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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of the 2009 Operating Budget Public Hearing
Held Monday, November 9, 2009
The City of Silverton held a public hearing in Council Chambers at 6860 Plainfield Road at 9:00 am on Monday, November 9, 2009. Mayor John Smith called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the hearing was the presentation and discussion of the 2010 Operating Budget.
Present: Mayor Smith, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Garner, Mrs. Glover, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Wendling, Mr. Pacheco.
Mr. Wendling reported that Mr. Quarry and Mr. Sylvester would be arriving momentarily.
1. State Purpose of Hearing
Mr. Wendling stated the purpose of the hearing was the presentation of the 2010 Operating Budget.
2. Presentation and Discussion
Mr. Wendling explained that Silverton, like most local governments, will face fiscal challenges in 2010 and beyond. Our revenues are down at least 7% and we are facing a deficit of approximately $300,000 next year. We need to find a way to balance out the decrease in our revenues. Mr. Wendling inventoried a list of items that, if implemented, will help to reduce our expenses in 2010:
· Wage freeze, other than step increases, for all employees
· LaVerne Stormer is retiring, effective 12/31/09, and will not be replaced
· Bill Knight’s vacant position can remain vacant
· Convert the bond for 7221 Montgomery Road to a 25 year fixed rate loan while interest rates remain low
· Eliminate ICRC’s video services, which cost approximately $22,000 annually
· Outsource the police dispatch services
· Place a moratorium on capital infrastructure projects (other than those to which we are already committed)
· No transfers from the general fund to the capital improvement fund
· Consider placing a tax levy request on the ballot in the spring
A brief discussion followed about ICRC. Mrs. Garner stated she is looking into a possible internship program with SCPA which would allow for a high school student to video tape our meetings for broadcast. Audience member Mrs. Thompson suggested Waycross Community Media as an alternative.
Mr. Wendling then turned the meeting over to Mr. Peterson. Mr. Peterson reported we have made $400,000 in cuts for the 2010 proposed operating budget. Our major concern is 2011, not 2010, as the revenues are expected to flatline.
Mr. Quarry suggested the Mayor and Council member’s salaries be cut. Mr. Pacheco stated the cut cannot take effect until 2011 term and must be passed by ordinance. A discussion followed about donating a portion of each salary back to the City. This would need to be done on a volunteer basis. It was decided that Council would meet separately to discuss this.
Other expenses discussed were:
· Cell phones
· Election fees
· Travel and meetings for Council members
· Dues and subscriptions
· Part time positions
· Wages
Mrs. Hackett asked when we are planning to move to the new building. Mr. Wendling reported that we are working with Miller Valentine on an agreement to do a design build. The major concern is the air conditioning unit at the new location. However, there is also concern with the boiler system in the present location. The only way, given our current financial condition, that we could move to the new building is if the minimal renovations can be achieved for less than the residual ($138K) of the bond note issued to purchase the building.
Mr. Wendling stated he and Mr. Peterson would take the aforementioned items under consideration and send a revised budget to Council early next week.
3. Public Comment
None.
4. Adjourn Hearing
Mrs. Williams motioned to adjourn the hearing and was seconded by Mr. Quarry. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:14 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith L. George John A. Smith Mark T. Wendling
Clerk of Council Mayor City Manager