11:13] again, the reduction in the pension plan [01:11:17] from what was in that sub-department last year [01:11:21] of about 290 is down to 202. [01:11:24] So, like I said, I'm just wanting to make sure [01:11:28] that we've got good information on the front end. [01:11:32] And what we, because if we have to make up something [01:11:36] come towards the end of the year, [01:11:39] that's hard to come ask for. [01:11:40] It looks like the estimate for 15-16 is 209.03, [01:11:44] so that 202.650 is right in line. [01:11:47] And the next one has to do with the police patrol, [01:11:51] your next department. [01:11:56] And can you tell me what the employee incentive is again? [01:12:02] I'm missing out on what that is. [01:12:05] It's basically a... [01:12:06] The police incentive 15-21? [01:12:08] Yes, sir. [01:12:09] Is that what you're talking about? [01:12:10] Sorry, no. [01:12:11] Yeah, yeah, 15-11, sorry. [01:12:16] It's basically the Christmas bonus program renamed. [01:12:22] And then in this department is the one [01:12:24] that you're looking to add staff, [01:12:29] the two officers. [01:12:30] Yes. [01:12:31] And you don't have them teed up on day one [01:12:37] to start collecting. [01:12:39] So, and maybe I'm digging too deep in the weeds, [01:12:44] but the other is if I'm looking to free up dollars [01:12:49] across the board for things, [01:12:51] I'm looking at staffing that not full for the entire year [01:12:56] because then that money is gonna get shifted [01:13:00] or maybe it's gonna be around. [01:13:02] I'm looking at what would be amicable to that [01:13:05] is you're gonna have to go through the training program, [01:13:08] all those things, [01:13:09] but that money still sits in that budget. [01:13:11] I don't know if there's a better way to identify it. [01:13:13] But in essence, to me, [01:13:15] if I look at a regular line officer, [01:13:17] it's like 40 grand probation. [01:13:22] That's pay, that's not full bennies and everything. [01:13:27] And in response, Mr. Deputy Mayor, [01:13:30] to the point that you're trying to make, [01:13:32] we do not plan to hire both of those positions [01:13:35] effective October 1st. [01:13:37] They'll both be hired on a delayed basis this year. [01:13:42] If you see fit to approve the expenditure. [01:13:46] I see fit to want to make sure [01:13:48] that we've got the right staffing levels, [01:13:50] especially with what's going on out there. [01:13:55] I'd like that money on my side of the ledger [01:13:57] until it actually becomes, until you fill the spots. [01:14:03] Because I'd like to have, [01:14:05] if that's 60 or 70 or $80,000, [01:14:08] and it goes back into that fund that they're talking about, [01:14:11] or that I can use it to either do a cost allocation study, [01:14:17] or I can do it to use for paving until it's needed. [01:14:21] I'm okay with the staffing elements. [01:14:23] I just don't want the money sitting in that fund. [01:14:26] Do you understand my? [01:14:27] I do. [01:14:28] I think what she's saying is this figure, [01:14:30] the way it's written, [01:14:31] anticipates that these people are being hired [01:14:34] at some point during the year, [01:14:35] not necessarily on October 1st. [01:14:37] Not the way that it's described in the overview. [01:14:43] The overview says two positions, [01:14:45] and if I'm looking at literally, [01:14:47] and I'm not an attorney, [01:14:49] but I might have slept at Holiday Inn last night, [01:14:53] I want to make sure that those dollars, [01:14:56] if I get half of that money early on in the year, [01:14:59] I can use it. [01:15:00] but for other things. [01:15:01] So, I will look into this number, but the intention, [01:15:05] it is only to fund those positions for half a year. [01:15:08] So I'll look into it, but that is definitely the intent. [01:15:11] Since we're on this point, not only the two positions here, [01:15:15] we totally know what they're going to do [01:15:16] if they're a patrolman, that's already been written. [01:15:19] And I think the third person's the records person, [01:15:21] we already know what that's going to be. [01:15:22] But there's two other positions, [01:15:24] and one of them is with IT, [01:15:27] and the other's with the rec center. [01:15:28] And I was talking to Ms. Mance today, [01:15:31] and they don't have drawn up any kind of job description [01:15:35] or anything, but the money's being allotted [01:15:37] to do those positions. [01:15:38] So I'm kind of on your spot here. [01:15:42] I'd like to take that money out of the budget [01:15:44] at this point until we've decided that we've been able [01:15:47] to identify what that person's going to do. [01:15:51] I'm totally for, I talked to Brian back in January, [01:15:55] and cities the size of Dunedin, [01:15:58] cities the size of Safety Harbor, [01:16:00] and we're in the middle between, [01:16:01] both of them have five IT positions. [01:16:05] You know, we have three at this point. [01:16:06] I think it's a dereliction of duty for us [01:16:08] not to put money that we expect to spend in the budget now, [01:16:13] even if it's for a position that doesn't get filled [01:16:15] until later in the year. [01:16:17] It makes no sense to take it out of the budget now [01:16:19] if we know we're going to hire them, [01:16:20] because if we do that now, [01:16:22] we're going to have to do a budget amendment [01:16:23] before we can hire them. [01:16:26] These two positions... [01:16:27] Can Mr. Mayor... [01:16:29] Can I finish? [01:16:30] You sure can, Mr. Councilman. [01:16:31] I just think that, you know, [01:16:33] putting a position in the budget [01:16:36] when we don't even have a description of the job [01:16:38] is neglected on our part. [01:16:42] I don't have any problem with the police [01:16:43] and the records position. [01:16:45] The other two positions, we don't have it even written up. [01:16:47] We don't even know. [01:16:48] Actually, in the rec center, [01:16:50] this man said we're not even sure [01:16:51] what we're going to pay him. [01:16:53] So I would rather them come back to us at that point. [01:16:56] I don't mind, if you're going to hire them later in the year, [01:17:00] putting the closest correct amount. [01:17:04] I just don't want it at 100% from day one, [01:17:08] because to me, that's discretionary dollars down the road. [01:17:12] I think that's a compromise between not at all and total. [01:17:16] Is that correct? [01:17:17] Yeah, we need to have a number in the budget. [01:17:22] This is the whole point of doing a budget. [01:17:25] To ignore the fact that we're planning to hire somebody [01:17:27] partway through the year and just say, [01:17:29] well, we'll run it on the wing is ridiculous. [01:17:33] It needs to be in the budget, [01:17:35] even if we don't have the position completely formalized. [01:17:40] Mr. Mayor, if you'll allow me, [01:17:42] it's not unusual at all [01:17:48] in municipal local government management [01:17:51] to not have a job description [01:17:53] until a position's been created. [01:17:55] But if it's helpful to this group, [01:17:57] we could have job descriptions prepared for you [01:18:00] before your second budget discussion on this matter. [01:18:04] That's fine. [01:18:05] To me, the other thing is that if you're going to have them, [01:18:12] you don't know if we're going to pull them out anyway. [01:18:14] So it's a, and we spend a lot of time [01:18:17] taking things in and out too. [01:18:19] So, Chief, I just want to make sure I understand that, [01:18:23] and I've gone to code enforcement, okay? [01:18:27] We have three code enforcement officers now. [01:18:31] The third one was created with grant funding, [01:18:35] and now the grant funding's gone, [01:18:37] and it's a full-time position [01:18:40] within that department, correct? [01:18:42] Yes. [01:18:43] Which is very similar to when, [01:18:46] in the Bush administration, [01:18:47] where they gave money to local police departments [01:18:51] around the country to hire new officers, [01:18:54] but once the funding went away, [01:18:55] the officers were still there, so. [01:18:58] And I know you continually do your staffing charts [01:19:01] and all that. [01:19:02] I just wanted to make sure that, [01:19:03] in my overview of how this position was created, [01:19:06] and obviously, we've tasked our, [01:19:09] and taken a stronger position when it has come to codes, [01:19:13] and enforcing the codes, [01:19:16] because of people not responding, [01:19:19] and we've actually, with some of the other programs [01:19:21] that we've put in by ordinance, [01:19:25] inspection, rental inspections, [01:19:27] all those that generate funds, [01:19:29] that's another cost allocation issue. [01:19:31] But again, I just wanted to make sure [01:19:33] that I wasn't missing anything in the budget, [01:19:35] that there was still some grant funding out there or not. [01:19:38] That funding for that position has been, [01:19:40] is no longer there. [01:19:42] I think that fully went away. [01:19:44] We actually added a position last year or the year before. [01:19:48] You can tell how far behind the curve I am, sir. [01:19:51] Absolutely. [01:19:52] And then, of course, we have the red light camera [01:19:56] revenue part. [01:20:01] Now I'm headed over to the fire department, [01:20:04] and I really apologize, [01:20:05] but I just think that we need to make sure [01:20:07] that we've got all these things, [01:20:08] and I appreciate you not humoring me, [01:20:13] but part of my role here is to ask these, [01:20:15] and unfortunately, some of them have shifted [01:20:18] during our work sessions. [01:20:21] It's not more like work study, but it was that, so. [01:20:25] On the firefighter side, [01:20:26] I've seen where you've moved management around, [01:20:29] where you've taken your second [01:20:33] and moved him into the supervision side [01:20:35] and all those kind of things. [01:20:37] That's where, over the years, [01:20:40] since my second time up here, [01:20:41] we've continually moved things around, [01:20:43] but I just want to make sure I understand that, [01:20:45] in this case, I'm going to use the gentleman's name, [01:20:49] Mr. Exline's, now in the administrative supervision side, [01:20:53] and that's where a lot of the changes [01:20:54] came on your other departments, correct? [01:20:56] Yes, that's correct. [01:20:58] Made more sense to us, since he is management, [01:21:01] to have him in the fire supervision schedule [01:21:04] as opposed to the firefighting schedule. [01:21:06] Okay, and again, under the supervision, [01:21:10] which is line number 1516, [01:21:16] and it's the same line item number under firefighting, [01:21:23] that's that stipend program, [01:21:25] so in essence, that's $1,850 to go with the $33,000, [01:21:30] along with $54,000, so I've reached the $10,000 mark. [01:21:35] Look at that. [01:21:37] And I can still count, too, so I'm good. [01:21:40] The other, obviously, comes back, [01:21:44] and your overtime wages, does that come back [01:21:48] with having to fill vacations or out sick [01:21:51] and all that on the firefighter side? [01:21:54] It's 40 grand, and we all think that when they're [01:21:57] fully employed, that there wouldn't be a lot of that, [01:22:00] but is that what is driving that? [01:22:04] If we fall below minimum manning of five, [01:22:07] and there are no part-time firefighters [01:22:11] to draw from the pool, then yes, [01:22:12] we have to fill that vacancy with overtime. [01:22:16] And five is a standard. [01:22:17] That's minimum. [01:22:18] Right, I understand. [01:22:19] The standard's seven, but if we fall below five, [01:22:21] Well, that's okay. [01:22:22] You know, I'm okay with minimum. [01:22:25] If somebody gets a 70 on their doctor's exam, [01:22:28] what do they call them? [01:22:29] They call them a doctor, so to me, [01:22:31] that's minimum, but you passed, [01:22:33] so I don't need the extra, [01:22:36] I don't need to be, [01:22:38] unless we have a higher incident rate [01:22:40] and we see in the future that we would need that, [01:22:43] if we, luckily enough, down the road, [01:22:45] can expand the city with annexation and some other things, [01:22:49] that's always a pie-in-the-sky look, [01:22:50] but might drive that, so. [01:22:55] Now I've moved on to the economic development department. [01:22:59] There was a comment made, and in the manager's overview, [01:23:04] about a 1.5% pay increase in this budget [01:23:10] for, I think it was union and non-union, [01:23:14] is that correct, Ms. Manns? [01:23:15] Yeah, with the exception of department heads. [01:23:17] With the exception of department heads, [01:23:19] because I noticed that, in some cases in the budget, [01:23:22] there is increases with department heads and there isn't, [01:23:25] so I'm just wanting to make sure that there's, [01:23:28] you know, because that 2% on those numbers [01:23:30] might take my $10,000 away, [01:23:32] and I want to keep that as long as I, [01:23:34] I want to keep that until I get any further down, so. [01:23:42] So I'm okay with that. [01:23:47] I've moved to the development department, [01:23:50] and my, I just want to reiterate, [01:23:53] I'm looking at line 6,299, [01:23:57] and I see the 250 from last year, [01:24:00] and I see 250 in this year's budget, [01:24:03] and these are basically for, not enhancements, [01:24:06] but I guess functional obsolescence and items, [01:24:14] and we spent the 250 last year, correct? [01:24:16] No, this is for, [01:24:17] this is actually kind of like carryover money, [01:24:19] we didn't spend any money, [01:24:20] this is for city hall renovations. [01:24:22] So that goes to what we talked about with the glass wall [01:24:25] and some of the other things. [01:24:27] Didn't come anywhere with the new roof and the CIP [01:24:31] and some of the things we did on the roofing project [01:24:34] and all that, so that 250 is really a carry forward. [01:24:37] Is that correct? [01:24:39] Because if I look at this outright, [01:24:41] I'm saying they just invested $500,000 [01:24:46] in their physical plant somewhere in this department, [01:24:49] so I'm just, so really it's that 250. [01:24:53] You're adding them together, [01:24:54] we didn't spend the 250 this year. [01:24:56] That's the question. [01:24:57] If I looked at this and didn't have that information, [01:25:00] that's exactly what I would see. [01:25:03] You did spend some of it. [01:25:04] So the third column is the estimate [01:25:07] of what was actually spent in 16, [01:25:10] which would be the 21,482, [01:25:12] and that was mainly for the painting [01:25:14] that's being done currently within the city hall. [01:25:18] The rest of it was carried over to next year, [01:25:20] to fiscal year 17, and then we added 21,000 to it [01:25:27] to for some upgrades on [01:25:33] restrooms at restrooms. [01:25:36] So in essence, only 21,482 of the original 250 [01:25:42] that was budgeted was spent. [01:25:44] So under the amended budget, that ought to be 21,482. [01:25:50] Yes. [01:25:51] Okay. [01:25:52] Yes. [01:25:53] I can just tell you that if I didn't have that, [01:25:56] if I didn't have that information, so, okay. [01:25:59] We stay right on that page? [01:26:00] Sure, yeah. [01:26:01] Okay, so item number 4951, where it says housing incentives. [01:26:06] So is that correlation the same, [01:26:08] that we spent 63,318 out of the 150,000 last year, [01:26:12] but we're just keeping it at 150 this year coming in? [01:26:16] We've actually spent close to 190,000, [01:26:18] but it's over different revenue accounts. [01:26:22] We've had some CDBG, some general fund, and some CRA, [01:26:26] and I don't know that I can tell you [01:26:27] the distinctions between them. [01:26:29] I don't know if you can, Crystal. [01:26:32] So this amount is the portion [01:26:38] that's funded by the general fund. [01:26:42] So when we were talking a few weeks back [01:26:44] about bumping up the housing, [01:26:47] we hadn't really landed on a dollar amount. [01:26:49] We didn't want to get into the weeds at that point. [01:26:51] That is not the total on that. [01:26:52] There's other places in the budget [01:26:54] that are addressing potentially incentives. [01:26:58] So for fiscal year 17, [01:27:00] we have budgeted the 150,000 you see [01:27:03] before you here in this fund, [01:27:05] and then in the CRA fund, or the redevelopment fund, [01:27:09] there are other dollars dedicated to this program. [01:27:14] Mr. Phillips. [01:27:15] No, no, no, please, please jump in. [01:27:18] I just, like I said, I just. [01:27:19] Okay. [01:27:24] Under recreation, I'm hearing one person, [01:27:32] I'm hearing two, I'm hearing one in IT. [01:27:35] The way the verbiage was given to us in our, [01:27:38] it said five employees in the manager's [01:27:41] letter of introduction, but in the different departments [01:27:45] that had the descriptions, so it's one new full-time [01:27:50] employee in the recreation department, is that correct? [01:27:56] Go ahead. [01:27:57] Actually, it's, we had originally put it in [01:27:59] for one full-time employee, and now it's been [01:28:02] converted into two part-time positions. [01:28:05] So it's one FTE. [01:28:06] Which equals one. [01:28:07] One FTE, yes. [01:28:09] Without benefits, though, correct? [01:28:12] So that's really, that's. [01:28:14] A savings. [01:28:16] So there's the benefit side of the equation, okay. [01:28:19] All right, and then I go to the second page [01:28:24] when it talks about building improvements, [01:28:26] and all, I see we have 73,000 for other [01:28:31] than building miscellaneous. [01:28:34] It's line item 6399. [01:28:39] Crystal, you may have to chime in on some of this, [01:28:42] because I didn't get the latest revisions on that, [01:28:44] but part of that would be to put in, [01:28:47] to upgrade the sound system we have at Sims Park [01:28:50] for the movie nights and the other productions [01:28:52] that we do there. [01:28:54] Go ahead. [01:28:55] And I believe the rest of it are, [01:28:57] the majority of it is the fitness equipment [01:28:59] that wasn't purchased. [01:29:02] Right, carried forward. [01:29:02] Carried forward to next year. [01:29:04] All right, because the other things that were [01:29:06] in the amended budget this year, [01:29:09] some were building improvements that weren't CIP, [01:29:14] and then just, obviously, that 24,000, [01:29:18] is that the software, the program we just approved [01:29:22] for your? [01:29:24] Yes. [01:29:25] Yes, it is. [01:29:26] And that's being purchased in this fiscal year. [01:29:28] Correct. [01:29:29] Okay, correct. [01:29:30] Yeah, and you can ask when that's gonna be in place. [01:29:34] No, it wasn't. [01:29:36] Good. [01:29:37] No, you're good. [01:29:39] If we go to the second screen in the park, [01:29:40] that's where the CIP is not in here, right? [01:29:42] Yeah, it's in the CAP program. [01:29:43] Okay. [01:29:44] It's in the CAP program. [01:29:44] CIP. [01:29:47] So long as we're in the creation. [01:29:49] So on number 4961, special event from the 1250 to 10,000, [01:29:56] and then on the second page, 5246, [01:30:00] advertising marketing went from 19 to 30. [01:30:03] So is there a tie-in with those two? [01:30:06] No. [01:30:06] Actually, 4961 Special Events City [01:30:09] hosted that those are events such as Codyman. [01:30:13] And the expense last year for Codyman alone was $7,200. [01:30:17] And what was the other account number? [01:30:19] I'm sorry. [01:30:19] The back side is 5246 Advertising and Marketing [01:30:23] Supplies, 19 to 30. [01:30:29] Yes, 5246. [01:30:34] We did ask for a slight increase in our marketing materials [01:30:37] to look at some other alternatives. [01:30:39] One of the studies that was done was [01:30:41] suggested a billboard on 19. [01:30:43] I don't know if council's interested in doing that. [01:30:45] But there was some different things [01:30:47] like that that we asked for a slight increase in our budget [01:30:50] to be able to do more aggressive marketing. [01:30:53] Right. [01:31:00] My overview, and obviously with public works and water [01:31:04] and sewer and all those kind of things, [01:31:06] obviously quite a bit of the R&R, [01:31:11] because obviously it's an enterprise fund, [01:31:14] not totally determined by ad valorem dollars. [01:31:18] So you could obviously keep in there [01:31:21] your R&R expectations. [01:31:25] We're just going to face a situation [01:31:28] if we don't have a bigger rainy day fund [01:31:30] and have it allocated. [01:31:32] I mean, I know a couple years ago we [01:31:34] had to buy a fire truck on the fly for like $400,000 [01:31:38] with Penny for Pasco money that year, [01:31:41] because the other one was out of service [01:31:43] for so long down in Bradenton. [01:31:46] And we had to pull some of that out of undesignated reserves [01:31:49] and all that. [01:31:50] So some of those dollars have gone away. [01:31:53] In my overview of the water and it ties back [01:31:57] and the public service, I didn't have a lot of items [01:32:01] that I identified in there. [01:32:03] Because at the end of the day, these [01:32:06] are folks that are out in front. [01:32:10] They're obligations that we've made. [01:32:13] I'm sure there's some, again, you've [01:32:17] got the waiver stipend lines in the street way. [01:32:21] So you've got those. [01:32:22] You just need to go in there and clean up, [01:32:24] because you've got that stipend for the health insurance. [01:32:29] If I look, I just flipped in. [01:32:32] It's the street and right-of-way. [01:32:34] Streets and right-of-way. [01:32:37] My page was 88. [01:32:40] But again, there's $1,800 in there for the stipend. [01:32:44] That all was supposed to be taken out. [01:32:50] Not appropriate. [01:32:51] So I didn't find a lot in the water and sewer. [01:32:54] And the other thing is, we've spent money [01:32:59] from our storm water, our street lights, [01:33:03] and all that which we'll talk about. [01:33:05] But on a majority of these, I'm willing to roll the dice [01:33:12] a little bit with you, because you can't tell me [01:33:15] when you're doing your smoke test that [01:33:17] might have an impact that we don't see in this budget now. [01:33:21] And at the end of the day, I've noted [01:33:27] that that department, when we've done capital programs [01:33:30] and done some other things, we've [01:33:32] had money that's been returned back to the city, [01:33:34] because we invested in these departments consistently. [01:33:39] Even in the downturn, we invested [01:33:41] into this department and the water sewer department, [01:33:44] because it was generated. [01:33:47] And really, and anybody can correct me, [01:33:51] but that's really the only way we made it out of 11, 12, [01:33:54] and 13, was because we have an enterprise fund. [01:33:57] Otherwise, we'd be severely upside down because [01:34:01] of our debt at that point. [01:34:04] We've had some turns. [01:34:05] But by investing into those departments [01:34:08] consistently, as well as those things, [01:34:11] I didn't find a lot of things that I could hone in on [01:34:14] or didn't have a better understanding on. [01:34:17] So Mr. Mayor, I think in this part of the budget, I'm good. [01:34:24] You know, you got CIP, and then we got CRE. [01:34:27] So I'm good. [01:34:28] And I appreciate, again, allowing me the opportunity [01:34:31] to do my Bill Phillips for the last hour. [01:34:34] Well, I would. [01:34:35] But at the end of the day, that's what I'm here for. [01:34:38] I appreciate that. [01:34:39] Would like to point out, since you touched on it, [01:34:42] that it was the investment that we've [01:34:45] made in the street right-of-way, and the stormwater [01:34:48] in particular, is the reason that the city of New Port Richey [01:34:51] came out of this last storm event in as good a shape [01:34:55] as it did. [01:34:56] And that, I think, speaks very well of previous city councils [01:35:00] that did the bulletin investment. [01:35:03] They didn't like us. [01:35:03] They didn't like us in 12 when we [01:35:05] had to double the size of it because it hadn't [01:35:07] been increased in 10 years. [01:35:09] But important. [01:35:09] Just the history. [01:35:10] Important that it was done. [01:35:13] I do appreciate it. [01:35:13] Any other comments on this section? [01:35:16] Yeah, I just have a couple. [01:35:17] And thank you, Mr. Phillips, because I [01:35:19] think that you probably spoke for all of us, [01:35:22] ticking one item off at a time. [01:35:24] But I just want to go back to our own city council [01:35:26] budget for a moment. [01:35:28] And just to clarify, I just want to touch base. [01:35:36] So we've got special events in a couple of different places [01:35:40] in the budget. [01:35:42] And in our budget, we have cultural affairs events [01:35:47] at $25,000. [01:35:48] And then we have, let's see. [01:35:55] Special events at $50,000. [01:35:57] And what is it? [01:35:58] Special events right below it. [01:35:59] $30,000? [01:36:01] $50,000. [01:36:01] $50,000, right. [01:36:03] So I understand the cultural affairs events. [01:36:09] That's the cultural affairs department. [01:36:11] And then the special events. [01:36:14] So is this the funds that we disperse [01:36:17] to nonprofits that have come to us that are looking for? [01:36:22] That's correct. [01:36:25] My understanding of that is that we [01:36:28] had that money for the Chascos, and for the Bike Fests, [01:36:34] and some of the others. [01:36:35] And part of that, correct me if I'm wrong, [01:36:38] part of it was to pay for in-kind [01:36:41] that we gave in most cases. [01:36:44] Because we don't usually give outright cash. [01:36:48] That's correct, Mr. Deputy Mayor. [01:36:50] And also, this was in some of the previous years. [01:36:53] It was buried in individual department budgets, [01:36:56] as opposed to being in one place where you could actually [01:36:59] see what it was we were doing. [01:37:01] So do we still have the process in place [01:37:03] where they're coming to us and we're discerning how much? [01:37:08] I mean, in years past, I know that we had a specific dollar [01:37:11] amount, whatever that dollar amount was for Chasco Fiesta, [01:37:15] Bike Fest, Kia Fest, I believe, and Cody River Seafood [01:37:20] Festival. [01:37:21] Is there a process in place? [01:37:22] And if so, is it going through the recreation department, [01:37:26] or is it coming out of the cultural affairs [01:37:28] committee for that? [01:37:31] In respect to line item 4810, which [01:37:36] is the cultural affair events budget, [01:37:40] those events are considered by the cultural affairs [01:37:44] commission. [01:37:45] And the cultural affairs commission in turn [01:37:47] makes a recommendation to you to fund new events. [01:37:52] As it relates to the special events fund, which is 4961, [01:37:59] we have been very inconsistent in recent years in the way [01:38:04] that process and distribution occurs. [01:38:09] Our recommendation to you this year [01:38:13] is that we will bring you one recommendation [01:38:16] for the use of the $50,000 and that you [01:38:19] need to approve its use. [01:38:23] So that will be something that's done. [01:38:24] That's something that we'll be bringing to you in the future. [01:38:27] OK, thank you. [01:38:27] And then again, I don't know. [01:38:30] I want to just throw this out at this time, [01:38:32] because we're talking about the dollar amounts. [01:38:34] But we have events that come out of the cultural affairs. [01:38:38] We have events that come out of nonprofits. [01:38:41] We have events that come out of the library. [01:38:42] We have events that come out of the recreation department. [01:38:45] And they're all quality events. [01:38:46] But we really don't have anything in our budget [01:38:49] for the arts, per se. [01:38:51] And I don't know if changing the title of cultural affairs [01:38:57] to arts and culture would help us generate some [01:39:00] of what we used to do years ago, where we were enabling them [01:39:06] to go in and do purchase awards, where they were actually [01:39:09] purchasing art and that art was being distributed [01:39:12] in the community, as well as just nurturing the arts, [01:39:17] so that we have some street art. [01:39:19] I know there's a lot of cities that do that [01:39:22] and that have that classification that [01:39:27] really defines the arts. [01:39:28] So again, maybe that's a good discussion for a work session. [01:39:32] But I just would like to explore some of that. [01:39:35] Mr. Mayor, in response to Councilwoman Davila-Thomas's [01:39:38] question, she's actually asking two different things, [01:39:43] in my opinion. [01:39:44] The cultural affairs events budget [01:39:48] can be used to support events that are art-related. [01:39:54] The second part of what you're suggesting [01:39:56] is the art fund, which is something [01:39:58] that we learned over the course of the last couple of months [01:40:02] that we need to have an appropriation for based [01:40:06] on public improvement projects that have been implemented. [01:40:11] And Mrs. Feast and I will make sure, [01:40:14] before this budget is presented to you for a second reading, [01:40:19] that we have an account for that, [01:40:22] specifically relating to the Sims Park Improvement Project. [01:40:29] With that being said, obviously it [01:40:34] was brought to us that a previous council, which [01:40:37] we don't spend a lot of time digging [01:40:40] deep about what other councils have done, [01:40:43] because it's the past and it's history, [01:40:45] but there's an ordinance in place of having [01:40:47] to fund that particular account. [01:40:51] On the flip side, with our new attorney, [01:40:54] I think we need to re-look at that. [01:40:56] Because once again, when that council thought [01:40:59] that that was appropriate to do off of programs [01:41:07] we were doing from a percentage basis, [01:41:11] the economy was really good. [01:41:13] And I don't want to be disparaging. [01:41:16] They were also the ones that made some interesting real estate [01:41:20] purchases that we still have. [01:41:24] Well, it's fact. [01:41:25] And it was a different time, and this is a different time. [01:41:29] I think we need to abide by what we have on the books from what's in place. [01:41:35] But I also think we need to take time out and re-look at it [01:41:40] and see if that is appropriate moving forward. [01:41:44] I want to do what we said we would do, because we're obligated. [01:41:47] But I don't want to keep carrying it on, because we [01:41:50] think it's still an obligation. [01:41:52] So that's my suggestion to that. [01:41:54] But if I might clarify, that wasn't even my question or concern. [01:41:58] No, no, no, I understand. [01:41:59] I just piggybacked on what you were asking about. [01:42:02] But I do want to reflect on the fact that the Cultural Affairs Committee [01:42:06] has morphed somehow over the last, I would say, six, seven years. [01:42:12] And I'd like to see us revisit what they were doing 10 years ago when [01:42:17] it was truly involved with arts in the community. [01:42:22] So aside from that particular issue that we [01:42:27] have been challenging or discussing, I think [01:42:32] that it's good that we have that dollar amount in there. [01:42:36] But I don't know that it's being, it seems [01:42:39] like there's some repetition in events. [01:42:42] I'm not sure that Cultural Affairs Events should be the title of that [01:42:49] if we're talking about the Cultural Affairs Committee, [01:42:52] because I think we have limited what they're doing by throwing in the events. [01:42:57] So that's kind of where I'm coming from. [01:43:02] Yeah, I like it just like events. [01:43:04] I am very concerned that in still tight economic times that we could find [01:43:14] ourselves in a position of having to take police officers off the street [01:43:21] in order to put up very expensive and not particularly urgently [01:43:27] needed pieces of public art. [01:43:30] And I'm not for that at all. [01:43:34] As Deputy Mayor Phillips pointed out, the plan [01:43:40] was originally put in place back over a decade ago [01:43:47] when the economic climate was much, much different. [01:43:51] And it might have made sense to spend a small amount of the building [01:43:57] projects we were doing towards public art [01:44:00] and to ask people who were looking to invest in the city to do the same thing. [01:44:08] I don't know that that climate exists today. [01:44:10] And I think we would, if you were to ask for a roll call vote on that [01:44:16] right now, I suspect there would be a majority, if not a unanimous group, [01:44:21] that would just say, no, that ordinance needs to be repealed in toto. [01:44:28] And again, I just want to make sure that we're [01:44:30] talking about apples and oranges right now. [01:44:33] That ordinance is not what I'm talking about with cultural affairs. [01:44:36] And I just want us to revisit, perhaps, what the cultural affairs committee [01:44:42] are tasked with. [01:44:43] Because I think there was a time when they were supporting the arts. [01:44:47] And I'm not suggesting that it's art that is art in the street or whatever. [01:44:54] But they just were a little more rounded with supporting the arts. [01:44:58] You want to look at what their mission is? [01:45:00] and what they're, what they've morphed into [01:45:04] and what we believe the committee should be about. [01:45:08] Well, I'm thinking that, yeah. [01:45:09] Well, I'm thinking that we. [01:45:10] But they're on the board, obviously. [01:45:11] Yeah, because I'm thinking that there's [01:45:13] incredibly wonderful programs and events [01:45:16] that are coming out of the library. [01:45:17] There's wonderful, phenomenal events [01:45:19] that are coming out of the Recreation Department. [01:45:21] We have a Main Street program that does events. [01:45:23] We have other organizations and entities that do events. [01:45:28] So I'm not sure that my understanding [01:45:30] of what the Cultural Affairs Committee was [01:45:34] that we've tasked them, again, with events. [01:45:38] So I'm not sure if that's where that belongs [01:45:40] or in the Recreation Department, [01:45:43] because years ago, it was all of this [01:45:45] was coming through recreation and not, so. [01:45:49] If I might suggest, since we are all missing [01:45:51] one of those public events, artistic type events, [01:45:56] going on right now, because we're sitting up here [01:45:59] on the budget, let's try to stick to the budget [01:46:02] and not get too far afield on stuff [01:46:05] that we really need to workshop and discuss [01:46:08] at some other time. [01:46:09] We're tasked tonight to try to get through this budget. [01:46:12] Councilman Starkey? [01:46:13] I'll hold my question for a later date. [01:46:15] Thank you. [01:46:17] Anything else on the general budget? [01:46:21] Make a motion to accept. [01:46:23] Second. [01:46:24] We actually have, you have two resolutions [01:46:25] that you need to approve. [01:46:26] We have two resolutions. [01:46:27] Do we have to get through the capital expenditure budget [01:46:29] before we do that resolution? [01:46:31] You ought to, as well. [01:46:33] Let's do it. [01:46:34] They're gonna be combined in the resolution. [01:46:36] Let's go through and do the capital expenditure side. [01:46:38] Can we take 10 minutes first? [01:46:39] We can take 10 minutes. [01:46:40] And then we'll be back at eight? [01:46:41] Yep, and then we'll get through capital expenditure [01:46:43] that we need to do, the millage rate first, [01:46:45] and then the budgets. [01:46:49] Can we just put this together? [01:46:52] As soon as Crystal's ready, I think we can go over [01:46:54] the capital expenditure plan. [01:46:57] Ms. Feast? [01:47:02] Capital improvement program that's presented tonight [01:47:06] is unchanged from what has been presented [01:47:08] at previous work sessions, with the exception [01:47:11] of the neighborhood improvement project, [01:47:13] which I mentioned before, where we've just [01:47:16] staggered the project over two years instead of one, [01:47:19] and funding 130,000 of that in next year's budget [01:47:25] and the remaining portion of 450,000 in fiscal year 18. [01:47:29] Other than that, it's unchanged, and so I'll, [01:47:32] if you have any questions based on the previous [01:47:36] work sessions or after your review of the draft [01:47:39] before you, I'm more than welcome to answer. [01:47:41] I will open it up for public comment, [01:47:44] seeing no one come forward. [01:47:47] Bring it back to council. [01:47:50] The only question I had is the money that we have in [01:47:52] for the Great Preserve West Entrance, [01:47:57] that's a grant, that's a matching grant dollar amount, [01:48:04] it's 400 for the work, but 200's coming from one source [01:48:07] and the other two is from, is from Pennyford Pascoe, [01:48:12] is that correct? [01:48:13] Correct, Mr. Deputy Mayor. [01:48:13] All right. [01:48:16] Any other questions? [01:48:17] No, we've, we've. [01:48:19] Just a quick question. [01:48:20] Sure. [01:48:21] Ms. Bees, does this supersede what we already received [01:48:25] or just as a paper copy of what we have? [01:48:28] That is just a paper copy, yes. [01:48:30] Okay, thank you. [01:48:31] Very good, at this point I think it would be appropriate [01:48:33] to ask the city attorney to read the two resolutions. [01:48:37] Yes, Mr. Mayor, you have two resolutions. [01:48:39] They require a separate vote. [01:48:40] First is resolution number 2016-31. [01:48:44] It's a resolution of the city of New Port Richey, [01:48:45] Pascoe County, Florida, adopting the tentative levying [01:48:48] of ad valorem taxes for all non-exempt real [01:48:51] and personal property in New Port Richey, [01:48:53] Pascoe County, Florida, for fiscal year October 1, 2016 [01:48:57] to September 30, 2017. [01:49:01] Very good, entertain a motion? [01:49:03] Move to approve. [01:49:04] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [01:49:06] No, sir, thanks. [01:49:07] Second? [01:49:08] Further discussion? [01:49:10] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:49:12] Aye. [01:49:13] Opposed, like sign, next. [01:49:14] Second resolution, Mr. Mayor, is resolution number 2016-25, [01:49:19] a resolution of the city of New Port Richey, [01:49:20] of Pascoe County, Florida, [01:49:21] adopting the tentative operating budget [01:49:23] for fiscal year 2016-2017, [01:49:26] and the capital improvement program [01:49:28] for fiscal year 2016-2017, providing for an effective date. [01:49:34] Didn't we just do 25? [01:49:36] No, 31. [01:49:38] Oh, I'm sorry. [01:49:39] They're sequenced backwards from what you might expect. [01:49:42] Entertain a motion? [01:49:44] Move for approval. [01:49:46] We have a second, second to the maker? [01:49:48] To the second? [01:49:49] No, sir, thank you. [01:49:51] Further discussion? [01:49:51] I just want to reiterate one thing that I mentioned [01:49:54] at the last meeting during communication [01:49:56] that I'd like to add an addendum to this year's budget, [01:50:02] that the state's no new monies be spent [01:50:05] until 30 days after we get the audit [01:50:10] from fiscal year 15-16, [01:50:14] and those monies not be spent on new projects, [01:50:17] capital improvement projects, [01:50:19] or filling any open positions. [01:50:22] I'll take that in the form of a motion. [01:50:24] Well, do we have a second? [01:50:26] Should that not be an agenda item, an agenda item? [01:50:29] And we just... [01:50:30] He can declare an emergency. [01:50:32] He's... [01:50:33] Yeah. [01:50:34] I'm just making sure we're doing it right. [01:50:35] Well, I think we are doing it right, [01:50:37] since he's asking... [01:50:38] And I agree, it should be up to vote. [01:50:40] A motion, I'm going to ask for a vote on his motion, [01:50:43] and then a vote on the... [01:50:46] He has to get a second first. [01:50:48] But he's got to have a second, [01:50:48] if somebody would like to second that. [01:50:53] Hearing no one second, the motion dies for lack of a second. [01:50:57] We're back to the original motion. [01:51:00] Any further discussion? [01:51:02] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:51:05] Aye. [01:51:06] Opposed, like sign. [01:51:07] Aye. [01:51:08] Motion passes four to one. [01:51:10] We are now to communications and reports. [01:51:13] I will point out, if we have a chance, [01:51:17] there is a band books concert in the park, [01:51:20] and drop by it on your way home. [01:51:22] The last two have been excellent. [01:51:24] I would suspect this one would be as well. [01:51:26] With that, I'm done. [01:51:28] Councilman? [01:51:29] Yes. [01:51:30] Just real quick, thank you to Heather Fiorentino. [01:51:32] The Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board [01:51:34] was out as well helping. [01:51:35] And everybody that helped at the 9-11 ceremony [01:51:38] was awesome, as it is every year. [01:51:40] It was really nice to have it back at the amphitheater. [01:51:43] Not to give a too big a plug, [01:51:45] but it was really nice having that monitor there [01:51:48] for the slide show. [01:51:48] And it just kind of shows you [01:51:50] why we installed that in the park. [01:51:52] But the ceremony overall was phenomenal. [01:51:54] It is every year, and I hope we continue to host it. [01:51:58] Yes, in light of that, I did hand off to Ms. Mann's pins [01:52:03] that were provided to the committee [01:52:07] through a donation from Mr. Gillis. [01:52:09] And for her to distribute to council [01:52:12] who didn't get it, or any of her staff. [01:52:14] Thank you. [01:52:15] Councilman Davis? [01:52:16] Nothing. [01:52:17] Deputy Mayor? [01:52:18] I want to thank Elaine for inviting me to Dulcet's [01:52:21] to get dressed up on a Saturday afternoon. [01:52:24] Well, almost dressed up. [01:52:25] I didn't have a coat on, I had a tie. [01:52:27] But she had her youth advisory board there, [01:52:29] and they're always such a treat to be around. [01:52:33] They're so engaging, and it was nice to be invited [01:52:39] and being indicated that it was nice to be invited. [01:52:41] And you go and get to stay, [01:52:43] but you're more than welcome to stop in. [01:52:45] But they were a good group. [01:52:47] They are, and we appreciate that. [01:52:48] The 9-11 event, it's always nice [01:52:53] to see the community come together like that. [01:52:58] But also to see, and of course it was on Sunday night, [01:53:01] it had to be earlier because of church [01:53:03] and some other things. [01:53:04] But the different parts of the ceremony, [01:53:10] the kids coming up and singing, all that, [01:53:14] it was quite nice, and it was nice to be there. [01:53:18] And luckily, we only had a couple of drops of rain. [01:53:22] I know that in the manager's report, [01:53:23] she's indicated to us our upcoming meeting [01:53:26] between now and the end of the month. [01:53:29] Ms. Fierce, you were able to give me something yesterday [01:53:32] with regards to the wayfinding, that little package [01:53:36] that has all of the signs as they exist today. [01:53:41] Is there a possibility you could share that [01:53:43] or get it to the manager so that all my colleagues [01:53:47] could get that? [01:53:48] I just happened to be here yesterday. [01:53:50] Because I think it's very helpful to know [01:53:53] we drive by them all the time. [01:53:55] They become a blur to us. [01:53:58] But I think it's important for our meeting on the 19th [01:54:02] that we understand what's there now [01:54:05] so that we can talk about all those moving parts [01:54:08] when it comes to the wayfinding signage. [01:54:11] It'll go out tomorrow, Mr. Deputy Mayor. [01:54:13] And then, I mentioned this to Ms. Mann yesterday. [01:54:19] Everybody got their new water bill statements in the mail. [01:54:23] And I just think it's nice to have this go along with it. [01:54:27] But if we had a YouTube video or ability [01:54:31] to present it at council and say, this is what's gone out, [01:54:34] this is what this form's all about, [01:54:35] and put the new building next to it, [01:54:39] it explains it pretty well. [01:54:41] But sometimes you need visual aids to go along with that. [01:54:46] And we have a colleague who sends us [01:54:49] historical information periodically, Mr. Greg Smith. [01:54:54] And it's interesting that he sent back something [01:54:58] that was published in 1962 by the New Port City Rotary [01:55:03] History, but it really went back and talked about [01:55:07] when George Sims was around and the Sims Park and all that. [01:55:11] And what I found interesting is Sims, [01:55:14] this was back in 1929 after the crash. [01:55:17] It says, Sims told the service club, [01:55:19] the future of West Pasco depends on the revival [01:55:22] of the old-time community spirit [01:55:24] that prevailed during the early days. [01:55:26] He concluded New Port City needs a facelifting [01:55:29] and cannot afford to rest on its past laurels [01:55:32] as the beauty spot it is to compete [01:55:34] with other fast-developing areas in Florida. [01:55:36] And it's amazing how it's like deja vu [01:55:40] over and over and over again. [01:55:44] Unfortunately, that's the way it is, [01:55:45] but I just thought it'd be a little humorous [01:55:47] to share that with you, so I appreciate it, Mr. Mayor. [01:55:50] Thank you. [01:55:51] Ms. Manns, anything? [01:55:52] At this time, Mr. Mayor. [01:55:53] In that case, I would entertain a motion to adjourn. [01:55:55] Move to adjourn. [01:55:56] I'd like to call this meeting of the Community Redevelopment [01:55:59] Agency to order. [01:56:01] We have the roll call, please. [01:56:02] Chairman Marlowe? [01:56:03] Here, ma'am. [01:56:04] Director Phillips? [01:56:04] Here. [01:56:05] Director DeBella-Thomas? [01:56:06] Here. [01:56:06] Director Starkey? [01:56:07] Here. [01:56:08] Director Davis? [01:56:09] Here. [01:56:09] Executive Director Manns? [01:56:11] Here. [01:56:11] City Attorney Driscoll? [01:56:12] Here. [01:56:13] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:56:14] We have an item on the agenda approving a CRA budget. [01:56:18] Mrs. Spears, if you could present the budget. [01:56:21] Good evening. [01:56:24] Before you is the CRA's budget for fiscal year 17, [01:56:30] which includes proposed CRA revenue, funding sources, [01:56:34] and the expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. [01:56:41] This budget, the hard copy that you have before you, [01:56:45] has changes made, changes have been [01:56:49] made compared to the one you received electronically. [01:56:54] Mario and I got together and did an assessment [01:56:58] of the residential incentive program and the business [01:57:01] incentive program as it stands for fiscal year 16. [01:57:07] And we were better able to identify those unused portions [01:57:11] of that program and identify how much funds [01:57:15] could be rolled forward to next year to be used. [01:57:18] So you will see that revenue has increased some [01:57:23] compared to what was presented to you electronically. [01:57:28] As far as expenditures go, the total dollars proposed [01:57:33] is $2,506,495, which includes the spending [01:57:45] of those CRA revenues. [01:57:49] If you have any questions, and like I said, [01:57:51] this is a bit different from what [01:57:53] was presented electronically. [01:57:57] So if you have any questions, I will respond to them. [01:58:01] This is a public hearing. [01:58:02] I will open the meeting for public comment. [01:58:07] Seeing no one come forward, I will bring it back [01:58:09] to the CRA board. [01:58:11] Questions, gentlemen, are there? [01:58:16] I'm going to make the statement that please [01:58:21] try to give us something and then tell us what you've changed. [01:58:31] As my other colleagues do, we spend valuable time [01:58:35] taking what you give us so that when we show up here, [01:58:38] we at least look like we understand what we have. [01:58:42] And this is the third time in the last three meetings, [01:58:47] either special or this, that we come up [01:58:50] and we get something on the dais. [01:58:53] And I'm pretty good at doing it on the fly. [01:58:57] And I have my considerable information. [01:59:01] But I don't know that I'm doing the public's will [01:59:05] if I don't get it and have time to really make sure [01:59:09] that I'm comfortable with it, instead of saying [01:59:13] I'm not going to vote on it. [01:59:15] So I have to make that statement because I'm an old ball player [01:59:22] and three strikes and I'm usually out. [01:59:24] And it's just disappointing to me [01:59:27] when we go through this exercise. [01:59:31] And over and above that, Mr. Mayor, [01:59:33] I still have issues. [01:59:37] And I know this year we have money [01:59:39] to go back in and re-look at our CRA. [01:59:45] So we'll get a chance to do that because it's in the budget. [01:59:48] But I still am not happy that a few years ago, [01:59:54] we turned it into partially a debt service fund, number one. [01:59:59] And number two. [02:00:00] show transfers from this group, from this agency, into the city, into the general fund [02:00:07] or into the city council. The CRA was specifically designed to be an overlay on your city so [02:00:18] that you could gain additional tax dollars, ad valorem dollars that weren't paid to the [02:00:26] county, so that you didn't have to go and beg for that money or negotiate with them. [02:00:34] And though I know people are upset in some parts of this county still that we did it [02:00:40] over almost the entire city, it was allowed, we did it. That being the case, there's money [02:00:47] that's being transferred into the general fund. The CRA has specific elements that it [02:00:52] can fund itself. Community policing, special events, other items. And to me, to take that [02:01:02] money and put it in the general fund and then disperse it some ways, to me, doesn't really [02:01:08] let the agency do what it's supposed to do and take credit for that. And I believe that [02:01:16] now that the agency and the revenue streams have returned in some way, there needs to [02:01:23] be better thought, and when we do our CA documents, of how we can do that. Because we're asking [02:01:29] for extra officers, we could identify that as a CRA and it's being paid by there instead [02:01:34] of ad valorem and general funds. So I'm off my soapbox, but that's, to me, the CRA has [02:01:41] a specific purpose. And I don't believe that we are meeting all the benchmark tests that [02:01:47] we should have with that. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [02:01:49] Thank you, Wilson. Any other comments? Would entertain a motion? [02:01:55] No, we have a resolution. [02:01:56] I'm sorry, we need to read the resolution first. Thank you. [02:01:59] Resolution number 2016-26, a resolution of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, Community [02:02:04] Redevelopment Agency, a public body corporate and politic adopting the 2016-2017 operating [02:02:09] budget, adopting the 2016-2017 five-year work program for the Community Redevelopment [02:02:15] Agency of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, and providing effective date. [02:02:20] I would entertain a motion. [02:02:22] Move for approval. [02:02:23] Second. [02:02:24] Second. To the maker? [02:02:25] No, sir, I'm okay. [02:02:26] Second. [02:02:27] Councilman Starkey? [02:02:28] No comments, thank you. [02:02:29] Councilman Deval Thomas? [02:02:30] Thank you. I appreciate the comments that Mr. Phyllis made, because it is, you know, [02:02:36] it's frustrating to do the vote and not feel, you know, that what I'm looking at at the [02:02:46] last minute has changed to that point. I trust the numbers are good, but it is frustrating. [02:02:52] Thank you. [02:02:53] I would echo the comments of Mr. Phillips. There really does need to be a cutoff at some [02:03:03] discrete point ahead of the meeting where we can get the final, final, final, final, [02:03:09] final version of a document and have a chance to actually read it before it's presented [02:03:14] to us and we have to vote on it. [02:03:17] Duly noted, Mr. Mayor. [02:03:18] Thank you. [02:03:19] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:03:23] Aye. [02:03:24] Opposed, like sign. [02:03:25] Motion passes. There's no further business. I'd entertain a motion to adjourn. [02:03:29] Move to adjourn. [02:03:30] Thank you.

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  5. 5Communications
  6. 6Adjournment