The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02-19-09 Personnel and Finance Committee$-: ,`~~~' Personnel and Finance Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The February 19, 2009 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Thomas LaFountain, at 6:53 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: LaFountain, Rouse, Henry Davis, Jr., Varner, White Puzzello, and Oliver Davis; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Gary Gilot, City Controller M. Catherine Fannello, Jerry Niezgodski, Martha Lewis, Rita Kopola, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member LaFountain noted that the Committee meeting was called to receive an update from the City Controller on historical budget information, with this meeting being the first of several meetings to be called in preparation for discussions on projected reductions in appropriation later this year. Review of Financial Reports: General Fund: City Controller M. Catherine Fannello noted that her office prepared notedbooks for each of the Council Members containing detailed financial information which has been separated into three(3) areas namely: • Historical Information 12/31/08 • Revenue Report 12/31/08 • Expenditure Report 12/31/08 She noted that the 1St page after the Historical Information 12/31/08 Tab is a summary of revenue and expenditure for the General Fund. "Actual Results" for calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 showing an historical comparison on a cash basis. Ms. Fanello noted that TIF is NOT addressed in this information. Dr. Varner noted that $52 million is projected in the levy. Ms. Fannello stated that 95% -96% is typically collected. In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. Fanello stated that she would double-check the miscellaneous revenue amount in 2005 and provide more detail. Ms. Fanello also noted that the Police Department had over $1 million left in 2008 and that she would give additional details on those sums. She added that $3 million was left in the General Fund budget which was not spent, reflecting ongoing attempt to control costs city-wide. Mayor Luecke stated that Chief Boykins exercised "extraordinary management skills" over his budget and that there were also unfilled positions last year which contributed to the monies left in the police budget. Ms. Fanello then reviewed the graphs setting forth information on the General Fund address: Property Tax -Actual Receipts 2003-2008 Taxes Levied v. Taxes Collected 2003-2008 • General Fund Expenditures 2003-2008 (which include capital) Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2009 Page 2 • General Fund -Department Expenditures 2003-2008 • General Fund Revenues 2003-2008 1VIs. Fannello stated that she has asked all departments to project proposed capital expenditures for three (3) years and rank their importance. She added that she is looking into electronic log ins for employees to which Council Member White stated that IU South Bend utilizing that system where an employee has a 5- minute window to log in. Mayor Luecke noted that often you have to spend money to save money, noting that LED is a good example. Council Member Rouse stated that he believes that if you put nothing into capital you would be shooting yourself in the foot. Council Member LaFountain noted that the monies earmarked for public safety have remained relatively stable since 2003. Park and Recreation Department Funds:: City Controller M. Catherine Fannello then reviewed information on Fund # 203 which is funded by program fees and Fund # 405 which reflects additional charges and support capital expenses; as well as the park graphs. In response to a question from Council Member Oliver Davis, Ms. Fannello stated that concessions are now tracked in the recreation and golf divisions. In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, Ms. Fanello stated that the golf courses are almost self-supporting, whereas Council Member Rouse contended that he sees them as being disproportionate. He added that he is currently reviewing the Hojnacki of 2004 or 2006. Mayor Luecke stated the golf course expenses are offset by revenues. Economic Development Income Funds:: City Controller M. Catherine Fannello passed out a 1-page handout on Economic Development Fund # 408 setting forth grants/subsidies and capital projects. She reviewed the graphs and noted that $1.6 million is allocated from the Economic Development and General Funds to the Community and Economic Development Department for salaries and administration costs. In response to questions from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Ms. Fanello would provide more detailed information on Workforce Development and Project Impact. She noted that income tax receipts will be less in light of higher unemployment rates. City Controller M. Catherine Fannello passed out a 1-page handout on County Option Income Tax Fund # 202 setting forth information on 2008 expenditures. She also reviewed the graphs on receipts and debts. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2009 Page 3 Council Member LaFountain stated that there will be a series of upcoming Personnel and Finance Committee meetings with the next meeting to be held on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. addressing "projections". There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member LaFountain adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. ~1 C6unciYlGlember Thomas LaFountain, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments: 1. Meeting Notice of February 10, 2009 2. General Fund Revenues chart 2003-2008 3. County Option Income Tax Fund # 404 4. Economic Development Fund # 408