City Council

CLOSE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room November 28, 2023 Special City Council Meeting - 2024 Budget 06:00 PM P.H. - 2024 Comprehensive Budget Print 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S): 1. 2024 Proposed Budget EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONSENT AGENDA MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Revised 2024 Capital Budget 2. Discussion and Vote: 2024 Proposed Budget 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment: Police Reform Assignment 4. Discussion and Vote: Proposed Use of Right-Sizing Assignment - 2024 Budget 5. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment for Liability for Legal Expense 6.  Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment for Salt and Sand 7. Discussion and Vote: Proposed Use of 2022 Excess Fund Balance PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT SUPERVISORS ADJOURN Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 November 28, 2023 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York 6:00 PM PRESENT: Ron Kim, Mayor Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Jason Golub, Commissioner of Department of Public Works (via zoom) Jim Montagnino, Commissioner of Department of Public Safety STAFF PRESENT: Angela Rella, Deputy Mayor Heather Crocker, Deputy Commissioner of Finance Stacy Connors, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Joe O’Neill, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Tony Izzo, City Attorney STAFF EXCUSED: Jason Tetu, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Safety RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kim called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Kim announced that Commissioner Sanghvi would like to respond to a few previous public comments. Commission Sanghvi stated she is dedicated to Public Safety succeeding by citing how the budget ensures the purchase of a SSFD ladder truck, critical facility repairs needed for the police, and with allocated funds for several public safety positions. Based on historical data, The Finance Department has allocation $400,000 in overtime and $375,000 in comp time for the SSFD, which is a 48% increase from 2023. Commissioner Sanghvi stated overtime should stay at 400,000 and the discussion should be revisited in January and March with the new Commissioner. Page 1 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Commissioner Sanghvi responds to previous comments regarding the estimated hotel occupancy tax for 2024. Commissioner Sanghvi reviewed the data from previous years and estimates $850,000 for 2024. Commissioner Sanghvi stated that she does not appreciate her department being maligned over these budget decisions that have been made painstakingly and conscientiously. Mayor Kim opened the public hearing at 6:11 p. m. Lew Benton, Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs stated he appreciated Commissioner Sanghvi’s preliminary comments and indicated that he has an issue with the format of the budget. Commissioner Sanghvi explains the formatting issue was due to a system update and human error and had been resolved and was available to view. Benton states that this proposed Public Safety budget is underfunded, specifically SSPD and SSFD overtime and compensation time as well as 207A and 207C costs. Benton stated to believe the estimates fall short by $500,000 to $750,000. Benton stated the budget included unfavorable budget variances regarding cannabis tax, mortgage tax, building permits, parking enforcement and planning board fees. Commissioner Sanghvi responded that the proposed budget reflects the hiring of new firefighters and police officers with more staff that would account for less overtime. Sanghvi stated the cannabis tax revenue is based on four (4) dispensaries who are in the midst of the approval process. Commissioner Moran stated a lawsuit has now stopped the process of opening dispensaries and the Cannabis Growers Showcase is generating revenue. Moran stated two (2) multi-state operators are among the applicants waiting for approval and those operators would open much sooner than other licensees. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the projected revenue for building permits and planning board fees were based on department recommendations and historical data. Mayor Kim announced he would not be timing members of the public, and asked if people would try to limit their comments to 10 to 15 minutes. John Kaufman, White Street, Saratoga Springs, stated he had sent a copy of Lew Benton’s analysis to Commissioner Sanghvi in hopes of a response before publishing his article. Kaufman believed the discussion that just occurred was very productive and hoped for transparency in the future. Kaufman discussed the transfer of Risk and Safety to the Mayor’s Office in 2022, and questions why funds were assigned to the Accounts Department. Kaufman believes the funds should be transferred back to the Mayor’s Office and discussed by the next administration. Kaufman also questioned the budget line involving the City Attorneys. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Accounts had been in contact regarding the move of the Risk & Safety Department and submitted the required changes to the Finance Department. Sanghvi stated the City Charter has no provision or mention of Risk & Safety. Mayor Kim made the statement, “election matter and I was wrong.” Kim stated when he moved the department over to the Mayor’s Office he moved it back to the Accounts Department, because he listened to what the people had said. Kim stated the consensus was Risk & Safety should be properly in the Accounts Department. Kim stated the original reason Risk & Safety had been moved to the Mayor’s Office was out of concern of an issue that needed to be addressed at the time. Commissioner Moran gave thanks to Mayor Kim for his statement. Kim stated the original reason Commissioner Sanghvi stated that the Risk and Safety Director duties currently being filled by Assistant City Attorney who would be leaving City employment effective December 1, 2023. Sanghvi stated the funds of the Risk & Safety Department have been moved from the corresponding lines. So this was the best time to make the adjustment. Page 2 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Jane White, White Street, Saratoga Springs stated that she did not remember Risk and Safety being discussed during the election cycle. Mayor Kim stated that he recalls many discussions about insurance. He also stated that this was his interpretation and that they disagree. Commissioner Montagnino commented that the City Charter mandates the City Attorney needs to be part of the Mayor's Department. Montagnino stated Risk and Safety should be communicating with the City Attorney and does not agree with transferring Risk & Safety back to the Accounts Department. Mayor Kim closed the Public Hearing at 6:47 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Kim opened the Public Comment at 6:48 p.m. Mayor Kim requested individual public comments be kept to the four (4) minute time limit. John Kaufman, White Street, Saratoga Springs, stated to have reviewed the published 2024 budget and assignments, and stated to feel there to be no clear language regarding the City Attorneys. Kaufman questioned how the budget could pass without the Risk & Safety transfer resolution and the timing of these changes. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Finance Department was in is putting together an assignment regarding the transfer of Risk and Safety and that question will be answered in the presentation. Mayor Kim closed the Public Comment at 6:51 p.m. PRESENTATION 2024 Proposed Budget Commissioner Shanghvi presented the 2024 Proposed Budget Presentation. See attachment. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Budget must be passed on or before November 30, 2023, and if the Proposed Budget was not passed, then the 2024 Comprehensive Budget would, by law, become the 2024 Adopted Budget. Sanghvi stated the 2024 Requested Budget had been $70.4 million dollars. Sanghvi stated the largest portion of the budgets to be the Department of Public Safety. Sanghvi stated the 2024 Comprehensive Budget to be $60.5 million dollars and the 2024 Amended Budget to be $61.29 million dollars and then adjusted to $61.30 million dollars after an error was found. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the total of the 2024 Proposed Restricted Fund Balance to be $500,000 and the 2024 Proposed Unassigned Find Balance to be $2,571,725 making the total 2024 Proposed Fund Balance to be $3,071,725. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Debt Service Expense to be $6,110,885. Sanghvi stated the property tax levy at $5,211,572 would be the largest revenue. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Property Tax to be $17,640,999. Sanghvi stated the sales tax revenue is a variable and a stable 2024 Property Tax is key, because the City relies on those monies. Sanghvi stated the final number for Property Tax along with Debt Service Fund of $5,211,572 and other omitted tax, WASAD, and SAD brought the final 2024 Proposed Tax amount to be $23,078,707. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the tax increase on a home assessed at $200,000 the increase of property tax for that homeowner would increase by $39.80 a year. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Capital Budget is in the amount of $6,663,412 and when water and sewer are included the amount totals $8,756,515. Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Capital Page 3 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Budget included the addition of the $2.22 million-dollar SSFD ladder truck and $150,000 for the SSPD facility improvements. Sanghvi stated the monies set aside for the Complete Streets Project matching grants were able to be lowered for 2024. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the 2024 Proposed Use of Right-Sizing Assignment contained Zoning Administration, additional Asst. City Clerk, Fire Inspector, five (5) SSPD Officers, four (4) SSFD Lieutenants, and a firefighter. Commissioner Moran asked whether there was flexibility with hiring and use of right sizing money. Commissioner Sanghvi stated there was flexibility. Moran stated there was absolutely no way the Council would not provide for the needs of the Saratoga Springs community. EXECUTIVE SESSION: There was no Executive Session. CONSENT AGENDA There was no Consent Agenda put forth. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT There were no items on the Mayor’s Department Agenda. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT There were no items on the Accounts Department Agenda. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Revised 2024 Capital Budget (23-620) 2024 Capital Budget. Sanghvi stated the proposed edited ranked list of Capital Projects had previously been presented to the City Council and worked with the Capital Program Committee to make the changes to the Capital Budget with the addition of the SSFD ladder truck, per Section 4.3.2. of the City Charter, which will take four (4) years to build. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Finance Department took a conservative approach to the City’s overall debt. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Moran seconds the approval of the revised 2024 Capital Budget in the amount of $6,634,412. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Motion passed. Mayor Kim questions if a roll call was needed. It is concluded that one must be done for the Capital Budget. A re-roll call will be done. Commissioner Sanghvi moves approve the revised Capital budget, Commissioner Moran seconds the approval of the revised 2024 Capital Budget after a roll call. Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Moran - Aye Commissioner Sanghvi - Aye Page 4 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Commissioner Golub - Aye Commissioner Montagnino – Aye Mayor Kim – Aye Nays – 0 Motion Passed. 2. Discussion and Vote: 2024 Proposed Budget (23-621) Commissioner Sanghvi stated that the changes to the 2024 Amended Budget were changes to the Assessment Roll to be $3,368,947,933 and the 2024 Proposed Budget is decreased by one million dollars, which amounts to $3,367,802,613 affecting the tax levy by $8,264. Sanghvi stated the change to unassigned funds would be in the amount of $19,186.15. Commissioner Sanghvi stated there would be two (2) changes to employee salaries: the Dept. of Public Works Office Supervisor and the Civil Service Clerk, for which both positions would be taking on additional duties. Sanghvi stated the Civil Service employee was a non-union employee. Sanghvi stated the Finance Department had received a request from the Mayor-elect to increase the inauguration budget from two- hundred dollars to one-thousand dollars. Sanghvi stated Mayor Ron Kim agreed the monies for inauguration would increase to one-thousand dollars and come from the 2024 line for Mayor’s Conferences. Commissioner Sanghvi stated funds had been moved from the Mayor’s Office Service Contracts and Professional Services lines to the corresponding lines in the Finance Department. Sanghvi stated the funds were originally budgeted for grant consultants and will be used for similar purposes. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Moran moved to pass the 2024 Proposed Budget. Commissioner Golub suggested a friendly amendment to the proposed 2024 budget in lite of the changes to Risk & Safety, that would involve moving the funds for Risk & Safety from the Accounts Department back to the Mayor’s Department. Golub stated the Council would look to pass a resolution to change the order of operations to undue the previous resolution, of 2022, and then transfer the Risk & Safety line to the Accounts Department. Commissioner Moran stated there were two (2) appointing authorities in agreement there doesn’t need an action, per se, outside of the resolution. Commissioner Golub stated he did not have an objection either way. Mayor Kim stated he did not have an objection either way, and agreed they would end up in the same place but would eliminate potential controversy. Commissioner Sanghvi stated she would not pull anything out of the budget for the Friendly Amendment but would simply move the Risk & Safety line back to the original line in the Mayor’s Office. Commissioner Moran asked whether the passage of the written resolutions being held for the December 5, 2023, City Council Meeting would assist. Mayor Kim stated he does not want to add the resolutions at the Budget Meeting. Commissioner Sanghvi stated she would like to pass the 2024 Budget as is, but if the Council had the votes she would act accordingly. Mayor Kim asked if the Friendly Amendment would be complicated. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Friendly Amendment would not be complicated. Sanghvi stated in passing of the Friendly Amendment, the Finance Department would move the lines literally from one spot to another spot. Sanghvi stated since there was no net difference in the budget so the funds would be moved back to the Mayor’s Office. Commissioner Sanghvi stated to City Attorney Tony Izzo that Commissioner Golub had proposed a Friendly Amendment to the 2023 Proposed Budget that Risk & Safety monies that had been moved from the Mayor’s Page 5 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Office to the Accounts Department due to the two department’s needs should be changed and stay with the Mayor’s Office until a resolution is passed. City Attorney Izzo agreed with this process of passing the budget with the friendly amendment. Mayor moved and Commissioner Moran seconded to pass the 2024 Proposed Budget with the Friendly Amendment which leaves the Risk & Safety line intact in the Mayor’s Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion passed. Commissioner Montagnino stated the 2024 Proposed Budget does not have adequate funding for the Department of Public Safety. Montagnino stated in 2023 the DPS Budget consumed 61% of the approved budget, while only consuming 59% of the 2024 Proposed Budget. Commissioner Sanghvi stated there was a seven-million dollar increase from 2022 to 2024. Montagnino states SSFD Acting Fire Chief Dyer stated the fire department will fall short two-million dollars in overtime monies for 2024. Mayor Kim states he will most likely abstain from voting on the 2024 Proposed Budget, due to the process of employee grade changes. Kim stated he had voted for the salary upgrade for the SSPD Dispatcher in 2022/2023, due to the DPW Dispatchers making more money. Kim stated the City’s labor attorney advised against labor raises in a budget. Kim stated in a prior administration the Finance Department Policy & Procedures Manual was changed to allow for these types of raises. Kim states the manual to be wrong and the City Council should change the practice which may be in breach of collective bargaining contracts based on conversations with the labor attorney. (memo attached). Commissioner Sanghvi Human Resource approved the salary increase requests from the departments and the Finance Department followed their policy and procedure manual. Sanghvi stated a discussion should be had to review the policy change and would review at a later date. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Moran seconded to approve the 2024 Proposed Budget to approve the 2024 Capital Budget. Ayes – 3 [Commissioner Moran, Commissioner Sanghvi, and Commissioner Golub] Nays – 1[Commissioner Montagnino] Abstain – 1 [Mayor Kim] Motion passed. 2. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment: Police Reform Assignment Commissioner Sanghvi pulled item #3 and moved to the December 5, 2023, City Council Meeting. 3. Discussion and Vote: Proposed Use of Right-Sizing Assignment - 2024 Budget (23-622) Commissioner Sanghvi stated there were fourteen (14) positions in the Right-Sizing Assignment with salaries totaling $691,661. Sanghvi stated the positions were not part of the general fund and can carry over from year to year. Sanghvi stated the Right-Sizing Assignment ensures the monies are used only for employees and not other items in departments. Commissioner Moran asked whether if a new employee was needed to be added to a retirement would Right-Sizing take care of the issue. Moran stated the Accounts Department would have a transition position later in 2024. Commissioner Sanghvi answered in the affirmative that the Right-Sizing would be able to be used. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Moran seconds the proposed use of right- sizing assignment. Page 6 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion passed. 4. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment for Liability Legal Expenses (23-623) Commissioner Sanghvi stated a proposed new assigned would be created for liability for legal expenses. Sanghvi stated, so far, $79,000 in legal expenses had been incurred by the past administration as part of the investigation by the NYS Attorney General’s Office. Sanghvi stated due to the City possibly facing additional lawsuits in the coming years, the new assignment will prepare the city for any future lawsuit that can carry over from year to year and will provide flexibility for the next administration. Commissioner Moran stated to have had a conversation with the Mayor-elect who expressed interest in hiring a law firm in the second attorney position. Moran stated the Council was looking to set the next City Council up for success. Commissioner Sanghvi stated to be happy to work with the incoming Mayor’s Office to figure out the best path for them. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Mayor Kim seconded to approve the resolution to establish an assignment for liability legal expenses. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion passed. 5. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment for Salt and Sand (23-624) Commissioner Sanghvi stated the resolution to establish an assignment for salt and sand is for road maintenance in the amount of $80,000. Sanghvi stated due to climate change winters are getting milder and the assignment would reduce costs and make the City more resilient to the climate changes. Sanghvi stated the City does not have sufficient space to store salt and sand for the entire season and the Department of Public Works replenishes through the winter. Commissioner Golub stated the assigned will be able to see the year-to-year changes in the expense. Mayor Kim stated New York City does a six-year average and they call it a snow budget. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Golub seconds to approve the establish of an assignment for salt and sand. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Passed. 6. Discussion and Vote: Proposed Use of 2022 Excess Fund Balance (23-625) Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Finance Department notified the City Council of the unrestricted, unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $17,109,937, which is 29.84% of the 2023 Adopted Budget and results in an excess of $2.7 million dollars. Sanghvi stated the excess fund amount can be used for any lawful purpose approved by the City Council. Sanghvi stated In order to minimize the long-term effect of the use of the excess, the appropriation of funds are for one-time expenditures which do not result in recurring operating costs. Commissioner Sanghvi stated a partial list of proposed uses of the 2022 Excess Fund Balance in the amount of $1,562,000 was supplied to the Council on October 17,2023, and had received Council approval. Sanghvi stated the remainder of the $2.75 million in excess funds are proposed as follows: $102,872.16 to the I.T. assignment; Right-Sizing Assignment to increase by $407,577.00 increasing the balance to $700,000.00; Participatory Budget assignment to increase by $15,000.00 increasing the balance Page 7 of 8 Special City Council Meeting Budget Vote November 28, 2023 to $75,486.82. Sanghvi stated the SSFD firefighter Right-Sizing Assignment to increase by $181,806.84 increasing the balance to $400,000.00. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Finance Department and Mayor’s Office compromised where the Mayor’s Office would not have the non-profit assignment for the next two (2) years and Finance would cut the Participatory Budget assignment, so the City could pay for the low barrier shelter, which cost $300,000.00 in the budget. Commissioner Sanghvi stated the Recreation Department ice rink was removed from the Capital Budget and would be paid for from the excess fund balance. Sanghvi stated $60,000 would go to the Accounts Department for new software for the Short-Term Rental Program. Sanghvi stated the Hawthorn Spring project was removed from the Capital Budget and would be paid for from the excess fund balance in the amount of $125,000.00. Commissioner Sanghvi moved and Commissioner Moran seconded to approve the proposed use of the 2022 Excess Fund Balance. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Passed. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT There were no items on the Public Works Department. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT There were no items on the Public Safety Department Agena. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Kim moved and Commissioner Moran seconds to adjourn. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Passed. Meeting Adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mark Graham and Barbara Brindisi Assistant City Clerk | Accounts Department Office Supervisor Approved: December 19, 2023 Vote: 5 – 0 Page 8 of 8  2024-29 Requested Capital Projects: Expenses (by Rank) 2024 RANK REQUESTED PROJECTS DEPT CATEGORY REQUEST 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 1 Loughberry Lake Dam DPW City Infrastructure $1,200,000 2 Fire Department Ambulance DPS $510,000 3 International Dump Trucks (245, 246, 271, 290) DPW Vehicle $596,412 4 Arts Center DPW City Buildings $525,000 5 Veterans Memorial Field House DPW City Buildings $465,000 6 Visitor Center (Drink Hall) DPW City Buildings $250,000 $325,000 $275,000 $250,000 7 Complete Streets Projects Mayor $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 8 Public Safety Garage Improvement/Renovation DPS $150,000 9 Police Department Facility Improvement DPS $150,000 10 Playground and Facilities Recreation Department $362,000 $213,000 $200,000 $150,000 $150,000 11 Hathorn Spring Rehabilitation DPW City Infrastructure $125,000 12 Pelican Dual Street Sweeper (262) DPW Equipment $305,000 13 Public Safety Technology Improvement Program DPS $250,000 14 Parking Facilities Capital Improvements DPW City Infrastructure $300,000 $100,000 $125,000 15 Groundmaster 4000 (159) DPW Equipment $92,263 16 Smart Infrastructure Corridor DPW City Infrastructure $300,000 $750,000 17 Zero Emission Infrastructure & Equipment DPW City Infrastructure $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $100,000 18 East and West Side Park Improvements Recreation Department $101,000 19 Veterans Memorial Splash Park DPW City Buildings $500,000 20 Court Resurfacing Recreation Department $67,975 $50,000 21 Ice Rink Rehabilitation Recreation Department $25,000 $430,000 $20,000 $50,000 * Fire Department Ladder Truck DPS $2,220,000 * Project not submitted by DPS for 2024 1 (S) Bobcat T770 with Manhole Attachment DPW Sewer Equipment $123,103 2 (S) Pump Station Upgrades DPW Sewer Equipment $450,000 $450,000 1 (W) WTP Pole Barn and Decanting Basin DPW Water $300,000 2 (W) WTP Elevator Replacement DPW Water $400,000 3 (W) Heritage Knolls Well Development Project DPW Water $250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 4 (W) WTP Roof Replacement DPW Water $600,000 SUMMARY Total 2024 Program Request $11,767,753 $4,718,000 $3,020,000 $2,800,000 $2,400,000 $1,000,000 Water and Sewer Funded $2,123,103 $1,700,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $0 Projects Requested (excluding water, sewer) $9,644,650 $3,018,000 $1,770,000 $1,550,000 $1,150,000 $1,000,000  2024 Capital Budget Chart of Accounts 112823 REVENUE EXPENSE REQUESTED PROJECTS DEPT CATEGORY 2024 Amount ORG OBJECT PROJECT ORG OBJECT PROJECT International Dump Trucks (245, 246, 271, 290) DPW Vehicle 596,412 H133 45710 1004 H3936952 52000 1004 Pelican Dual Street Sweeper (262) DPW Equipment 305,000 H133 45710 1046 H3936952 52000 1046 Police Department Facility Improvement DPS 150,000 H134 45710 1097 H3143122 52000 1097 Fire Department Ambulance DPS 510,000 H134 45710 1218 H3143122 52000 1218 Arts Center DPW City Buildings 525,000 H133 45710 1219 H3031612 52000 1219 Playground and Facilities Recreation Department 362,000 H136 45710 1224 H3567142 52000 1224 Complete Streets Projects Mayor 250,000 H131 45710 1240 H3517142 52000 1240 Loughberry Lake Dam DPW City Infrastructure $1,200,000 H133 45710 1254 H3638742 52000 1254 Veterans Memorial Field House DPW City Buildings 465,000 H133 45710 1285 H3537112 52000 1285 Public Safety Garage Improvement/Renovation DPS 50,000 H134 45710 1296 H3143122 52000 1296 Ladder Truck Fire Dept 2,220,000 H134 45710 1232 H3143412 52000 1232 TOTAL BOND 2024 $6,633,412 Page 1  2024 Capital Budget Chart of Accounts Amended Amended Budget 110823 REVENUE EXPENSE REQUESTED PROJECTS DEPT CATEGORY 2024 Amount ORG OBJECT PROJECT ORG OBJECT PROJECT Loughberry Lake Dam DPW City Infrastructure $1,200,000 H133 45710 1254 H3638742 52000 1254 Fire Department Ambulance DPS 510,000 H134 45710 1218 H3143122 52000 1218 International Dump Trucks (245, 246, 271, 290) DPW Vehicle 596,412 H133 45710 1004 H3936952 52000 1004 Arts Center DPW City Buildings 525,000 H133 45710 1219 H3031612 52000 1219 Veterans Memorial Field House DPW City Buildings 465,000 H133 45710 1285 H3537112 52000 1285 Complete Streets Projects Mayor 500,000 H131 45710 1240 H3517142 52000 1240 Public Safety Garage Improvement/Renovation DPS 50,000 H134 45710 1296 H3143122 52000 1296 Police Department Facility Improvement DPS 50,000 H134 45710 1097 H3143122 52000 1097 Playground and Facilities Recreation Department 362,000 H136 45710 1224 H3567142 52000 1224 Pelican Dual Street Sweeper (262) DPW Equipment 305,000 H133 45710 1046 H3936952 52000 1046 Fire Department Ladder Truck * DPS 2,220,000 H134 45710 1232 H3143412 52000 1232 TOTAL BOND 2024 $6,783,412 Authorized and Unissued Debt 4,242,621 Total Amount Might Need to Bond $11,026,033  A USE OF ASSIGNMENT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK BE IT RESOLVED, by the City council of the City of Saratoga Springs New York as follows: 1. The City Council established an Assignment for Staffing Adjustments Due to Hire Dates, Training Requisites and New Requirements (Right-Sizing) on 11/01/2021. The unspent balance in the assignment as of 11/21/23 is $569,535.91, including $277,112.91 in commitments and $292,423.00 in uncommitted funds. An additional $407,577.00 will be added from 2022 Excess Fund balance, bringing the total to $700,000 for 2024. 2. The City Council requested new hires during the 2024 budget process. Recruitment and hiring takes time and employees are not on payroll as of 01/01. To avoid unnecessarily taxing the citizens for a full year salary and benefits, the Council agrees to commit the right-sizing assignment for fourteen positions for an amount not to exceed $691,761.10. See attachment A for specific titles and amounts. 3. To utilize the right sizing assignment in 2024, the hiring Department will provide the Finance Office with an amendment request and a copy of the completed RPC. The Department will receive a pro-rated salary and benefit amount from hire date through 12/31/2024. The amount of the amendment request will not exceed the Total amount in Attachment A. 4. The uncommitted balance in the assignment is estimated to be $8,238.90. Resolution #: 23-622 AYES: ------- 5 NAYS: 0------- Date: 11/28/23 City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs ____________________________________ Dillon Moran, City Clerk 1  Positions for Right Sizing Assignment 112823 Position Department Grade Step Salary Benefits Total Zoning Administration Mayor 13 1 $29,824.00 11,184.00 $41,008.00 Ast. City Clerk Accounts 11 1 $39,465.75 14,799.66 $54,265.41 Fire Inspector DPS $41,796.50 15,673.69 $57,470.19 5 Police Officers DPS $234,956.00 88,109.00 $323,065.00 4 lt Fire DPS $149,556.00 56,084.00 $205,640.00 2- 1 Month FF DPS $7,500.00 2,812.50 $10,312.50 $691,761.10 Page 1 of 1  A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH AN ASSIGNMENT FOR LIABILITY FOR LEGAL EXPENSE: (23-623) Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: WHEREAS, in 1987 the City Council enacted an Article in the City Code that provides for a defense and indemnification of city officers and employees in any state or federal legal action arising out of any alleged act or omission which occurred or allegedly occurred in the scope of official duty or public employment, and WHEREAS, Section 18 of the New York State Public Officers Law contains provisions that apply to public entities who have agreed by the adoption of local law, bylaw, rule or regulation, to confer benefits of defense and indemnification upon its officers and employees, and WHEREAS, this Council desires to provide the officers with defense and indemnification as required by City Code Chapter 9 and by Public Officers Law Section 18, and to pay for reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in the manner indicated in Section 18, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: The City council establishes an Assignment for Liability for Legal Expense in the amount of $200,000. Funds can be used for providing legal services for city offers and employees as defined by City Code and Public Officers Law. AYES: ------- 5 ------- NAYS: 0 City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs ____________________________________ Dated: November 28, 2023 ______ Dillon Moran, City Clerk  A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH AN ASSIGNMENT FOR SALT AND SAND: (23-624) Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: WHEREAS, the City Charter directs the Commissioner of Public Works to repair. operate, and maintain the streets, highways and public ways in the City, and WHEREAS, the annual General Fund Budget provides annual funding for road maintenance that includes salt and sand for use in inclement weather, WHEREAS, the weather conditions vary widely from year to year. and climate change expe11s predict increasing severe weather events. in order to better position the City to manage the impact of these changes, and to thoughtfully plan for these variations instead of annually burden the taxpayers of the City of Saratoga Springs, the Commissioner of Finance proposes creating the assignment for Salt and Sand. This will allow the Department of Public Works to replenish salt and sand as needed, improving the City's climate resilience and ensuring public safety by facilitating such purchase s when the depa11menf s limited stores have been depleted. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The City council establishes an Assignment for Salt and Sand in the amount of $80,000. Funds can be used for the purchase of salt and sand for road maintenance by the Department of Public Works. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0------- City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs Dated: November 28, 2023 _______ ____________________________________ Dillon Moran, City Clerk  A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH AN ASSIGNMENT FOR SALT AND SAND Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: WHEREAS, the City Charter directs the Department of Public Works with the repair and maintenance of the streets, highways and public ways in the City, and WHEREAS, the annual General Fund Budget provides annual funding for road maintenance that includes salt and sand for use in inclement weather, WHEREAS, the weather conditions vary widely from year to year. In order to smooth the cost to the taxpayers of the City of Saratoga Springs, the Commissioner of Finance proposes creating the assignm ent for Salt and Sand. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The City council establishes an Assignment for Salt and Sand in the amount of $80,000. Funds can be used for the purchase of salt and sand for road maintenance by the Department of Public Works. AYES: -----­ NAYS: ------- Dated: November 28, 2023 -------  Proposed Use of 2022 Excess Fund Balance 112123 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE Proposed Use of Surplus Operating Funds 11/16/2023 2022 Excess Fund 10/16/2023 Unpaid 2023 Balance 2023 Revised Uncommitted Commitments as Uncommitted Recommendations Balances Balance of 10/16/2023 NAME 11/21/23 IT Initiatives Assignment - - $ 312,000.00 102,872.16 414,872.16 Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment - - $ - - Right Sizing Assignment 569,535.91 (277,112.91) $ 292,423.00 407,577.00 700,000.00 Participatory Budgeting Assignment 60,486.82 - $ 60,486.82 15,000.00 75,486.82 Firefighters Right Sizing Assignment (New, 8/15/23) 218,193.16 - $ 218,193.16 181,806.84 400,000.00 Liability for Legal Expense Assignment (New, 2023) - 0 $ - 200,000.00 200,000.00 Retirement Reserve 711,993.09 (500,000.00) $ 711,993.09 711,993.09 Reserve for Bonded Indebtedness 919,879.41 (750,000.00) $ 919,879.41 919,879.41 Salt & Sand Assignment 80,000.00 Recreation- Ice Rink Capital Project 25,000.00 Accounts Short Term Rental Software 60,000.00 Hathorn Spring DPW Capital Project 125,000.00 - Total $ 2,480,088.39 $ (1,527,112.91) $ 2,514,975.48 $ 1,197,256.00 $ 3,422,231.48 2022 Excess Fund Balance Audited 2,759,256.00 Approved at the 10/17/23 CC $ (1,562,000.00) Page 1 of 1 11/21/2023