Town Council Meeting - Budget Workshop

TYRONE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES May 18, 2023 at 9:00 AM Eric Dial, Mayor Gloria Furr, Mayor Pro Tem, Post 4 Linda Howard, Post 1 Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Melissa Hill, Post 2 Dee Baker, Town Clerk Billy Campbell, Post 3 Dennis Davenport, Town Attorney Mayor Dial and Court Clerk, April Spradlin was absent. Also present: Sandy Beach, Finance Manager Lynda Owens, Recreation Manager Krista McClenny, Recreation Assistant Randy Mundy, Police Chief Phillip Trocquet, Assistant Town Manager Bridget Smith, Accounting Specialist Scott Langford, Town Engineer / Public Works Director Patty Newland, Library Supervisor Dial Hunter, Planning Commissioner I. CALL TO ORDER II. INVOCATION III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. Please state your name & address. Comments that require a response may not be answered during this time. The Council or staff may respond at a later date. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made to approve the agenda. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Howard. Voting Yea: Council Member Hill, Council Member Furr. VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. FY 2023/24 Budget Workshop - Discussion Mr. Perkins thanked everyone for being there. He stated that it took an entire team to prepare the budget. He thanked staff for their help. He added that he would indicate slight changes that were made to the budget that morning. He shared that the proposed FY2023-2024 budget was $17,666,261.05. It was a 43% increase from the current year with an added $2.64 Million taken from surplus to balance. The Town had a healthy 21.7 months of reserves from last year’s budget. He reminded everyone that the policy was to keep 6 months of reserve funds, anything beyond that was titled surplus. Town Council Meeting - Budget Workshop Page 1 of 14 May 18, 2023  He added that spending down surplus was a good practice, which would leave the Town with a very healthy budget. He stated that $6.7 Million was carried over from the current budget which also inflated the budget. He explained that $2 Million of that was for the Pendleton Dam project, which the Town was still in the running for a grant from 2019. If approved a $1.5 Million burden would be taken from the Town. He explained $456,500 was for the Castle Lake Dam project which the Town was a passthrough for. If that grant was approved, the Town would be returned that amount. Both dams are approximated at $2.5 Million that would be coming back to the Town if approved. Mr. Perkins announced that anytime the term assigned funds were used, it would consist of the $2.8 Million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. ARPA funds were received and would be applied to personnel services over two budget cycles. More specifically, it would be used to improve the Town and its operations. He directed everyone to the Assigned Fund Balance Projects tab, otherwise known as ARPA funds. American Rescue Plan Act - ARPA Funds (assigned funds) He began with economic development and stated that $100,000 was placed in the line as a bid match, and the RFQ would be sent out soon. He then moved to Community Development with several downtown projects consisting of additional parking and multi-use path projects to name a few. He moved to government operations which were broken down into Town departments. Each department or grouping of departments received $140,000. He listed the police department’s requests, body cameras, rugged laptops, in-car police radios, patrol Ford F150 pick-up truck, lock-out kits, jump bags (backpacks for officers on the road), rapid ID units, laser units, stinger stop sticks (to prevent vehicle chases). The public works department requested a dump truck, salt spreader, 2 diesel light towers, and other equipment. He listed a few items from the library and recreation departments; improvements to the teen and children’s reading areas, a golf cart, Handley field scoreboards, office technology, furniture for the new recreation office (located at 881 Senoia Road), upgrades for programming and a golf cart. He listed that the museum wished to have upgrades, and the court department requested scanning and digitization of records, the Laserfische program, software for open record requests, also an office police radio for emergencies. He reminded everyone that public works had several projects that would roll over from the current year to the next, totaling $1.5 Million. These projects included the Crabapple/Senoia intersection improvements, LMIG road projects, Shamrock Pond improvements, culvert and structure replacements, and the Tyrone Road multi-use path project. He added that the cart path was going out for bid very soon. Council Member Furr inquired if the $390,000 for cart paths included property acquisition. Mr. Perkins stated that he believed that particular project had acquired the required property. Mr. Perkins noted the request for salary increases totaling $586,424.16 at 4%, not including police personnel. It also included compensation pay for police officers and bumping the starting pay to $55,000. This would maintain a competitive starting pay for incoming police officers. He added that collectively, police pay was an annual moving target for all surrounding jurisdictions. Fayette County just increased all salaries by 12%. He added that Tyrone needed to remain competitive. Page 2 of 14  Last year, the County increased salaries by 20%. Our Lieutenants would be bumped up more, to equal the officers of their rank in surrounding jurisdictions. The $586,000 would also include an additional accounting specialist and public works specialist as discussed at the planning workshop in March. Other Funds: Mr. Perkins informed Council that the budget request for all other funds included Sewer, 2017 SPLOST, 2023 SPLOST, Founders Day, and Confiscated Assets which totaled $6,086,142.40. He added that the largest expense in that line was the 2017 SPLOST at $2,680,710.39 which included the completion of the Palmetto/Arrowood/Spencer roundabout and the associated multi-use paths, the Handley Park restroom facility for soccer, the completion of the Redwine Park pickleball project, and the completion of the planned improvements to the 881 Senoia Road recreation offices. He shared that the Town anticipated collecting approximately $2,070,000 in revenue from the new 2023 SPLOST over the next fiscal year. Planned uses for those funds included road paving and repair, dam repair and maintenance (Pendleton not included), downtown improvements, intersection improvements, multi-use paths, and vehicles. Council Member Campbell asked if the salary increases included a pension plan. Mr. Perkins shared that the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) through us a curve ball. He explained that the Town’s pension plan was set up in 1980, which may be on file from the state. The Town at that time opted into social security. When this took place, certain stipulations were agreed on as they related to retirement. That’s why GMA believes that our retirement percentage was so low at 1.25%. The maximum the Town could raise without opting out of social security would be 1.55%. Many cities do not pay into social security for that reason. Most employees would rather retire with 60% -70% with some social security, than 30% of their salary and maybe social security. He stated that at GMA’s and the state’s recommendation, staff turned it over to the Town’s attorney. Since then, staff reached out to GMA because the Town’s attorney admittedly was not an expert in that particular field. Mr. Perkins and Ms. Beach would ask GMA to direct them to an attorney specific to that matter. Mr. Perkins added that the good news was that staff could make adjustments as the fiscal year progressed and any major changes could be made during the following fiscal year. Hopefully, by the end of this calendar year, something would be decided. Most surrounding cities were at 2.00%-2.5% of salary. He gave the example if he retired at 30 years of service, he would only yield 37%-38% of his salary. Revenue: Mr. Perkins began with revenue by stating that $6.8 Million of this budget was carryover, the revenue was accounted for in previous years. Ms. Beach informed everyone that the County Tax Assessor sent out taxes and Tyrone was assessed with an increase of 10.7% for assed values. She increased the budget by a conservative 10%. She stated that alcohol taxes were down due to a couple of business closures that normally paid alcohol taxes. Page 3 of 14  She stated that funds were added to the intergovernmental grant line for three police safety vests, which were $700 each. The grant would pay 50%. She added that under federal grants for capital projects, funds were placed for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), or Local Administered Project (LAP) grants which would actually be the county’s grant, however, the county always assists the Town with such projects. Other federal government capital grants would be for the Pendleton and Castle Lake dams. One would pay 75%, the other 65%. She shared that the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant was an 80% grant. If $200,000 was spent on downtown improvements, the Town would receive $160,000. The Local Maintenance and Improvement (LMIG) grant was also within the budget for road improvements. She moved on to local government grants and shared that $18,000 was in the budget from the county for parks and recreation. There was also funding in the budget through the Georgia Interlocal Rish Management Agency (GIRMA). That grant included IT services and the Town could receive $97,000. Ms. Beach stated that there was funding under Revenue from election qualifying fees for two Council positions and the Mayor’s post. Additional funding was in the budget under Interest Revenues due to the increase in interest rates. She shared that the Town should acquire $180,000. $2,000 was under Holiday Revenue based on last year’s Business Christmas Tree Farm at Shamrock Park. She stated that other financing sources totaled $6.8 Million which as Mr. Perkins stated earlier was carried forward. Mr. Perkins stated that the American Tower contract was almost at its end for the tower behind 881 Senoia Road. The attorney was currently working on that lease. Administration: Mr. Perkins shared that the administration budget for the next fiscal year was at $1.9 Million which was an increase from last year’s $1.1 Million due to assigned funds (ARPA) and the salary and benefits increase of 4%. The increase was approximately $40,000. He moved to Purchased and Contracted Services totaling $263,280. He stated that funding was in the budget for the upcoming election and that Legal Services had increased since 2019 to $225 per hour. He added that Mr. Davenport had been our attorney since 2008 and had a lot of institutional knowledge. He stated that Technical Services had increased by $10,000 for the election, code enforcement, and for an in-house pay study. This would assist with open record requests and information. Mr. Perkins informed Council that a Peachtree City Police hired someone for the study and that he would use the same methodology for our administrative study. Technical Services also included; the Municode meetings module, our IT services, email, web hosting, hardware, computers, and software. He stated that the Vehicle Maintenance line increased for needed repairs on the Town Manager 2012 Tahoe. He increased Mayor and Council Education and Travel due to two Council incumbents not running for another term and the new folks would require education. He touched on employee travel and education and stated that $25,000 would come from assigned funding (ARPA). Another $5,000 would come from assigned funding for clerk training, record training, and masters clerk training. He added that manager training was also accounted for through GMA and ICMA. Page 4 of 14  He shared that there were assigned funds in the budget for tables for the chambers/courtroom improvements and for a call box for folks that required an officer after hours regarding a case or for safety and convenience. He shared that under Other Supplies, was assigned funds for staff polos to ware for events and travel representation. He stated that there was assigned funding (ARPA) for the sound system/monitor upgrades for the chambers/courtroom. Council Member Campbell asked about cutting down the center piece of the dais. Mr. Perkins stated that due to the type of material, it would be too expensive and would not be recommended for aesthetics. Council Member Campbell inquired about changing the date on the front of the new Town Hall to reflect the founding day of the town instead of 2020 for the new building. Mr. Perkins shared that he was indifferent, however, most citizens knew that the Town Hall was a new building, so the topic could be revisited. Council Member Hill suggested the placement of signs at the Town’s entrance to indicate the founding date of the Town. Council Member Furr noted that there was no longer funding for holiday decorations. Mr. Perkins stated that the line had been moved to recreation which seemed more appropriate. Mr. Perkins stated that in the past the Fayette County Development Authority required $27,773 for economic development, which they were no longer requesting. Staff requested that the funding be transferred to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in perpetuity for operating expenses and for the development of downtown. He added that $100,000 of assigned funds were also going to the DDA for the redevelopment of the old firehouse. He shared that under Capital Outlay, and Sites and site improvements, that funding was as a result of an executive session for real estate, if approved. Finance: Ms. Beach informed everyone that the Personnel Services, and Regular Employees line changed due to the need for another employee for Finance/HR. Technical services increased due to the online accounting software with cloud services which would allow staff to work from home if needed. They also added funding for new budgeting software which would improve transparency, assist with projects and it would also look nicer on the Town’s website. Mr. Perkins explained that finance currently worked from spreadsheets. Next year Mayor and Council would be able to log in and see everything. Reports would still be sent and questions could still be asked, but it would be much simpler. Onboarding had already begun. Ms. Beach shared that Dues, Fees, and Travel would increase for current staff and the new employee to be able to attend training. Currently, staff kept up with changing laws through online training and updates from the auditors. Office Supplies and Small Equipment would also increase (assigned funds) due to the new employee and the replacement of a 2009 printer. Council Member Hill asked if anyone had been hired for that position. Ms. Beach stated that staff was waiting until the budget was approved. Council Member Howard asked if the person would be mainly HR. Page 5 of 14  Ms. Beach shared that hopefully, they would be a good mixture of HR and finance. Mr. Perkins stated that employees were comfortable with Ms. Beach regarding their HR questions, but he would defer to her regarding that. Ms. Beach added that she would take the strengths from herself, Ms. Smith, and the new employee and assign duties in that manner. Court: Mr. Perkins presented for Ms. Spradlin that was tending to her court duties. He noted that there were no major changes, however, there were assigned fund applications worth mentioning. Technical Services were increased for an interpreter, inmate bill, open record software, IT services, MCCI scanning record project, ($3,200), Laserfische software for $9,000, and also from assigned funds was an office police radio for $3,800. He stated that Ms. Spradlin’s department was also requesting a web camera for a laptop. Instead of bringing probationers to the jail, they could meet remotely. That would save time and money. Ms. Spradlin also included a 4% increase for the judge ($1,500 monthly) and solicitor ($1,300 monthly). Her total budget was $360,105,85. Museum: Mr. Perkins shared that $5,000 was placed in the budget from assigned funds for building maintenance. $10,000 was there in anticipation of foundation repairs which came in a lot lower. A telephone line was requested in the amount of approximately $300. He noted that Other Supplies had a balance of $6,221.74. He added that after a discussion, the Museum staff had a better understanding regarding the 501 Friends of the Museum status and what their responsibilities and the Towns were. Based on how you all voted, if the dynamic were to change, it would take another vote from Council. The Museum had a budget of $16,601.74. Council Member Howard asked if the electrical issue would be placed in the current budget. Mr. Langford stated that he had called but had no response. Mr. Perkins explained that when a local electrician came to look at the electrical system, staff was told that we would need a new panel box which would be a significant cost. Out of the recent quotes, only one required a panel box, and it did not come from the former electrician. The Town needed to know why the panel box was not included. Parks & Recreation: Ms. Owens began with Legal Services and stated that it had increased because each contract/agreement needed to be reviewed by legal. Mr. Perkins interjected and shared that legal did review every purchase agreement and contract which was costly. Mr. Perkins shared that the Town’s attorney shared that Tyrone was one of the only clients that asked for every single agreement to be reviewed. He stated that moving forward we need to assess what level of risk we are willing to take on purchases. If the purchase only had a purchase agreement, that may not require attorney services. He explained that a $2,000 purchase could turn into a $3,5000 purchase. He added that there needed to be a conversation regarding thresholds for non-contact purchases. Page 6 of 14  Ms. Owens shared that within the assigned funds were approximately $10,000 which would be for updated technology for the new recreation offices located at 881 Senoia Road. It would also include a TV and projector, along with new phones. Special Program Services increased due to the Spring Market and an extended Christmas program. Under Equipment repair and maintenance was $9,000 for the repair of the Shamrock Lake fountain. Mr. Langford stated that ground maintenance increased a little for Aabby Group, Inc. and for mulch. Ms. Owens stated that the bulk of the increase to park maintenance was through assigned funds for the basketball/tennis court resurfacing. Funding was placed in the budget under the rental of equipment and vehicles for tower lights, canopies, and a stage in the fall for Founders Day. She shared that Special Program supplies increased for an ice rink for Christmas, a merry-go-round, Christmas fireworks, and the Christmas tree farm. She also mentioned that her department was going to initiate a contest for downtown citizens and businesses for their decorations at Christmas time. There was also funding available for Senoia Road businesses to purchase lights for downtown décor during Christmas. She shared that holiday decorations increased for swags over Senoia Road and an arch over the Shamrock Park bridge. Small Equipment increased partially through assigned funds for office upgrades at the new recreation office space. Other supplies had increased for the pickleball program and for a Santa chair. Council Member Howard inquired about the use of a bench for Santa. Ms. Owens stated that a backdrop could be created around a bench for Santa. Ms. Owens stated that the Vehicle line had increased for the purchase of a 6-person golf cart for recreation, library, and any other staff that may need it. Mr. Perkins informed Council that purchasing a golf cart it would eliminate the rentals and that it would be used for events for the transport of citizens, staff, and equipment. Ms. Owens added that when the recreation staff moved to the new location there would be a lot of back and forth from 881 to the recreation center. Council Member Campbell asked for the cost. Ms. Owens stated that was a 6- seater electric cart with a charger on the high end for $20,000. We may be able to get one for less. Mr. Perkins added that the cost was based on a quote but that the cart would go out for bid if approved within the budget. Ms. Owens shared that $16,426 was placed in the furniture and fixtures budget from assigned funds for lighting, desks, a small conference table, chairs, a foosball table, games for seniors, a table and chairs for a small breakroom, and shelving. Mr. Perkins stated that if the old conference table was not damaged during the pipe burst, it may be used. Council Member Hill mentioned the extension of Edison lights downtown. Mr. Trocquet mentioned that staff was currently working on the streetscape project and that lighting may play a part a little later. Mr. Perkins added that lighting would be a part of the streetscape plan and that if the addition of trees were part of that plan, lights could also go around the trees. Overhead in some areas would also be an option. Council Member Furr stated that Edison lights could be expensive. Ms. McClenny shared that she was doing research through Home Depot and that if the lights were bought in bulk, it would lower the cost by up to 30%. She was also going to ask Home Depot if they would be an event sponsor which could add more discount to the cost. Page 7 of 14  Ms. Beach noted that the transfer from line of $23,627.27 was extra funding required for Founders Day. Ms. Owens mentioned that they had acquired almost $20,000 in sponsorships. Council Member Furr inquired about the tower lights. Mr. Perkins clarified that staff was requesting two sets of tower lights. Ms. Owens stated that two sets were normally rented, however, for Founders Day and Christmas, six were required for safety. Mr. Perkins added that two should be sufficient for most events and public works and public safety could utilize them if needed. Having our own would cut the cost in the long run. Ms. Owens stated that they would pay for themselves very quickly. Mr. Perkins added that over time staff could add more. Mr. Trocquet stated that with the newly approved SPLOST, there may be funding for lighting for the park upgrades. Founders Day: Ms. Owens moved on to the Founders Day budget and shared that Legal Services increased by $1,000, however, after the previous conversation the increase may not be needed. The Special Program Services line increased greatly for fireworks ($10,000), the Ferris Wheel for Christmas ($12,000), a four-game trailer, and a merry-go-round. One of these could be cut if needed. Under Special Program Supplies were funding for parade candy, awards, décor, and t-shirts for Founders Day. Council Member Campbell asked if the Grand Marshall was confirmed. Ms. Owens informed everyone that Mr. and Mrs. Gaddy had been chosen to be the Grand Marshalls this year and that they would ride in their own vehicle. A motion was made to break for five minutes. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Howard. Voting Yea: Council Member Hill, Council Member Furr. The meeting reconvened at 10:43 am. Planning & Zoning: Mr. Trocquet began with the regular employee’s line and stated that he added funding for overtime for Ms. Pierce. He stated that she would begin attending the Planning Commission meetings. He shared that the Building Inspector Services would remain the same and that the Technical Services line was reduced. That line was for matching grant funds and included some assigned funding (ARPA). He stated that there was additional funding in the vehicle and gas lines for maintenance on the Ford Explorer. The travel and Education lines increased for training for him and Ms. Pierce. He shared that $10,000 was placed in the Capital Outlay Equipment line from assigned funding for the purchase of a new plotter with a 5-year warranty. That would be less expensive than the current lease. The Intergovernmental line increased due to Fayette County Tax Assessor’s upgrade to their ariel mapping system. The county municipalities contribute to the system and many Town departments use the system on a daily basis. Page 8 of 14  Library: Ms. Newland began with the special program services. She stated that in the past the Friends of the Tyrone Public Library funded a majority of their summer-paid performances. This year, they were donating $600 for paid performances. The line increased by $2,000 due to the average cost of performers was $400. She stated that under Capital Outlay, was funding for a golf cart, which would include a battery, maintenance, and upkeep. She shared that Travel, Education and Training increased for staff participation in the upcoming conference in Athens. In the past, staff had received most of their training through free webinars. Ms. Newland stated that she increased the Book purchase line due to the ever-increasing cost for printed materials. She reminded everyone that the library also received grants for the purchase of books and downloads for the virtual library. She shared that the Small Equipment line had increased with a bulk coming from assigned funds for the refurbishment of the juvenile and records section. The funding would also include shipping costs. She offered the Museum or another department an older desk and copier from the library that was still in good shape. She shared that her department was requesting an increase of $52,618.97 which included assigned funds. Public Safety: Chief Mundy thanked Mr. Perkins for explaining what the police department was planning regarding salary increases for the officers and lieutenants. He shared that in February when Mr. Perkins reached out to departments regarding the assigned funds, the Chief asked everyone to submit what was needed. Under Vehicles, two F-150’s were requested along with all required equipment. Also requested was a replacement vehicle for Detective Morris. He reminded everyone that during COVID, no vehicles were purchased. Through assigned funds, one of the F-150’s could be purchased to get the department caught up. Also under assigned funding would be replacement stop sticks to thwart speed chases, a couple of laser units for traffic control, and jump bags for officers to house tactical gear, and small equipment. They were also requesting lock-out kits for citizens that lock themselves out of their vehicles. He stated that it would also include rifle control grips, digital cameras for officers, none lethal shotguns, an active shooter shield, flares, an infrared camera, jump boxes for dead batteries in vehicles, rechargeable flashlights, and tint meters for auto tint. He shared that he always placed funding in the budget for damaged and replacement equipment. Chief Mundy shared that Lt. Nelson had requested a simulator screen hoist, to raise the screen from the ground. Of the Small Equipment budget, $12,364.26 was from assigned funds. He added that body cameras would come from the equipment line. Mr. Perkins shared that the original body cameras were purchased in 2016. Chief Mundy stated that purchasing new body cameras through assigned funding for each officer, would ensure that they would last longer, would be more efficient, and would also ensure a three-year warranty in addition to the one year. He shared that staff was also requesting Dell rugged laptops for the patrol cars, along with new car radios for him, Major Brock, and two detectives. Chief Mundy stated that Lt. Nelson suggested purchasing new shotguns. Mr. Perkins clarified that those particular shotguns were purchased second-hand in 2010. Page 9 of 14  Chief Mundy also mentioned that along with the simulator hoist, padding for the floor and walls were needed for training and maneuvering for the simulator. He stated that from most of the requests, $66,757.08 would be funded with assigned funding. He informed Council that from February to May, after receiving quotes, the cost had increased due to inflation. Council Member Campbell asked if the shotguns would have any value once surplused since they were previously maintained and used by our officers. Mr. Perkins stated that through a dealer they would be sold and the officer would have an opportunity to purchase them first. Council Member Hill inquired about the least lethal shotguns. Chief Mundy explained that the guns would hold rubber pellets or pepper balls. They come with socks in bright colors to distinguish between lethal and non-lethal. Council Member Furr asked if her car would not crank at the Kedron Kroger, what jurisdiction would come. Chief Mundy shared that Peachtree City would. The Tyrone officers would service Tyrone. He reminded everyone of the jump kits and lock-out kits that were on the budget list. Public Works: Mr. Langford stated that costs had increased across the board. He shared that the regular employee line had increased in preparation of hiring a new engineering specialist. He then moved to Roads and Paving. Last year was $1.5 Million and this year was $2.3 Million. He added that $140,000 of TIP funding was carried over to the next fiscal year with $125,000 of LIMIG as part of the project. Also, part of that increase was signage and flashing lights for the improvements at the Rockwood/Crabapple/Senoia Road intersection. He reminded everyone that road paving and resurfacing were discussed at the planning workshop in March. These roads consisted of Strawberry Lane, Laurel Lake Road, Ridge Road, Laurelwood Drive, Foxford Run, East Crestwood, Huntingdon Court, Huntingdon Court, and Tyrone Road near Ethel Lane. He reminded everyone of the increase in costs. He moved to Building Maintenance and informed everyone of the insurance claim on the admin. section of 881 Senoia Road for $110,000 which was part of the difference and $15,000 was for gutters around the museum. He stated that the new recreation offices had funding carried over and $60,000 was placed in the budget for upgrades to the library such as paint, and flooring and the HVAC contract amount had been increased as well. Mr. Langford moved to the Stormwater Maintenance line and shared that $421,000 was carried over for culverts and the Shamrock Pond repairs ($143,000). The stormwater project would be bid out this year, however, the project would not begin until the following fiscal year. He explained that when revenue calculations were tallied, the carry-forward funding was actually funds that had not been spent in the previous year, which was not included within the revenue numbers. Mr. Langford shared that additional funding was placed in the budget for the potential of hiring a janitorial service to clean all Town buildings or to hire someone for the position. Page 10 of 14  The first quote came back higher than expected. One more quote would be analyzed. Many hours were taken away from our current staff every day to clean the buildings which could be utilized in the field. Staff was still weighing their options and doing research on the matter, we need 1.5 persons. Inmate and labor services were also researched. Mr. Trocquet added that also through research, our guys spent 55-65 hours on janitorial services a week. Hiring a full-time person could be less expensive than hiring a service. Council Member Campbell stated that it sounded like we would be better off hiring someone. Mr. Trocquet added that along with either hiring staff or contracted service it would cut down on the current overtime for our current staff, leaving them more flexibility. Council Member Hill inquired about contracted labor, then hiring that person. Mr. Trocquet and Perkins stated that it was within their contacts that hiring their staff was not allowed over a certain period and would be unacceptable. Mr. Perkins reiterated that the Town could save up to $60,000 by hiring someone for janitorial and maintenance, the buildings would have more additional cleaning and it would free the public works staff to work on other projects. It would also free up time for management when something broke or when buildings needed to be opened for contractors or pest control. He added that between now and the public hearing more research would be completed. Mr. Langford moved to Small Equipment. That line increased for the need of new computers which also included assigned funds. He stated that under Capital Outlay gateway signage and streetscaping increased, $200,000 was from assigned funds and carried forward funds. He shared that the buildings line included the pole barn, and the garage at 881 Senoia Road which included insurance claim, assigned funds and carried forward funds. Mr. Langford shared that the cart path line had $780,000 carried forward. The Pendleton Dam project had $2 Million carried forward. The Equipment line had $80,000 of assigned funds which included a salt spreader, tower lights, and the difference for the tractor and skid steer. In the vehicle line was $90,000 of assigned funds for the dump truck and Other Funds for the supplies for the truck. Council Member Campbell inquired about the increase in the Uniforms line. Mr. Langford stated that each employee received a certain amount for boots, pants, and shirts, the police do the same. As an example, if the employee required more shirts after their budget, they would need to purchase their own. He added that they cleaned their uniforms themselves and they were not allowed to wear any of those items outside of work, according to the IRS. Sewer Fund: Mr. Langford informed Council that the first increase was under the Sewer line Repair and Maintenance line. The increase was due to an increase in the contract which was currently being negotiated, however, basically, the amount was the same as last year including carryover. Page 11 of 14  He stated that under Supplies and Sewer Fees was an increase from Fulton County for the upgrades to the Camp Creek Waste Water facility from $90,000 to $100,000 for the ultraviolet disinfectant chamber. The Town’s portion of the service is 1.667%. The project is a $4.1 Million project and the Town had already made a couple of payments. Mr. Langford reminded everyone that Council Member Campbell at the Planning Workshop, requested research regarding the condition of the current pump station liners. Funding was in the Capital Outlay, Infrastructure line for the study. He added that there was a Southampton manhole project that was within the budget as a carry-over project which would go out for bid soon. The equipment line was carried over for the jet vac which had not yet arrived totaling $60,000. Federal & State Confiscated Assets: Chief Mundy stated that not much had changed, this was the line where the officer’s vests came from which were partially paid with matching grants. 2017 SPLOST Mr. Perkins informed everyone that the end of the 6-year collection for the 2017 SPLOST would be June 30, 2023, and the Town collected more than anticipated. Staff would be continuously working on those projects for at least two more years which was normal. There was no official time frame required for their completion. He added that under Capital Outlay was $2.4 Million, the bulk being the Palmetto/Arrowood/Spencer roundabout ($900,000) along with cart path and culvert improvements, and Handley Park improvements ($314,000) and the pickleball court ($177,500). He added that under Debt Services $210,000 was in part the GTIB loans. The expense total for the 2017 SPLOST was $2.68 Million. Council Member Howard inquired about the loan balance. Ms. Beach shared that there was a two-year delay until the Town received the money. If paid until the loan runs out it would still be $902,000 for both. Council Member Howard asked what year would they be paid out. Ms. Beach stated that it would be quite a few years more on the 15-year loans. After SPLOST funds run out, payments would then come from the general fund. 2023 SPLOST: Mr. Perkins shared that Fayette County voters passed the 2023 SPLOST. Over the next six years, Tyrone anticipates receiving over $13.5 Million in revenue. This fiscal year staff anticipated collecting approximately $2.7 Million with $180,000 for road services and repair, dam repairs (Adams Lake dam), and a small portion for Shamrock Lake repairs. He added that $1.6 Million was for downtown improvements, intersection improvements, equipment, vehicles, cart paths, culverts, and park improvements and upgrades. One major focal point for the new SPLOST was to add a stage to Shamrock Park. The overall planned expenses for the 2023 SPLOST this year was $1.24 Million. The remainder would build over several years. Page 12 of 14  Tree Fund: Mr. Langford explained that the tree fund would bring in more revenue than expenses with a balance of $26, 500. He added that the fund would be utilized for street-scape downtown, and would acquire more from large forthcoming developments. Mr. Perkins wrapped the meeting up by stating that the budget had big numbers, it was a healthy budget with aggressive projects. He added that staff was accomplishing as much as they could expeditiously, however, with a small team and a $20 Million budget (including SPLOST, ARPA, and other funding) unforeseen issues may arise on occasion. He wanted the public to know that staff was working hard and that government had constraints, unlike the private sector. We are completing quality projects with taxpayer money. He shared with Council that if they had questions between now and the public hearing to reach out to staff. Staff would also reach back regarding any news on janitorial services, we could also hold a workshop in June regarding this topic. The goal was to hold the public hearing for the first meeting in June and the adoption for the second meeting in June. Council Member Furr shared her concern regarding the previous administration’s discussion regarding obtaining Fayette County’s permission to build anything within Shamrock Park. Her concern was with the future stage located at the park. Mr. Perkins clarified that when the county transferred the park to the Town, there was an agreement that the space would always be recreational use. The sides of the stage would have pergola wings and could be used for vendors or a farmer’s market. Per her request, he would reach out to the county. Council Member Howard asked for clarification on the location of the stage. Mr. Perkins stated that the current placement was for the audience to face the lake. You would still be able to see through the stage as it backed against the lake, the location was mostly from the sun position. Council Member Howard asked for an update on the 881 Senoia Road, recreation offices remodel. Mr. Perkins stated that Mr. Langford was working on the design, however, staff was now waiting on the insurance company to return with a claim amount to proceed. If the Town received more money from the claim, the design could be adjusted. Mr. Perkins added that after discussing plans with Ms. Owens and Ms. McClenny he believes that everyone would be impressed with what they have planned for the future. Council Member Campbell thanked management and all department heads for working together for the extensive impressive presentation. Mr. Perkins agreed and shared that the budget was one of the most important tasks that staff had to tackle and that Council had to review and approve, he thanked everyone. Page 13 of 14 VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The second public comment period is for any issue. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. Please state your name & address. Comments that require a response may not be answered during this time. The Council or staff may respond at a later date. VIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION X. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 11:58 pm. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Hill. Voting Yea: Council Member Howard, Council Member Furr. By: Attest: Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 14 of 14