CITY OF BUENA VISTA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING AND
PUBLIC HEARING
JANURY 24, 2013
The City Council for the City of Buena Vista met for a Special Council Meeting on
Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (2039 Sycamore
Avenue).
Council Members Present:
Melvin Henson
Jane Armstrong
Vice-Mayor Larry Tolley
Mayor Frankie Hogan
Lewis Plogger
Lisa Clark
Member Absent: Steve Baldridge
Mayor Hogan opened the meeting by requesting that everyone stand and repeat
the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice-Mayor Larry Tolley delivered the opening prayer.
PUBLIC HEARING:
The City of Buena Vista and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
will hold a joint public hearing on January 24, 2013, Buena Vista City Council
Chambers, 2039 Sycamore Avenue, Buena Vista, Virginia, beginning at 6:00
p.m. or shortly thereafter, to receive public comments on revisions and additions
for Buena Vista City’s proposed Six Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years
2014 through 2019.
Mr. Mike Branscome, District Program Manager, from VDOT opened the
discussion by explaining that all the money that the City has in their project at this
time is Federal dollars. The money is 80% Federal, 20% State match, and the
City’s 2% match. The dollars are limited as to where they can be spent on
Federally eligible routes within the City. All of the routes listed in these projects
are Federally eligible. He said that if you do paving work, you basically have to
re-construction paving. He also advised that you have to have an environmental
document with each project.
Mr. Branscome presented the following list of SYP Priorities for the City of Buena
Vista:
CITY OF BUENA VISTA SYP PRIORITIES FY 14-19
Install Traffic Signal At 10th Street – Completed 11/6/12 – Total
Estimate $219,617
2.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvements Along Ridge Avenue and
Route 60 – Existing Project with revised scope – Fully funded – Total
Estimate $650,000
Mr. Branscome said that this project is part of the old project for the
Eastern part of Route 60 out near Ridge Avenue.
Mr. Scudder opined that the section of the old project was in an area that did
not have a lot of development.
Mr. Branscome informed everyone that this plan calls for intersection
improvements, ADA access, and curb and guttering. Sidewalks will be added
to one side of Ridge Avenue from the intersection at Route 60 up to Maple
Avenue.
3.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvement along 10th Street – New
Project – Fully funded – Total Estimate $270,000
This project will be from the intersection at 10th and Magnolia to the
first entrance to Glen Maury Park. Sidewalks will be added to the side of the
street that does not have them at this time.
4.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvements along Magnolia Avenue –
17th Street to 18th Street - New Project – Fully funded – Total Estimate
$105,000
Mr. Branscome advised that sidewalks will be added to this section of
the street and that curb and gutter is already installed. ADA ramps will also
be added.
5.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvements along Magnolia Avenue –
24th Street to 25th Street – New Project – Fully Funded – Total
Estimate $105,000
Mr. Branscome said that sidewalks and ADA ramps will also be added
to this street.
6.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvements At Spot Locations Along
Magnolia Avenue – 10th Street to Dickinson Drive – New Project –
Fully funded – Total Estimate $225,000
Mr. Branscome advised that this is a spot improvement project. He
stated that there will be places in the sidewalk that will be fixed for handicap
ramps and bring that section up to ADA standards. Both sides of the street in
this section will be repaired.
7.)
Pedestrian and ADA Access Improvements Along Route 60 (29 th
Street) – New Project – Partially funded – Total Estimate $521,966
Mr. Branscome said that originally this project was much larger. It
started out from Brook Street to close to the Robey Bridge. He advised that
the City limits actually end about half way up the hill before you get to the
Robey Bridge. He pointed out that the City limits on the left hand side of the
road goes all the way up to the Food Lion Shopping Center but the property
on the right hand side of the road belongs to Rockbridge County. He said
that this would be another planned project because of the involvement of
1.)
utilities and right of way issues. He said that any monies left over from the
above projects can be used to fund this project.
Mayor Hogan then wanted to know if Mr. Branscome anticipated having to
buy a right of way on the left hand side of the Ridge Avenue project.
Mr. Branscome said that at this time he does not have any idea since he does
not know what the existing right of way is. However, he does not expect a lot
if there is an existing right of way there. He said that we would basically be
adding a curb and gutter and sidewalk in that area. Depending on the
construction limits you would buy a fee right of way to cover at least the
sidewalk. He opined that there is enough space to install curb and gutter and
sidewalk on the left hand side of the road.
After further discussion concerning the amount of monies available and
incorporating repairs on sidewalks from 19th to 22nd street, Mayor Hogan
wanted to know the time line for these projects.
Mr. Branscome advised that a Resolution is needed to adopt the plan as it
has been presented. There should be a hearing in April for the draft plan and
the final approval in June. The plan would go into effect July 1, 2013.
Vice-Mayor Tolley stated that if the City does not act, we will loose the funds.
Mayor Hogan said that Council adopted a Resolution on December 20 and
wanted to know if we need another one.
Mr. Branscome said that we do need to adopt another Resolution in case
there was any public input tonight and if anything needed to be changed in
the plan.
Mayor Hogan closed the Public Hearing.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Member Lisa Clark motioned to
approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on December 20, 2012,
seconded by Councilman Melvin Henson, carried by Council.
RECOGNITION/COMMUNICATION FROM VISITORS:
Citizens who desire to speak on matters not listed on the agenda will be heard at
this time. Citizens who desire to speak on the Agenda will be heard when the
agenda item is considered.
Mrs. Peggy McCaulley, 150 Vista Links, Buena Vista was the first person to
speak. Mrs. McCaulley reminded everyone that at the December 13, 2012,
Council meeting, she requested that Council release the insurance money
received for the pavilion at Vista Links to the Vista Links Ladies Golf Association
so they could begin to construct the replacement pavilion. She also requested at
that time if citizens could get together and raise the balance of the funds to have
the replacement pavilion built. Mrs. McCaulley advised that she had posted a
sign up sheet at the Pro Shop and left it there for 10 days. She said that they
have collected 41 signatures stating that both citizens of Buena Vista and
Rockbridge County are willing to help support financially and/or in kind
improvements to the GMP/Vista Links Golf Course. She advised that the reason
GMP was included was at the time the City had indicated they were going to try
to receive grant money to make improvements at GMP. She said that everyone
who signed the list will be advised that only the pavilion at Vista Links will be
worked on. Mr. Scudder has advised Mrs. McCaulley that the amount of the
check from the insurance company is $14,778.00. She advised that Spencer’s
has presented an estimate of $20,000.00 on the material only for an enclosed
pavilion and $15,500.00 for the roof only on an open pavilion. She is confident
that they can raise $1,000.00 to at least put the roof on the open pavilion. She
proposed that the Ladies Golf Association spend the next 3 months trying to
raise the funds to erect the enclosed pavilion. Some of the ideas they have to
raise the funds will be to put a jar at the Pro Shop for donations and to also have
a golf tournament if the City will allow them to keep the proceeds from the
tournament. They have also considered teaming up with the Lion’s Club to raise
money. She first wanted to know if Council has any objections to their ideas and
if Council would release the insurance money to them.
Councilman Plogger stated that he does not have any problem releasing the
insurance money to the Association. However, he would like to see an enclosed
pavilion erected on the golf course because he feels that it would attract more
people and more tournaments.
Vice-Mayor Tolley opined that if you would research the history of GMP, you will
find that the park was mostly built with volunteer help and he does not have a
problem releasing the insurance money to the Association.
Councilman Henson said that if the pavilion was enclosed, it could be used for
other functions as well.
Council Member Clark opined that an enclosed pavilion will be an asset to the
City.
Mr. Brian Brown, Director of Economic Development, reminded everyone that
with a building of that size, adequate drawings must be submitted for approval.
Vice-Mayor Tolley suggested that this item be put on the agenda for approval at
the second scheduled Council meeting in February. At that time, he would like to
make sure that we have all of the liability issues addressed.
Council Member Clark suggested that at the second meeting in February, Mrs.
McCaulley come back to Council with the drawings of the pavilion and a written
estimate of the total cost of the project. She also suggested that Mrs. McCaulley
and her group continue with their fund raising efforts.
REPORTS:
Mayor:
None.
City Manager:
Mr. Scudder advised that Ms. Jean Clark with the Rockbridge Regional Tourism
Office delivered new brochures and that the brochures are very well done.
Mr. Scudder said that Mr. Brown wanted him to remind Council about the
partnership between DSLCC and Averett University to earn an Averett University
bachelors administration degree. This is going to be a distance learning
program and they will be hosting an information session with representatives
from Averett on Thursday, February 7, 2013, from 7 to 8 p.m. at DSLCC. Mr.
Scudder said that Councilman Henson reminded him of the new storm water
regulations and what some of the cities in Virginia are doing to create fees for
funding storm water requirements. Mr. Scudder advised that Tim Dudley and
Brian Brown have done some comparisons concerning the increase in the
meals/lodging tax. He said it looks like the 2% increase is generating an
additional increase of revenues between $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 per month. Mr.
Scudder then addressed some of the improvements that are being done at GMP.
He said that he has pictures of the before and after of the bath facilities and the
paving that has taken place at GMP. He opined that the work being done to the
old campsites will really be a marked improvement for the park. Mr. Scudder
advised that he received an email from Robin Sullinberger of the Shendoah
Valley Economic Development Partnership extending an invitation for the initial
meeting of an organization called Blue Print Virginia and Economic Development
Initiative of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He advised that this is a high
priority at the State level and we have been chosen to host the first of several
regional meetings to begin the process. The first meeting will be held at the
Harrisonburg/Rockingham Chamber on February 7, 2013, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
City Attorney:
None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Henson reported that he had the opportunity to attend the last
Mayors/Chair breakfast where the 911 Center, the regional jail, and tourism
were discussed.
CONSIDER
APPOINTMENTS
TO
COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES:
VARIOUS
BOARDS,
None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Second reading of the amended Noise Ordinance:
Motion was made by Vice-Mayor Tolley, seconded by Council Member Clark,
carried by Council, for Clerk of Council Dawn Moore to read the following
Ordinance by title only:
ORDINANCE
AMENDING AND REPLACING THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR THE
CITY OF BUENA VISTA
WHEREAS, Council for the City of Buena Vista has determined that the
attached modifications to Chapter 14 of the Code of Buena Vista enhances the
protection, health, welfare and peace of the citizens.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED for the Council for the City of
Buena Vista that the attached Chapter 14 of the Code of Buena Vista entitled
“Noise” shall entirely replace the current Chapter 14.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall effective thirty (30)
days from the date of adoption.
___________________________
Lawrence Franklin Hogan,
Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Clerk of the Council
__________________________
Date of Adoption
Motion was made by Vice-Mayor Tolley, seconded by Councilman Plogger for
the approval of the amended Noise Ordinance.
Clerk of Council, Dawn Moore, polled Council as follows for the approval of the
amended Noise Ordinance:
Present
Absent
Yes
Mayor Frankie Hogan
X
X
Lisa Clark
X
X
Jane Armstrong
X
X
Melvin Henson
X
X
No
Abstain
Steve Baldridge
X
Lewis Plogger
X
X
Vice-Mayor Larry Tolley
X
X
NEW BUSINESS:
Reading and presentation of a Proclamation honoring the SVU’s
Women’s Cross Country Team:
Clerk of Council, Dawn Moore, read the following Proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS,
the “SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM” repeated as United States Collegiate Athletic
Association national champions in Lake Placid, New York; and
WHEREAS, the “SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM” under the direction of Head Coach Logan Davis and
Assistant Coach Jeremiah John has now captured 11 USCAA national titles over
the past 15 years; and
WHEREAS, the “SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM” consists of 1 USCAA All-American First Team
member, 3 Capital Athletic Conference All Conference Second Team members,
and 3 USCAA All-Academic Team members.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, on this date, January 17,
2013, by the Mayor of the City of Buena Vista, Virginia, that the “SOUTHERN
VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM”
and their
coaches be honored by the City of Buena Vista, Virginia for all their
accomplishments.
_________________________
Lawrence F. Hogan, Mayor
City of Buena Vista, Virginia
Mayor Hogan presented the Proclamation to Coach Jeremiah John and
members of the SVU Women’s Cross Country Team.
Reading and adoption of a Resolution honoring the City’s
Constitutional Officers:
Clerk of Council, Dawn Moore, read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING JANUARY 21 – 25, 2013
AS CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER WEEK IN
BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 1, of the Virginia Constitution provides for
the direct election of local officials charged with the critically important duties of
maintenance of public records, operation of the Circuit Courts, prosecution of
criminals, protection of public safety, and the administration and collection of
local revenues; and,
WHEREAS, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Commissioner of the Revenue,
Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff and Treasurer for the City of Buena Vista
continue a tradition of local administration of government functions that predates
the American Revolution; and,
WHEREAS, these Constitutional Officers, their deputies and employees
who serve in their offices provide the people of the City of Buena Vista with a
direct link to their government at the local level, unfiltered by bureaucracy and
responsive to citizen’s needs; and,
WHEREAS, the Constitutional Officers embody Thomas Jefferson’s ideal
form of representative democracy which provides for direct accountability to the
people by virtue of the people’s right to vote for their Constitutional Officers; and,
WHEREAS, the Constitutional Officers in the City of Buena Vista are
setting new standards of customer service, innovative service delivery, and
responsiveness that fellow officers and other public servants in the
Commonwealth would do well to emulate:
NOW, BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City Of
Buena Vista, Virginia does hereby designate the week of January 21 – 25, 2013
as Constitutional Officer Week in the City of Buena Vista to coincide with the
Commonwealth’s designation of Constitutional Officer Week in Virginia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Buena
Vista urges our citizens to familiarize themselves with the services provided by
their Constitutional Officers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mayor Hogan will transmit copies of
this Resolution to the Honorable Christopher W. Coleman, the Honorable Mar
Vita LeAnn Flint, the Honorable Christopher B. Russell, the Honorable Yolanda
C. Boatwright, and the Honorable Willie R. “Randy” Hamilton with the
appreciation and respect of the City Council for their service to the citizens of the
City of Buena Vista.
_________________________
Lawrence F. Hogan, Mayor
ATTEST:_________________________
Clerk of Council
DATE OF ADOPTION: ________________
Mayor Hogan presented the Resolution to the Constitutional Officers for the City
of Buena Vista.
Reading and presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation for the
Park Commission members:
Clerk of Council, Dawn Moore, read the following Certificate of Appreciation:
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
This certificate is awarded to (Park Commission member) in recognition of
valuable contributions to the Buena Vista Park Commission.
_____________________
Lawrence F. Hogan, Mayor
ATTEST:_________________________
Clerk of Council
Mayor Hogan presented the certificates to the members of the Park Commission.
Mr. Brian Brown thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication.
Discuss and approve a list of VDOT priorities for fiscal years
2014 through 2019:
City Attorney Brian Kearney advised that a Resolution of approval will be ready
for the next Council meeting on February 7, 2013.
Presentation of final budget figures for FY2011-2012 by
Robinson, Farmer, Cox:
Finance Director Tim Dudley advised that Mr. James Kelly and Ms. Sadie
Begoon from Robinson, Farmer, Cox would present a short overview of the
FY2011-2012 budget.
Ms. Begoon was the first to address Council. She pointed out the following:
1.) Page 8 – Independent Auditor’s Report – RFC issued an unqualified
opinion, the highest opinion that RFC offers.
2.) Page 10–18 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis – This
document is prepared by the City’s management. This document is a
good executive summary of the entire report.
3.) Page 24 – Governmental Financial Statements – Exhibit 1 and 2 –
These financial statements are on the full accrual basis of the City.
The City ended the year with net assets of around $11,000,000.00, of
which $2,800,000.00 was unrestricted.
4.) Page 30 – Fund Financial Statements -Exhibit 3 – These statements
are presented on the modified accrual basis of the City. At the end of
the year the City had cash investments of $1,600,000.00, ending fund
balance of approximately $1,800,000.00, of that, about $1,000,000.00
was unassigned. The general fund balance came out to about 10% of
the general fund expenditures for the year.
5.) Page 32 – Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in
Fund Balances – Exhibit 5 – There was a net change in the fund
balance, a decrease of $167,000.00.
6.) Page 34 – Statement of Fund Net Assets – Exhibit 7– These
statements cover the water/sewer fund and the golf course. The
proprietary funds ended the year with net assets of $1,600,000.00, of
which $1,200,000.00 was unrestricted. Cash in investments were
$1,300,000.00 . Exhibit 8 – Enterprise Funds - There is a change in
that asset that decreases by $430,000.00. Some of this decrease is
due to interest expense and the golf course loss.
7.) Page 38 – Notes to Financial Statements – These notes are an
integral part of the report.
8.) Page 78 – Schedule of Pension Fund Progress – Exhibit 12 – This
section covers the City’s required disclosures for VRS. At the end of
June, 2011 the funded ratio was 76% which is common for localities
around the State.
9.) Page 138 – Statistical Section – Table 10 - This section shows the
financial data so that you are able to see how things have changed
over the last 10 years. In 2012 tax levies and collection was 93% and
has been fairly consistent over the last 10 years.
Ms. Begoon stated that as part of our audit, RFC is required to assess the
compliance of the City with State and Federal regulations. As part of the audit
they conducted 3 full audits on Federal programs and found no non-compliances.
Mr. James Kelley of RFC was next to address Council. He began his
presentation by stating that he wanted to make Council aware of 2 substantial
GASB announcements that are going into effect in 2015. These standards on
Page 78, Exhibit 12, which shows the amount of funds that the City has with the
VRS versus the liabilities the City would owe if they had to pay all of the
retirement currently. The liability exceeds the assets by $3,700,000.00. In
FY2015, unless there is a change in the standards, the $3,700,000.00 will be
recorded as a liability on the City’s accrual basis financial statement. It will not
affect the budgeting per say, but a lot of professionals are wondering how it will
affect the bond ratings. The City has about $12,000,000.00 in net assets. If you
take the $3,700,000.00 away from the $12,000,000.00 in net assets, you are
down to about $8,000,000.00. There is concern that bond issuers will look at
how that affects your bottom number on Exhibit 1 and 2 and maybe will increase
our rate or not allow the City to borrow. This is just for the City alone. The
schools which participate in a State wide teacher sharing pool will be much larger
than $3,700,000.00. He said that he wanted to make sure that Council is aware
of the financial situation it may face in a couple of years.
Vice-Mayor Tolley wanted to know if this is an advantage to the State.
Mr. Kelley answered by saying no it is not an advantage to the State. He said
that it is his understanding that the State’s fund is about 70% also. He said that
he feels that rates from VRS will increase again to get the percentage up closer
to what it was in 2008/2009.
Mr. Scudder requested that Mr. Kelley advise Council about the reality of the
above transaction.
Mr. Kelley said that he feels it will not affect anything except for the first 2 tables
and some of the tables in the back of the financial report. He feels the only way
he thinks it could affect some localities will be with bond ratings.
Mr. Scudder stated that it is not reality that the City would have to fully fund VRS.
Mr. Kelley replied by saying that the $3,700,000.00 is what the City would owe
today to anyone who is eligible to participate in VRS.
Mr. Scudder said that everyone is in the same boat. He said that as far as
localities go, the City is funding 76% and that it is pretty good for localities in the
State. He stated that the City is current with the norm, if not above the curve for
the State of Virginia.
Mr. Tim Dudley, Finance Director, was next to approach Council. He started his
presentation by speaking about the General Fund. He said that the General
Fund’s fund balance decreased by $123,000.00 due to expenditures and
transfers that exceeds revenues. He pointed out that some of the major areas
are as follows:
1.) Regional Jail - $65,000.00 over
2.) Tax relief for the elderly - $24,000.00 over
3.) Parks/Rec transfer from the general fund - $108,000.00 over
4.) Golf Course - $35,000.00 over
5.) Flood Protection transfer - $56,000.00 over
6.) E911 - $18,000.00 over
Just in those areas accounts for $306,000.00 of expenditures over revenues. He
explained that the good thing about looking at those figures is that they are for
FY2012 and that for FY2013 Council went a long ways to fully fund the above
areas. The Regional Jail went from $190,000.00 to $294,000.00; E911 went
from $162,000.00 to $208,000.00; Park/Rec increased about $60,000.00 over
FY2012. He explained if you look at just the areas and can control the
expenditures for FY2013 and the actual general fund revenues coming in, the
City should have a decent fund balance for FY2013.
Mr. Scudder thanked Staff, Tim, Alisa, and Council for the budget process for last
year. There was a lot of transition and a lot of thing affected the close out budget
for FY2012. He opined that everyone did a lot better job of budgeting for FY2012
and a lot of the problems in past budgets have been corrected. He went on to
explain why the City Manager’s budget is over. Mr. Scudder said that the budget
was over due to 3 personnel changes in the City Manager’s Office during
FY2012. The overage was not due to inappropriate spending, just transitional.
Councilman Plogger wanted to know the amount of money that was taken from
the fund balance at the end of FY2012 to balance the budget.
Mr. Dudley advised that the City ended up $1,028,000.00 in the fund balance at
the end of FY2012 which reflects the decrease of $123,000.00 taken to balance
the budget.
Councilman Plogger then wanted to know how the Departments within the City
finished with their budgets for FY2012.
Mr. Dudley explained that some of the Departments finished good and some not
so good. He went on to say that some Departments had larger deficits than
others, such as the Police Department. However, you must look at the grants
received by the Police Department, the police cars that were sold, and forfeiture
assets. These are items that the City actually received revenues from and spent
actual expenditures so a budget amendment had to be done. Mr. Dudley opined
that it makes the Department budget look worse than it actually is. Mr. Dudley
said that for FY2013 he needs to make sure we have all of the grants, all the
sales of equipment, anything that produces revenues are reported so that a
budget amendment can be done. He went on to say that there are other areas
that will have to be looked at closely in FY2013 such as computer maintenance.
He said that we are trying to budget more accurately for computer maintenance
by trying to distribute the cost to the correct Department. Some Departments do
not have a computer maintenance budget so if computer maintenance is needed
for that Department, the funds have to come out of the general fund.
Councilman Plogger then wanted to know why this type of budgeting has not
been done all along.
Mr. Dudley replied that he has not been doing the budget that way and will do a
better job in FY2013.
Councilman Plogger then stated that he is familiar with the Police Department
budget and where it looks like they were $60,000.00 in the red, after adding back
all of the grants and other revenues, they were actually around $3,000.00 in the
red.
Mr. Scudder stated that we are all looking at things to do a better job next year by
building a more accurate budget. He went on to say that Richmond has looked
at what the City has done in the past year and he has received very positive
comments. He also said that he is very proud of our staff.
Vice-Mayor Tolley opined that we need to measure ourselves by our budget.
Chief Slagle then passed out a sheet explaining the Police Department’s budget
for FY2012.
Mr. Dudley then explained that the $1,028,000.00 unassigned fund balance is
very important to everyone. He said that it sounds like a lot but when it comes to
the general fund balance, it is really not. He said that it is about 10% and it
needs to be about 20%. The general fund balance subdizes the general fund
revenues and for a period of time from July through the end of October or
November, our expenditures exceeds our revenues. During that time frame, the
general fund balance has to make up the difference. Our general fund balance is
not enough to make up the difference in that time frame. In the last few years we
have been using the fund from the water/sewer general funds. He opined that it
is only a matter of time before those funds will be gone. If the water/sewer
general fund balance is gone, we will not be able to make it on our own. Mr.
Dudley said that the lowest we should let our general fund get is about
$1,028,000.00.
Vice-Mayor Tolley stated that in 2008 the fund balance was around
$3,000,000.00.
Mr. Dudley explained that the City got that fund balance by budgeting accurately
and that the fund balance should be around $3,000,000.00 today. He went on to
state that if the fund balance were that high, we could pay cash for such things
as police cars, etc.
Council Member Clark then asked Mr. Dudley if payments that the City has to
make are structured around the reimbursements that the City receives from the
State and Federal government.
Mr. Dudley answered by saying that the payments are not necessarily structured
around receiving reimbursements from the government. He stated that is why it
is very important to have a sizable general fund balance.
Councilman Plogger then addressed comp time versus being paid overtime. He
wanted to know if every employee in the City now receives overtime pay in place
of comp time.
Mr. Scudder said that he could not speak for the Constitutional Officers but nonexempt employees are now being paid overtime in dollars, not comp time. He
said that for the most part everyone is being paid in dollars, not comp time.
Councilman Plogger said that he understands that is how you get true budgeting.
The problem that he has in the FY2012 budget is paying overtime in dollars did
not start until the FY2012 budget had been passed.
Mr. Scudder explained that it is his feelings that the only way you can see the
true cost of what a Department is doing. He also opined that problem with comp
time versus paying overtime in dollars, is when a person takes comp time off, it
affects the entire Department by being short handed with personnel.
Councilman Plogger stated that he is ok with paying overtime in dollars if the
Department has the money to do so.
Mayor Hogan said that there were 3 City employees that had a tremendous
amount of comp time and wanted to know if the comp time has been worked off.
He would like to see a report on how much comp time the 3 employees still have.
Mr. Brown advised that one of his employees took 1 day off each week all year to
deplete his comp time.
Mayor Hogan opined that if the City expects employees to get their comp time
down, then Department heads need to get their comp time down also.
Motion was made by Councilman Plogger to adjourn the special Council meeting,
seconded by Councilman Henson, carried by Council.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Hogan adjourned the
meeting.
_____________________________
Lawrence F. Hogan, Mayor
__________________________
Dawn W. Moore, Clerk of Council