City Council

AUGUST 6, 2015 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Budget Session), Thursday, August 6, 2015, at the City Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 2:00 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Michael Lehto Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember Thomas Hally Councilmember Sharon Parry Absent: Councilmember David Smith Also present: Craig Rockwood, Municipal Services Director Thane Sparks, Controller Kenny McOmber, Treasurer Randy Fife, City Attorney Kami Morrison, Mayor’s Executive Assistant Kerry McCullough, Public Information Officer Dana Briggs, Economic Development Coordinator Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director Kerry Beutler, Assistant Community Development Services Director Mark McBride, Police Chief Cristie Bevus, Police Department Citizen Review Committee (CRC) Member Bre Clark, Local News 8 Bryan Clark, Post Register Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. and turned the meeting to Director Rockwood. Director Rockwood distributed the latest growth amount received by Bonneville County, indicating there was a small decrease. He also distributed information which detailed all fee increases, including additional increases to the Parks and Recreation Department, Community Development Services Department, and utility rates - both increases and decreases. He stated the final amount of the proposed budget is $191,757,450, which is an increase over the previous year by $14,179,026. The main reasons for the increase are due to the Sewer Treatment Upgrade Project and the Airport infrastructure improvements. Director Rockwood described the budget as a large budget but not extravagant. It provides the basic necessities for health and safety and many of the service amenities that the citizens desire and have become accustomed to. He indicated the services provided to the City residents are almost entirely delivered by the City employees. He strongly believes the Council should accept the 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Councilmember Hally believes compensation should be given to the employees as well as opportunities for training and learning. 1  AUGUST 6, 2015 Councilmember Parry requested the number of the turn-over rate of employees. She stated she is not in favor of the 15% salary increase for the Parks and Recreation seasonal employees as believes entry- level positions are necessary in our community. Councilmember Lehto stated the proposed 3% COLA would offset the increase in the cost of health benefits. He believes employees will become more responsible in the health care costs by managing their own benefits. Councilmember Parry does not agree with the process of determining employee benefits. Councilmember Lehto briefly discussed the Community Support contributions and indicated the proposed contributions would be slightly decreased from the previous year. Councilmember Marohn stated the Idaho Highway Fund was established to assist with constructing new streets and roads for cities. However, the funds are not adequate and thereby forces the City to rely on the General Fund balance to complete projects. He believes the levy increase is necessary to increase revenue to the General Fund. He stated the citizens expect good decisions by the administration to maintain the current level of service. Councilmember Lehto stated the street fund has no funding revenue therefore, it relies on the General Fund property taxes. Councilmember Parry believes the Municipal Capital Improvement Fund is not being adequately replenished as monies designated to the fund have been allocated for specific projects. Councilmember Parry expressed concern that the proposed 3% Levy would increase business taxes. Councilmember Lehto stated the decrease of utility rates would alleviate any increase in taxes. General discussion followed regarding the levy rate. Councilmember Marohn stated any potential new business will investigate the best possible revenue stream and will also consider the infrastructure of location. General discussion of the proposed budget followed. Councilmember Marohn believes the City cannot continue to spend from the General Fund balance without long-term replenishment, stating the General Fund does not increase from fees or the Enterprise Fund, the General Fund needs revenue for continued growth. Councilmember Parry requested the Legal Department review the appeal fee submitted by the Community Development Services Department. Councilmember Lehto stated the authorization to publish the proposed budget will be placed on the August 13, 2015 Regular Council Meeting with the public hearing to follow on September 3, 2015. It was moved by Councilmember Hally, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to adjourn the meeting at 3:30 p.m. CITY CLERK MAYOR 2