City Council Committee Agendas

Mount Vernon City Council Finance Committee Minutes March 27, 2013 Present: Mayor Boudreau, Councilmembers Fiedler, Ragan, Molenaar, Quam, Lindquist, Urban and Hulst Staff present: Finance Director Alicia Huschka, Community Development Director Hanson, Police Chief Dodd, Fire Chief Hari 1. February 2013 minutes were reviewed and approved. 2. Year End Close Review: The financial statements are not completed at this time. Alicia presented financial updates for the top revenues.  Sales Tax 2012 revenue collections were 3.7% greater than 2011. The March 2013 collections are up 10.8% compared to 2012 and the year to date is up 5.7%.  Criminal Justice Sales Tax January through February collections are up 11% compared to the same period for 2012.  Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax is up .5% compared to 2012.  Building Permits are up for the first two months for 2013 and is above 2012.  Real Estate Excise tax is up 189% over the 1st quarter compared to 2012.  Vehicle purchases and the state contract ordering deadline. 3. Fire Department expenses for vehicles- Roy talked about accidents that cost extra for repairs. The last accident to the ambulance was charged to equipment replacement fund, contingency budget line item and will be deducted from the Fire Department’s undesignated reserves. 4. Hotel Motel Tax: There is pending legislation that could affect who decides how these funds are disbursed and to whom. 5. Sales Tax 1/10th of One Percent Ballot Measure: Alicia reviewed the process that would be necessary to place this item on the August 6, 2013 ballot.  Proceeds to be exclusively dedicated for police and fire protection  If the Council wishes to withdraw this ballot measure council must act by 4/24/13  The City must appoint committees to prepare statements for and against the measure. .  Deadline of May 10 for committees to be appointed.  June 14th deadline to give elections department explanatory statements as well as statements for and against the measure.  June 21st the online voters guide for 8/6 primary is available. 6. Review of Downtown Flood Protection Project Fund Budget:  Brief update on the downtown project was discussed with the Committee. 7. Other Items:  Impact Fee Report:  Parks Impact Fees - These must be spent within 6 years of City of Mount Vernon Finance Committee March 27, 2013 Page 2 collection. Currently the fund has $137,000 which will be spent on the downtown restroom building.  Fire Impact Fee Fund balance is $156,000 and these funds will be used in part towards Fire Station #1 improvements.  Transportation Impact Fees do not have a fund balance as the credits are in excess of the collections.  Interlocal Agreement for Detox Services: This amendment- needs to be reviewed by the City Attorney.  Mount Vernon Municipal Code: This will become available through a link on the City’s website that will be more interactive and useful for the end user.. This will cost $350 per year. Adjourned at 6:31 pm Submitted by Rebecca J. Wade