CITY OF ESTACADA BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

ESTACADA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS

475 SE MAIN STREET, ESTACADA, OREGON

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2002 – 6:30 PM

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER BY PRESIDING OFFICER – Chair Atkinson

 

Chair Atkinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

 

Present:  Chair Atkinson, Robert Austin, Pam Butcher, Jane Troeh, Richard Hartwig, Sandra Pense, Kay Nelson, Jackie Freeborn, Dave Keebler, Susan Campbell, Michele Cheshier, Librarian McKinnon, CM Ealy, CR Carey.

 

Absent:  Cliff Gavic, Marli Stauffacher, Brent Dodrill.

 

B.        DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS

 

Dave Keebler moved to adopt the budget as proposed.  Susan Campbell seconded the motion.  Many members missed the first meeting and asked that the budget be presented at least briefly.  Campbell withdrew her second and Keebler withdrew his motion. 

 

1)      Library – Librarian McKinnon stated that the decrease in county library funds was caused by reductions in the county budget.

 

2)    Building – CM Ealy reviewed the building fund revenues and expenses.  The committee discussed the inspection contract and the fact that the fund has been struggling during its six years.  CM will look at the contract and see if the city can keep a larger percentage.  The committee would like to see this fund reconsidered next year if it is still struggling.

 

3)    Streets – CM Ealy reviewed the street fund revenues and expenses.  The committee discussed street maintenance and the possibility of grants to improve some streets that are in need of repair.  CM explained that the next three-year phase of CDBG grants is coming up and some street work might possibly be submitted for funding. 

 

4)    Park SIR – CM stated that staff is working on a list for improvements to bring to the council.

 

5)    Water – CM Ealy reviewed the revenues and expenses for the water fund.  CM stated that 10% of all water collection funds goes to the water reserve fund.  The committee discussed the lack of projects in the budget.  CM explained there may be some money available from this year’s projects that will carry over to next year for a project.

 

6)    Storm Sewer – CM explained that the Short Street project is being bid at this time to construct in next year’s budget. 

 

7)    Sewer – CM explained that 10% of the collections is placed in the reserve account. 

 

8)    Debt Service – CR Carey reviewed the debt service accounts.  The committee discussed paying off the 1973 Water GO Bond in this budget year.  The consensus was to pay it off this year to save in interest over the remaining ten years.

 

9)    General Fund – CM Ealy reviewed the revenues and expenses.  The committee discussed the park funding and what was covered under parks.  The committee reduced equipment purchase minor from $4,000 to $0.00 reducing the park fund by $4,000.  They also discussed the added services for the community center for personal services.  The committee reduced court fines revenue to $15,000 reducing the general fund by $5,000. 

 

Kay Nelson would like to see a cap on insurance benefits.  CM Ealy stated that the insurance budgeted is less than the insurance budgeted last year and he would like to not cap the insurance since the budget has decreased even though the cost of insurance has gone up.  CM stated he is looking at adding staff next year and will look at a cap at this time.  Sue Campbell asked how wages compared to similar cities.  CM stated that the salaries are very low compared to similar cities.  The committee agrees that this needs to be looked at and that CM  needs to begin talks with the employees regarding this subject.  The committee wants a solution by next year’s budget. 

 

C.        PUBLIC COMMENT

 

            None.

 

 

 

D.        MOTION TO APPROVE PROPOSED BUDGET (WITH AMENDMENTS)

 

Pam Butcher moved to approve the budget as amended.  Jane Troeh seconded the motion.  Roll call vote:  Robert Austin-yes, Pam Butcher-yes, Jane Troeh-yes, Richard Hartwig-yes, Cliff Atkinson-yes, Sandra Pense-no, Kay Nelson-no, Jackie Freeborn-yes, Michele Cheshier-yes, Dave Keebler-yes, Susan Campbell-yes.  The motion passed with 9 yes and 2 no.

 

E.        MOTION TO APPROVE TOTAL AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES

 

Pam Butcher moved to approve a rate of $2.6749 per $1,000 of total ad valorem property taxes to be certified for collection.  Robert Austin seconded the motion.  Roll call vote:  Robert Austin-yes, Pam Butcher-yes, Jane Troeh-yes, Richard Hartwig-yes, Cliff Atkinson-yes, Sandra Pense-yes, Kay Neslon-yes, Jackie Freeborn-yes, Michele Cheshier-yes, Dave Keebler-yes, Susan Campbell-yes.  The motion passed with 11 yes and 0 no.

 

F.         ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.