August 26, 2013

This special meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of a budget hearing.

Present were Mayor John Shine, Councilman Dale Ross, Councilman Chris Barber, and Councilman Bob Culver. Councilwoman Dawn Soto joined the meeting via teleconference. Councilman Barber was excused.

Also present were staff members: City Clerk Shonna Fraser, City Administrator Polly Hulsey, City Attorney John B. Lothspeich, IT Director Kathy Markus, Police Chief Dan Hall, Community Development Director Zoe Monahan, Kathy and Burke.

Mayor Shine led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC HEARING:

This being the time published, Mayor Shine opened this public hearing at 5:32 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed. The purpose of tonight’s public hearing is for the consideration of the proposed budget for the fiscal period October 2, 2013 through September 20, 2014 pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-1002, Idaho Code. All interested persons may appear and show cause, if any, why said proposed budget should not be adopted.

Staff Testimony:

Mr. Richman stated staff has been working for months to set the budget. Staff and council have had numerous meetings, presentations and discussions. He gave a short PowerPoint presentation including some assumptions. Some concerns are personal property tax legislation and how that will affect the budget; he noted 69% of city budget comes from property tax. An increase in salary and benefits of $290,299 was budgeted. The total proposed budget is $21,629,389. Last year’s budget of approximately $60 million included a proposed bond amount of $43 million. Enterprise funds were explained and utility rate and fee increases were discussed. The fiscal year ends September 20th and the new fiscal year begins October 1st.

Testimony in favor:

The clerk read a letter from Jerome County Commerce Authority in support of the Jerome 20/20 economic development committee. Councilman Ross disclosed he is the vice-chairman of the JCCA. He was neutral regarding this letter and did not vote either way.

There being no further testimony to be heard, the Chair declared this public hearing closes at 5:38 p.m.

Mr. Richman stated council needs to make a decision regarding the length of term for bonds to improve the wastewater treatment facility as well as making a selection of options to set user rates. The budget adoption will be held on September 3rd. Staff was directed to submit material for all three options – twenty, twenty-five, or thirty year bonds and final dollar amounts for all three on the agenda material for consideration of the September 3rd agenda.

Ms. Cone stated because the budget was written conservatively any of the options will work; however, staff must have a decision at the next meeting. She noted the ordinance will be prepared for the highest amount, reminding council the budget can be decreased but not increased.

Discussion was held regarding council being able to discuss the budget.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mr. Lothspeich respectfully recommended tabling the executive session until the full council is present. No executive session was held.

ADJOURN:

There being no further information to be discussed, this August 26, 2013 special meeting of the Jerome City Council was adjourned at: 5:46 p.m.

Mayor John Shine

Shonna Fraser, City Clerk