City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL MEETING- BUDGET DEVELOPMENT JUNE 9, 2016 Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council meeting for budget development to order at 11:08 a.m. Council members present were Roger Bray, Steve Brown, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr. Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, and Ashley Linton, Accountant, overviewed the schedule of the meeting. Ms. Stroschein reminded the Council of their decisions made at the previous meeting on June 2, 2016 for budget development and reviewed the informational handouts available. It was clarified the suggestions made during the Budget Development meeting are not binding and will be discussed at a Public Hearing on August 4, 2016 and an ordinance establishing the budget will be voted upon by Council on August 18, 2016. GENERAL REVENUE ESTIMATES - Ms. Stroschein gave an update on Palisades water lease revenue estimated at $275,000.00 and a $670.00 Purchase card rebate that are not currently in the budget. PROPERTY TAX REVENUE ESTIMATES – Ms. Stroschein noted that New Construction revenue in the amount of $222,262.00 has been included in the budget. She reminded Council the Foregone balance from the prior year in the amount of $1,460,725.00 is available for the Council to use. RECONSIDERATION OF DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUESTS - Ms. Stroschein reviewed a list of items removed from the budget that Council may wish to reconsider. She also reviewed additional items requested by departments. General discussion regarding capital needs that are critical to the City and available funding followed. It was suggested the employee compensation program be addressed in the Fiscal Year 2018 budget cycle. Council discussion continued. It was mentioned the Fiscal Year 2017 budget process has been long and tedious and Council thanked staff for their patience and input. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Stroschein gave an overview of what an increase in the levy rate of 3% would be for the average homeowner. She explained the annual increase for a home valued at $100,000.00 would be approximately $30.00. Council discussion/debate took place regarding capital needs, employee compensation and possible steps to move forward to resolve these issues. Council continued to consider solution ideas outlined on the Fiscal Year 2017 worksheet and reviewed property tax levy rates/percentages. It was announced actual property evaluations will be received from the Bannock County Property Assessor in early July. Once results of the property assessments are known, Council can make an informed decision regarding changes to the tax levy at that time. Ms. Stroschein announced that a Budget Development meeting to continue discussion regarding the property evaluations and to receive Council guidance will be held immediately following the July 14, 2016 Study Session.  2 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT JUNE 9, 2016 The Decision Spreadsheet showing the result of Council’s discussion is attached as a permanent part of the minutes (see Attachment “A”). Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting for budget development at 11:51 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK