Committee of the Whole

COLUMBUS COMMON COUNCIL – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING – NOVEMBER 11, 2019 – 6:00 PM 1.) Call to Order: Called to order at 6:00 pm. 2.) Roll Call: Johnson, Ryan, Thielen, Thom, Traxler; City Clerk Goebel, Finance Director Manley, absent Gray, Reid. 3.) Approval Agenda: Motion by Thielen, second by Ryan to approve. Carried voice vote. 4.) Discuss and consider potential changes to the Columbus Emergency Management Services District: Discussion of adding two new communities; concerns with no changes to current staffing and ambulances. Mayor will contact the EMS Group with concerns. 5.) 2020 Budget Review – go through the proposed 2020 budget, any updated or new information pertaining to the 2020 operating budgets – all funds: a. Levy Limit – consensus was to use 100% of the levy amount of $3,351,133 and to move the recycling center costs to the Trash & Recycling Fund. Manley to look at how that will impact the annual trash & recycling fee and was asked to use more of the cash reserve to minimize the change in the annual fee. b. Park Rentals; Pavilion – with increases pending approval for rental fees this line to be revisited and increased. c. Crossing Guards; Wages – add dollars for new crossing guards in other locations throughout the city. Also, to make sure there are funds available for lighted crossing signs, or other methods to get drivers to pay more attention to the safety of the crossing guards and children they are crossing. d. Public Works – watering of the flower baskets – Director Navin was asked to track this activity in his monthly reports so that the Council can get an idea of what it takes to maintain the baskets and who is performing the work. e. Public Works – Recycling – the cost to tub grind appears to not be completely spent in 2019 – is there a carry over to 2020 of unused funds that can be taken advantage of. Navin to review and get back to Manley on. f. CDA – correct the difference in revenues for room tax to match the Room Tax Fund budget reducing the City’s contribution by that difference. Also, to take money from the Business Luncheon line and increase the Façade Grant, education/training & mileage/meals/lodging lines. Manley will talk to Director. g. Recreation – CivicRec software – overall support but concerns voiced with current provider and the process to get the City’s overcharged fees refunded. All felt getting the City Attorney involved would give the City more “teeth” to get some resolution to this matter. Per the Recreation Director the Recreation Department, Public Works Director and Senior Center Director have found funds within existing budget lines to afford the installation and support for 2020. On agenda 11/19 for approval. If approved will adjust budget lines to reflect. h. Disposal of Fixed Assets – Alder Johnson encouraged use of these funds. Potential to use these for another funding source to some of the items on the General Obligation Note (GON) list of items. i. General Fund – Carry Over Total in Revenues – Manley to list these individually instead of a grand total in revenues. j. Capital Projects Fund – any unused levy to be placed in this Fund for future consideration by Council – either for projects noted in the list of potential GON items or other potential projects. 6.) Discuss and consider the 2020 budgets as presented and the associated levy. The next steps were discussed. Manley to provide a copy of the budget with the changes for the next meeting. Manley then updated everyone about the recent changes at the State level pertaining to the levy limit and the use of the allowable increase. She noted the recent email from Ehlers which explained that the State had very recently changed its ruling on the use of these funds which could result in the City having to amend its levy worksheet. 7.) Adjourn: Motion by Johnson, second by Ryan to adjourn at 8:54 pm. Carried voice vote. Submitted by: Pat Goebel, City Clerk