08/24/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL WORK SESSION August 10, 2009 DRAFT 46 to the $500,000 amount would not adversely affect the city's credit rating; however, 47 formal approval of a fund balance policy is recommended. 48 49 A council member pointed out that the level of resources and the activity level for the city 50 don't concur. Staff was directed to bring forward reductions in that light. The options 51 presented have essentially been reviewed by the council previously. If the staff isn't 52 willing to bring forward the necessary cuts, the council will have to do that. 53 54 A council member pointed out that the area of personnel is the biggest part of the budget 55 and so is obviously the way to get the necessary reductions. To make that type of 56 decision, the council should hear about how service levels to the residents will be 57 impacted. 58 59 A citizen in the audience addressed the group. She commended the council for 60 considering reductions because that is a necessary action. It is disappointing that more 61 direct recommendations are not included in the staff report. She spoke against any 62 revenue increases. Her question about reduction of funds for street maintenance was 63 explained as no reduction by the finance officer. She recommends that since revenue 64 from building permits is down drastically, that would be an obvious area for reduction 65 since that revenue would normally fund personnel costs for the service. When fuel cost 66 increases were questioned, the finance officer explained that energy costs are volatile so 67 he doesn't recommend severe changes in budgeting. She suggests that health insurance 68 costs should also be reviewed and perhaps other health insurance options could be 69 considered. Another recommendation is to reduce engineering costs in a down economy. 70 Also, overtime costs (police department mentioned) should be reviewed because use of 71 overtime has a low value for the dollar. 72 73 A council member requested more consideration on staffing changes and pointed out 74 areas within budgets that probably have less activity because of the state of the city. 75 Collaborations for park services should be considered. 76 77 A council member noted that the council salary should also be on the table. 78 79 The meeting was recessed at 6:33 p.m. for the purpose on conducting the regular council 80 meeting. 81 82 The meeting was reconvened at 7:40 p.m. 83 84 Council members individually offered their opinion on the options listed in the staff 85 report. 86 87 A council member suggested that sharing of clerical duties should be a possibility. Also 88 suggested was outsourcing of building inspection duties, with consideration that the area 89 has shrunk by about eighty percent. Staff explained that such a change would involve 90 service considerations. The building department should generally be self - supporting with 2