05-15-05 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMMON COUNCIL INFORMAL MEETING Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:00 a.m. Topic Budget 101 Attendance: See Sign in Sheet President Charlotte Pfeifer began with a greeting, an introduction of attendees and a brief explanation of the purpose of the meeting, which she described as a "budget 101" information session. She and the Mayor would review the outcome of the recently completed session of the General Assembly for it's affect on local revenues and outline the City's financial position covering revenue sources as well as projected allocations. All in hopes of developing a deeper understanding while fostering mutual trust and respect among the city administration, the City Council, and the bargaining units of the police and fire departments before contract negotiations commence. Mayor Luecke echoed President Pfeifers desire to open communications and offered three handouts: 1. Reprints of"Fiscal Status of Municipalities in Indiana supplied by the Indiana Association of Cities &Towns. 2. A five-page 2005 City Budget summary of revenue and expenditures. 3. A twenty-three page "budget 101"handout, which reflected the power point presentation. The Mayor used the handouts and power point presentation to develop a"big picture" appreciation as the city's responsibilities to all its citizens departments and employees to provide services promote growth, and invest in people as well as infrastructure with the entrusted resources. The presentation began by describing the fund accounting system, which by law the city must use in managing its financial resources. At the urging of President Pfeifer, attendees were urged to ask questions freely as the Mayor walked through the presentation. Ken Marks, Local 362 asked for an explanation of hydrant fees.