09-10-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 covers compensation for a total of 17 positions, including Fire Department officers, clerical and cleaning staff. The Administration section of the budget is projected to increase by 8.3%. Morelan noted that there was a significant increase in the cost of Workers Compensation insurance that impacted this increase. Morelan reported that under the Operations portion of the budget, expenses are projected to increase. Most of the increase is attributable to replacement of flashlights and fire hose. Morelan indicated that the proposal is to replace a portion of the cotton hose with synthetic hose. Given that uniforms were replaced in 2008, there is a significant decrease in the Uniform line item. Morelan noted that the Department is planning to replace some pagers in 2009, thus an increase in this line item. With regard to remunerations, Morelan noted that fire fighters are paid $12.79 per call for 2008, and the proposal is to increase this stipend to $13.17 for 2009. The increase in this budget line item reflects this increase as well as budgeting for a higher call volume. Morelan noted the decrease in the Outside Training Classes line items indicating that most of the Fire Department officers have satisfied minimum training requirements. It was again noted that the overall Fire Department budget increase from 2008 to 2009 is projected at 2%, with Morelan noting that a good deal of this increase is attributable to flashlight and hose replacement costs. Morelan indicated that should the Council wish to provide for these replacement costs through its Capital Improvement Budget, the Fire Department is agreeable to that reallocation. Morelan indicated that the Fire Department is anticipating adding a new fire fighter as the result of a recent retirement. He encouraged anyone interested to submit their application to the City Center as soon as possible, as the interview process will begin shortly. Blesener acknowledged the great job that the Fire DeparCment does for the City and indicated that it is awell-trained organization. The Council thanked Morelan for his presentation. The City Administrator reported that on two factors impacting the City's 2009 Budget, Local Government Aid and Levy Limits. He reported that Local Government Aid for 2009 was increased to $527,600, but noted that there is a lack of stability in this aid. The Administrator reported that the Legislature has asked for a study on LGA to be completed by December of 2010 with a goal of making formula changes hopefully by 2011. The Administrator indicated that given the uncertainty with LGA levels, there is concern about becoming dependent on this money. Once the LGA