City Council

July 26, 2017 Budget Session The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Budget Session), Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the City Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 3:00 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember David M. Smith Councilmember Thomas Hally Councilmember John B. Radford Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember Ed Marohn Also present: Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director Mark Hagedorn, Controller Kenny McOmber, Treasurer Scott Grimmett, Fire Marshal Mark McBride, Police Chief Michael Kirkham, Assistant City Attorney Randy Fife, City Attorney Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. with the following: Opening Remarks: Mayor Casper believes previous budget discussions have been productive particularly those discussions regarding Councilmembers priorities. She also believes taxpayers are well represented by the efforts on behalf of the Council. She expressed her appreciation to the Finance Team for their extended hours of work. Mayor Casper proposed the Priority Based Budgeting discussion occur at a future Work Session. Budget Discussion: Mr. Hagedorn presented the general overview budget which indicates requests for the Enterprise Funds, Capital Improvement Funds, and special revenues (that had cash available). He stated there was a recalculation following the July 25 Budget Session which reduced the total requested budget to an amount of $194,933,941. General Fund: Projected Growth & Cash balance Total Budget Requests Total Variance Revenue Levy as of May Funding Requested 2017 Budget $43,621,931 $1,408,824 - $45,030,755 $41,617,992 $3,410,742 $45,028,734 $2,021 General Fund Budget Analysis: General Fund Revenues $43,621,931 Growth & Annexation $506,645 Proposed 3% Tax Levy $902,179 Total Proposed Revenues $45,030,755 General Fund Expenditures $41,692,992 Proposed budget adjustments Decrease in TRPTA funding ($25,000) Decrease in travel ($25,000) 1  July 26, 2017 Budget Session Decrease in Parks Professional Services ($25,000) Projects with contingent revenues Civic Auditorium Funding $820,400 (Donation=$400,000, City match=$420,000) Education Center $850,000 (All Donation) Heritage Park $1,500,000 (Donation=$1,000,000, City match=$500,000) General Fund Expenditure Subtotal $44,788,392 Remaining Discretionary Funds $242,363 Mr. Hagedorn reviewed administration priorities, stating proposed funding for Priority Group 1 = $240,342. Brief discussion followed regarding the requested Public Information Officer (PIO). Mayor Casper stated one (1) additional PIO will be budgeted in Fire and Public Works Departments. A portion of the remaining discretionary funds could be used for an additional PIO intern or half-time PIO position. Councilmember Marohn believes all funds have been balanced with $194,933,941 as the budget cap, which shows good citizen control and financial responsibility. This amount does not address subsequent priorities. The 3% levy would be dedicated for capital funding for the matching grants for the Civic Auditorium and Heritage Park. He is not recommending any funds be taken from the General Fund balance. Councilmember Dingman concurred. Councilmember Marohn commended Mayor Casper for the difficult budget process. Councilmember Ehardt stated she has a difficult time funding Heritage Park as she believes there are so many other needs. She is not confident this is the best use of money for the citizens of Idaho Falls. Mr. Fife reviewed the agreement with the Stafford Smith related to Heritage Park. He stated the City had two (2) obligations to retain the property: a committee was to be formed to function for three (3) years; and have the property available to the public for recreational purposes for the next 21 years. Mr. Fife believes the City has met the obligations as a committee has been formed and the land is currently open to the public. He indicated the public availability is contrary to the Parks and Recreation interpretation. Councilmember Radford believes Heritage Park is a way to extend the greenbelt and also believes there is practical value to complete that section of green space. Brief discussion followed regarding Heritage Park and the Rotary Club. After further brief comments, there was consensus to approve the tentative budget of $194,933,941, approximately $300,000 less than the previous year. Mayor Casper requested follow-up discussion regarding proposed fees as some fees had not been property updated in the distributed documentation. She stated per discussion with Idaho Falls Power (IFP) Director Jackie Flowers, the rate increase from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is anticipated to be lower than expected. Additional discussion will occur at the July 27 IFP Board Meeting. Director Alexander stated all proposed fees are located on the website. Proposed fees were reviewed as follows: Airport – anticipating fees for negotiation of car rental agencies for three (3) years. Community Development Services – code enforcement violations. Brief discussion followed regarding illegal dumping. Mr. Kirkham indicated all fines/misdemeanors regarding this violation are listed in State Code. Fire – Ambulance increase due to medication costs; and new fees for no transport costs, which are mainly Medicare/Medicaid patients. Idaho Falls Power – Director Alexander stated those residents who travel south for the winter have requested short- term suspension of electrical utility. Library – minimal changes, including a reduction of Library fines. Municipal Services – Criminal History Check for child care licensing; and Civic Auditorium. Parks and Recreation – cemetery; rental fees; special event admission; swim team fees; and golf courses. Police – added on-duty uniformed extra-duty service for secondary employment; basic infraction and misdemeanor fees. Public Works – overall fees have been rounded up to the nearest nickel. Sanitation has added Bonneville County landfill disposal fee and curbside recycling which would be contingent upon receiving a grant. 2  July 26, 2017 Budget Session Mayor Casper stated she has requested from Department Directors that any fee changes occur once a year. Council concurred unless a large increase that may impact the City occurs. Mayor Casper stated Bonneville County fees were effective mid-year and have been absorbed by the City until the proposed fee increases are effective. After further comments and discussion, there was consensus of the Council to proceed with proposed fees. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Dingman, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to adjourn the meeting at 4:20 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 3