COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS
Members of Council met in budget hearings on May 24, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. Members of Council present were Council President Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Weller. Mr. Gorman (Civilian Member of the Legislative and Finance Committee), Mr. Merritt (Civilian Member of the Legislative and Finance Committee), Mr. Farling (Civilian Member of the Utility Committee), Mr. Kramedas (Civilian Member of the Utility Committee), Mr. Wolfe (Civilian Member of the Safety Advisory Committee), Ms. Maxted (Civilian Member of the Parks & Recreation Committee), and Mayor Hutchison were also present. Mr. Martin (Civilian Member of the Safety Advisory Committee) and Susan Moerschel (Civilian Member of the Parks and Recreation Committee) were absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner and Mr. O’Connor. The Finance Director/Treasurer, Mr. Karia, and Administrative Services Director, Mrs. Tieman, and Mrs. Gardner were also present.
Council President Christiansen moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters, Chairman of the Legislative and Finance Committee, introduced the 1999-2000 Budget. Mr. Salters thanked and recognized the Mayor, Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Karia, council staff, supervisors, and all others who assisted in the preparation of the Budget. He also gave a sincere thank you to all the volunteer fire fighters for providing excellent service to our citizens. Mr. Salters noted that this is the sixth consecutive year without a property tax increase. The 1999-2000 Budget contains no electric and water rate increases. He assured the City’s continuation of providing the same high quality of dedication to our customers as has been done in the past.
Mr. Salters stated this year’s budget includes expenditures of $75.3 million. Of this amount, $9.5 million is for capital items. The estimates for Fiscal Years 2001/2002 are also presented to provide a long-term view of trends in the City’s revenues and expenditures.
The General Fund includes public services such as, police, fire, library, parks, beautification, recreation, street cleaning, leaf collection, snow removal, trash pick-up and disposal, planning and zoning, and certain development projects. The total expenditures for the 1999/2000 General Funds are $15.9 million, and a proposal to carry $35,912 to next year’s beginning balance.
The Water Fund finances production and distribution of potable water. Administrative and support services are provided to this fund by departments of the Intergovernmental Fund and proportional expenses are included in this budget. The proposed 1999/2000 Operating Budget totals $4.2 million with a carry forward balance of $421,508, approximately ten percent of the budget, for Fiscal Year 2000/2001.
The Wastewater Fund finances wastewater transmission for utility customers. Administrative and support services are provided to this fund by departments of the Intergovernmental Fund and proportional expenses are included in the budget. The proposed 1999/2000 Operating Budget totals $3.1 million with a carry forward balance of $427,943, approximately thirteen percent of the budget, for Fiscal Year 2000/2001. In April 1999, wastewater rates increased 20 cents per thousand gallons. This increase in the rate was necessary to fund approximately $800,000 of capital improvements and maintenance projects planned for the next three years. These proposed improvements include upgrading pumping stations and extending sewer lines. Currently, a twenty-year Wastewater Master Plan is being developed, and it is likely additional projects will be identified for the future years.
The Electric Fund provides electric energy to the Greater Dover Community. Administrative and support services are provided to this fund by departments of the Intergovernmental Fund and proportional expenses are included in this budget. The Proposed Operating Budget totals $51.1 million projecting a 7.4 percent increase from Fiscal Year 1999. Of this amount, $30.5 million is expected in expenses for purchased power.
Mr. O’Connor referred to the cadet program developed by the Mayor and Police Chief. He indicated that the citizens of Dover desire more uniformed personnel on the streets. The addition of cadets to the City’s police force will allow certified police officer’s the opportunity to handle more serious complaints.
Responding to Mr. Lambert, Mrs. Tieman relayed that the total cost of the proposed cadet program is $107,000, which includes uniforms, salary, and, if the work week exceeds 20 hours, benefits.
Mr. Lambert relayed concerns with the 8.7% increase in this year’s budget and the continued expanding cost of the Police Department. Responding, Council President Christiansen reminded members that payments for the new $2 million police station and 911 emergency system must now be paid and budgeted accordingly.
In response to Mr. Pitts, Chief Faulkner explained that the City has taken advantage of certain portions of the Crime Bill introduced by Senator Biden, such as monies for computer technology and for the new 911 Dispatch Center.
Responding to concerns of Mr. Weller, Mr. O’Connor stated that the City does not employ a team of professional grant writers. He assured members that projects/programs are not started unless the grant money has already been secured.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend acceptance of the 1999/2000 Budget as presented (Attached), seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried. (It is noted that acceptance of the 1999/2000 Budget requires approval of budget ordinances. A First Reading of the budget ordinances will take place during the Council Meeting of June 14, 1999 and Final Reading will occur during the Council Meeting of June 28, 1999). The budget hearings tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, 1999 and Wednesday, May 26, 1999 will not be necessary and are canceled.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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