Agenda Packets - 1996/07/29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BRUCE A. KESSEL, CPA 310 South Jefferson New Ulm,Minnesota 56073 (507)359-8266 Work;359-1383 Home • MPLOYMENT Oto esent CITY OF NEW ULM-City Clerk-Treasurer NEW ULM PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION-Secretary/Treasurer NEW ULM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-Treasurer New Ulm,Minnesota Chief financial officer for the City and its Public Utilities Commission and Economic Develo me financial information: p nt Authorit• y. Summary Approximately 160 full-time and 300 part-time employees; • Average annual investments$20,000,000; • Approximate governmental expenditures: current$6,000,000, debt service$2,000,000, capital outlays • proprietary fund operations:operating expenses$18,800,000,debt service$1,000,000,capital outlays$2,900,000; Total outstanding bonded debt:$26,000,000; bond rating: City $3,600,000; -A Al,1Public Utilities-Aa. Summary of activities and achievements: • Instituted cash flow projections, established an investment pool, consolidated and eliminated numerous bank accounts, and negotiated contracts for banking services which increased investment earnings and lowered banking costs. • Established and marketed direct deposit for payroll checks (approximately95% for customers utility bills, leased parking, participation) and automatic payment • Established and marketed an IRS Section 125 (cafeteria)miscellaneous for employeeings spwhich increaseroximately d employees'cipees' t pay and lowered City fringe benefits costs. ployees' take-home • Held health insurance costs relatively constant over the last four years by increased deductibles on purchased insurance and established a self-insurance program for the change in deductibles. health • Instituted procedures to monitor workers compensation classifications and calculations resulting ' • of approximately 15%. P Worked with County officials to bill special assessments with property • in premium savings • optical scan voting system which improved services and lowered the City's cost for statements for em. the joint purchase of an • Established and oversee a personal computer users group for standardizing personal computer hardware and software, developing and providing training,and developing and installing computer networks. • Analyzed and selected accounting and financial software which is in the process of being provide more timely and accurate information for managing the City and provide more flexibility to able to hwill meet the diverse needs of our customers and citizens. • Acted as a City representative on police and fire pension boards; initiated consolidation of police pension with PERA which improved member benefits and lowered City contributions; improved communications with fire relief bow which had previously been adversarial and instrumental in changing invest mix to a more appropriate percentage equities. board • Assisted in developing alternative financing in s first in ehousing sources for a market rate housing project resulting in the construction of project within the City in approximately 25 years; due to the success of the initial project anticipate proceeding with a similar project within the next year. • Analyzed financial conditions of enterprise operations and performed rate studies for electric, water, steam and natural gas operations resulting in a one time refund to gas customers of approximately 10% of their annual billings, a 10% reduction in electric rates and other modifications which allocated costs in a more equitable manner to all classes of customers. • Implemented an employee evaluation system for individuals under my supervision and direction to ' communications, assist in staff development.and improve the departments effectiveness. • Initiated an informational meeting improve meetings.a after all Council meeting to inform other departments of action taken at such • Established procedures for the timet • Developed more useful and timely financial and budget reporting documents.meeting minutes and resolutions. • Oversaw the recodification of the City Code and undertook the codification of utili • ry reg emulations.