Committee of the Whole Meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers February 3, 2020 The Committee of the Whole met in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. on February 3, 2020, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Robert M. Green, Frank Darrah, Susan deBuhr, Simon Harding, Daryl Kruse, Mark Miller, and Dave Sires. Staff members attended from all City Departments as well as members of the community. Mayor Green called the meeting to order and introduced the first item on the agenda, FY2021 Budget. Jennifer Rodenbeck Director of Finance and Business Operations reviewed the budget process and the steps leading up tonight. She explained new legislation was passed in 2019 (SF634) requiring an additional hearing and a resolution establishing the maximum property tax levy dollars, it also extended the deadline to March 31 rather than March 15. She reviewed the property valuations and stated assessed valuations increased $153 million from last year. She stated for the FY2021 budget staff is proposing the property tax rate of $11.43, which is up from $10.95. She said residential properties will see a 1% increase, commercial/industrial properties will see a 4.38% increase and multi-residential properties will see a .84% decrease. Ms. Rodenbeck stated the new step of the maximum levy doesn’t show the whole picture of the budget, since it doesn’t include all the levies. She continued with the review of other budget factors, including salary increase, benefits, and viewed department staffing. She also reviewed outside agency funding and stated the requested 2.75% increase to MET was included in the FY2021 budget. Ms. Rodenbeck explained the Maximum Levy Public Hearing will be held tonight February 3, the Public Hearing for the FY2021 Budget will be held on February 17 and we must certify the budget to Black Hawk County by March 31st. There being no discussion, Mayor Green moved to the final item on the agenda, bills and payroll. Daryl Kruse moved to approve the bills and payroll as presented, and Frank Darrah seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. There being no further discussion, Daryl Kruse motioned to adjourn, and Simon Haring seconded the motion. Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer