09-11-03 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 2003 Page 2 Department. Two (2) new positions are proposed namely a Zoning Specialist at a salary of $37,000 and a Secretary IV at a salary of $24,765. She also noted that Don Fozo's salary would be increased by 10.6% in light of the additional duties he would be performing if the new zoning ordinance is passed. Ms. Neese stated that in order for these increases to take place that additional revenue must be generated to pay for them. A revenue increase of $225,788 is necessary. They are considering raising the fees charged per square foot from $0.06 to $0.08, raising the minimum on mechanical permits from $15.00 to $20.00, and increasing the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Area Board of Zoning Appeals to$50.00. Council Member Kelly inquired about the proposed increases, and noted that Don Fozo and his staff run a good department. Ms. Neese stated that the fees have not been raised since 2000. Dr. Varner asked how the proposed fees compare to those in Mishawaka. Ms. Neese stated that Mishawaka using a"cost basis"instead of a"square foot basis"utilized in South Bend. Council Member Aranowski stated that he believes that having more people on staff to handle the additional burden is a good move. He thanked Ms. Neese for coming back to give a second presentation to the Committee. 2004 Neighborhood Code Enforcement 2003 Expenditures $1,400,544 General Fund # 101-1201 2004 Expenditures $1„246,024 2003 Revenue $1,670,236 2004 Revenue $1,633,629 Catherine Brucker, Director of Code Enforcement and Gary Libbey made the presentation. Ms. Brucker provided a 6-page handout (copy attached) which summarized key provisions of the proposed budget which is summarized on the replacement page summarizing the major changes for the department. She reviewed the information summarized on her handout addressing environmental standards enforcement. Rick 011ett noted that last year departments were told to budget for gasoline at a cost of$1.75 per gallon and as a result this line-item has helped in meeting the requested cost reductions for each department. Dr. Varner noted that road use taxes are the highest, and inquired whether state and federal taxes are avoided in this area. Mr. 011ett stated that he would check this matter out and report back to the Council. Council President White inquired about the 11,647 violation letters sent out by the Department. Ms. Brucker stated that this number is approximately 2,000 less than last year in light of the fact that the department knocks on doors and talks to people first. She noted that this has resulted in more compliance. Council Member Kuspa inquired whether the department has any inspectors who are Latino. Ms.