HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-10 Personnel & Finance Committee~1 ~ ,
2011 BUDGET HEARINGS
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
The September 1, 2010 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting was called to order by
its Vice-Chairperson Karen White at 3:00 p.m.
Committee Member's in Attendance: Karen L. White; David Varner, Oliver David,
Chairperson Tom LaFountain (Present at 3:35 p.m.)
Other Council Member's: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Henry Davis; Al "Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: Howard Buchanon, Darryl Boykins, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Gary
Horvath, Tom Price, Mark Nowicki, Jim Lopez, Gregg Zientara, John Murphy, Rita
Kopala, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Christian Rose
Agenda: Police: 91 l; Police Pension
Fire: EMS; Fire Pension
Public Safety LOIT
The Personnel and Finance hearing to review 2011 Police and Fire budgets was opened
by Vice-Chairperson Karen White. All other Committee Members as well as four other
Councilmember's were present. Personnel & Finance Chairperson Tom LaFountain
arrived just minutes into the hearing taking over while thanking Vice-Chairperson White.
Prior to his power point presentation SBPD Chief Darryl Boykins distributed budget
summary sheets as well as copies of his power point for the Council to follow. As with
other department heads Chief Boykins opened highlighting 2010 accomplishments before
moving to 2011 goals and projections. Just under 8 minutes later Councilmember Oliver
Davis asked Chief Boykins a few questions. Specifically asking about grant funding, the
scope of youth programs and, the civilianization of a PD lab position.
Vice-Chairperson White asked about the apparent $380 thousand reduction in the Police
Department overtime account. The Controller said that $200K was reinstated. Vice-
Chairperson White asked how this decision was made and a final figure arrived at
considering the high priority the Council assigned to Public Safety.
Both the Mayor and Controller defended their decisions, echoed their public safety
concern, and promised further dollars as needed subject of course to Council approval.
The Mayor added that efficiencies that saved dollars without service cuts would continue
to be sought along with additional public safety revenue from other sources. He further
noted the use of special revenue funds or dedicated funds for public safety purposes
would still require Council approval.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand raised the problem of tracing the
expenditure of public safety dollars that are now generated by the public safety LOIT.
She added that a paper trail was needed for full disclosure not just periodic bottom-line
amounts. The Mayor and Controller said they were trying to devise a tracking system
that would provide transparency and ease of administration.
The Controller said the LOIT dollars, totaling $5 million would be split on a PD 55% and
FD 45% basis. For the PD this would cover the total compensation package for 34
officer and for the FD, the number covered would be 29. Councilmember Henry Davis
suggested using the "report from city offices" section of the Council meetings to
regularly get more information.
Gregg Zientara added that recent federal stimulus money of $2.9 million had been pegged
primarily for communication upgrades. Councilmember Dieter wondered if there was
enough money in OT to cover police beats, stating 2010 levels left coverage lapses.
Councilmember White asked and found out there were to be no increases in crossing
guard funds available for 2011. She also found out the school corporation was not
increasing their commitment to funding school crossing guars.
Councilmember Puzzello asked why and how departments were being charged for IT
costs. Zientara said assigning costs to each department based upon the number of users
in each department would more clearly indicate the "Cost of doing business" to the
department incurring the cost, a standard business accounting practice.
In wrapping up Councilmember Varner, Dieter and Council Attorney Farrand
reemphasized the need for accurate dollar data for both revenues and expenses for
meaningful budget reviews.
SBPD Director of Financial Services made a brief presentation of the 2011 Police
Pension budget before moving to FD budgets.
SBFD Chief Howard Buchanon began presentation of his 2011 budget at
approximately 4:30 p.m. The Chief provided the Council with a budget summary
sheet for their review. He then, as department heads had before him walked the
Council through a power point presentation highlighting accomplishments, goals,
and objectives. Among items highlighted were a scaled back training facility at
the airport. Originally envisioned as a regional facility service a wide geographic
area, it would now serve only the SBFD needs. For equipment needs the Chief
said a $1.8 million lease purchase was to be proposed other special needs include
the required purchase of bullet-proof vests for first responders. The Chief said he
would ask Council to approve a new civilian position. This person would serve as
fiscal officer replacing firefighter Mark Nowicki. Salary is proposed at
$65,000.00 a year. City Controller Gregg Zientara said this position would likely
serve both fire and police departments, adding that while committed to, the
position has not been filled. Councilmember Puzzello encouraged the pursuit of
any and all revenue sources to supplement property taxes.. Chief Buchanon and
Zientara concurred. Councilmember Henry Davis wondered if other city services
would suffer as the public safety services approach the use of nearly 80% of the
property tax based general fund. The Mayor said as a result of efficiencies from
creative problem solving, and good management practices over the past years,
services have actually been enhanced.
Following additional discussion, Christian Rose, the SBFD Fire Pension Secretary
provided a short run-down of the pension budget he monitors.
Chairperson LaFountain adjourned the hearings at 5:30 pm.
Attachments:
Power Point Print-out for Police & Fire
Police and Fire Budget Summary Sheets
Police Pension Report
Press Release from Mayor's Office
Personnel and Finance Committee