HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 0807 min budget194
The City Council met on AugUst 7, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. at Plainview city Hall, 901
Broadway, Plainview, Texas. The agenda for this meeting was posted in City Hall at
11:00 a.m. on August 1, 2003. Mayor John C. Anderson presided. Councilmembers
present were: Kelvin Tipton-District 1, Mary Jane Shanes-District 2, Belinda Pena-
District 3, John N. Bertsch-District 4, Ross Owen-District 5, Buddy McGehee-District 6
and Irene Favila-District 7.
Staff members present were: Wally Hatch-Interim City Manager, Elizabeth Regner-
Assistant City Manager, Jack Keller-Budget Manager, Dale Simpson-Director of Civil
Service, and Belinda Hinojosa-City Secretary.
Guests present: Dwain Dodson
News Media Representative: Richard Orr-Plainview Daily Herald
Interim City Manager Wally presented a brief overview of the budget for 2003-2004. He
stated the previous budget had a deficit initially of approximately $100,000. The Mayor,
Jack Keller and himself put together a balanced amended budget. This would leave a
surplus of $30,000. He stated the Council needs to decide whether they want a
$.02/100 property tax increase; repeal ordinance dedicating $.47/100 of property tax to
street improvement fund; increase general fund user fees; increase water rates,
increase utility service fees, staff reduction and no cost of living adjustment. The
proposed cuts would not affect the level of services.
Mayor Anderson stated he was in agreement with the proposed amended budget. He
stated he was not comfortable with an unbalanced budget.
Elizabeth Regner, Assistant City Manager stated no other jobs had been looked at other
than her position. In lieu of eliminating her position, she proposed the City forego step
raises; eliminate the vehicle allowance; eliminate uniforms; non-funding of social
services; reduce seal coat budget; cut business travel; eliminate $50,000 from
economic development fund; subsidize main street program with hotel/motel tax; adjust
interest income and stop providing meals for the City Council meetings.
Councilmember Tipton questioned if these cuts could be made now, why they were not
made in the past. What has changed, how much taxpayer money has been wasted?
Mr. Hatch provided a rebuttal to Mrs. Regner's proposals: forego step raises - morale
issue; eliminate vehicle allowance - in order to remain competitive with other cities,
such needs to remain in place; uniform clothing allowance - this would be like a
reduction in salary for those folks; non-funding of social services - SAFE, many in
Council have expressed such services as essential; economic development - Mrs.
Regner proposed in past that Council make it a priority; subsidize Main Street, would
argue that is illegal, hotel/motel tax not created to fund-main street coordinator; seal
coat budget - would be cutting services, such is cut to barebones already, increase is
because of petroleum; adjust interest income - such was recalculated; reduce meals
and snacks to Council - small amount for service Council provides.
Councilmember Owen stated he did not feel comfortable with Mrs. Regner being in the
room. Councilmember Tipton agreed with such. Mayor Anderson and Wally Hatch both
City of Plainview Minutes
Budget Workshop
August 7, 2003
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· agreed.that the.option of whether Mrs. Regner remained waS her decision. Mrs. Regner
chose to stay.
Councilmember Shanes proposed the Council reduce the line item for Council's
business and education. She proposed the Council reduce the $10,000 budgeted in 01-
01-6520 - meals and local expenses. The motion died for lack of second.
Councilmember Shanes questioned several accounts. At the request of
Councilmember Shanes, Council would like an explanation for the increase in 01-04-
6202 postage.
Mr. Hatch stated he took it that the majority of the Council was for the proposed staff
reductions, with the exception of Councilmember Shanes and Councilmember Bertsch.
The Council agreed with that summation.
The Council adjourned at 11:12 a.m. for lunch and the regularly scheduled Council
meeting.
The Council reconvened at 12:15 p.m.
The Council discussed the proposed water rate schedules. The Council did not
specifically state which option they preferred. Mayor Anderson asked if staff could
come up with the costs per gallon regarding the 44% increase in production costs. He
was interested in how much production costs on all water.
Councilmember Bertsch asked that a different word be used for disconnect fees. Mr.
Hatch agreed to come up with a new term.
Regarding the Fair Theatre Fund, the Council asked if Mrs. Regner could provide a
copy of the advertising expenses paid for with hotel/motel tax dollars and if such
complies with hotel/motel tax law.
The Council discussed repealing the $.05 tax for the street improvement fund. There
was no opposition to repeal the $.05 set aside for the street improvement fund.
Regarding the purchase of two N-ton pickups for water distribution, the Council asked if
staff cOuld provide age of pickups, make, model, maintenance reports, transmission etc.
Such is to be provided to Council on all vehicles being replaced.
Councilmember Owen moved the meeting be adjourned. The motion was duly
seconded by Mayor Anderson and carried by unanimous vote.
There' being no further business, Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 2:05 p.m.
Belinda Hinojosa
City Secretary
195
City of Plainview Minutes
Budget Workshop
August 7, 2003
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