City Council

City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 1, 2007 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Valerie Keehn, Mayor Commissioner John Franck, Accounts Commissioner Ron Kim, DPS Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW ABSENT: Cheryl Keyrouze, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Eileen Finneran, Deputy Mayor CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the first public comment period. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the first public comment period. BUDGET WORKSHOP Commissioner Matthew McCabe said this is the fifth budget workshop meeting. He then reviewed the proposed 2008-2013 capital program. The proposed 2008 capital budget totaled $13,298,314 with $11,513.314 of that being bonded. That leaves approximately $14.5 million available for future capital projects. The proposed tax rates are: combined inside rate $5.39, combined outside rate at $5.34 for an average of $5.36. This is an 8.63 percent increase over 2007. On a house valued at $250,000, the homeowner would pay about $1,340 in City taxes per year which is an increase of $107 per year or $27 per quarter. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the revised capital budget for 2008 is as follows: DPS municipal facility $ 8,000,000 Lake Avenue Fire Station $ 231,438 West Avenue Fire Station $ 75,100 Public Works Garage $ 150,000 Security System $ 49,025 Southeast Storm Drainage $ 650,000 Jefferson Street Sanitary Sewer $ 1,000,000 Vanderbilt Avenue Storm Drainage $ 1,000,000 Water Treatment Plane Generator $ 700,000 Audio System Upgrade $ 150,000 City Building repairs & upgrades $ 150,000 New Telephone System $ 170,000 Arts Council Building Insulation $ 80,000 Bucket Truck $ 130,000 Tractor Backhoe/Loader $ 120,000 Traffic Signal $ 105,000 Geyser Park Lights $ 253,000 1 of 3 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 1, 2007 Geyser Park Well $ 33,000 Camera Security City Hall $ 76,751 East/West Side Rec Improvements $ 25,000 Rescue Truck $ 150,000 Total $13,298,314 Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that included in the capital program is funding for the renovation of City Hall at $2 million in 2009. Commissioner Matthew McCabe then reviewed the proposed 2008 preliminary budget. He said there was a late addition from the Mayor’s Department of $104,000 for computer software but not included at this time. The Finance Department contingency line has been reduced due to the firefighters’ memorandum of understanding and refund of prior year taxes being transferred to the Accounts Department. DPW requested additional funding for Geyser Road bridge, vehicle repairs and pick up trucks. DPS requested increases were offset by decreases in other line items. He had some reservations with the adding a clerk in DPS and making the comparison between the laborer and cleaner positions. He believed that the upgrade of the cleaner would eventually lead to disparity, however, it was included within the confines of the budgeted amount. The Accounts Department request of $40,000 for refund on prior year taxes was included. There was an adjustment to all departments under the retirement line for a net decrease of $18,195. There has been one major change to the general fund revenue -- $500,000 of the estimated state aid based on VLT revenue has been redirected to the debt service fund revenue to offset the costs of the construction of the new facility and reconstruction of the old facility. While this increases the general fund tax levy, it reduces the debt service tax levy. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the 2008 preliminary comprehensive budget stands at $37,860,442.87 which is $21,006 less than a month ago. The general fund tax levy stands at $14,807,686.87. The debt service is $1,167,517. The combined tax rate inside is $5.39, outside is $5.34 with an average of $5.36 per $1,000. This is an increase of 8.63 percent over 2007. On a $250,000 home, the City taxes would be $1,340 which is an increase of $107 per year or $27 per quarter. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she appreciated all of the hard work on the budget. The next public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would not call for a vote next Wednesday. He said that the vote would likely happen at a special City Council meeting. Commissioner John Franck asked about the $13 million capital budget and the $1 million from the sewer fund to cover the Jefferson Street sanitary sewer work. He asked if the $1 million would be borrowed. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the $1 million would be borrowed but paid for by the sewer fund fees. Commissioner John Franck asked that there be some detail included on the yearly debt service payment. He said he would like to see the first year’s payment and then the second year which includes the principal and interest. He noted that taxpayers need to know the full value of what the City is borrowing and the payment on that borrowing. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would gather those numbers and bring them to the Council. He reminded Council members though that with each Council, the capital program can be reprioritized. He said the Council will need to keep a close eye on the VLT revenues and be conservative in maintaining the tax rate. Commissioner John Franck said that the City will need to look for more grants and other guaranteed revenue sources. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Nothing at this time. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Nothing at this time. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Nothing at this time. 2 of 3 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 1, 2007 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Nothing at this time. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Criminal Justice Services Award Commissioner Ron Kim withdrew this item from discussion. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: 3 of 3