02-04-08 Personnel and Finance Standing Committee

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Personnel and Finance Committee February 4, 2008 Page 3 In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Mayor Luecke stated that Goshen and the City of Elkhart will be negatively impact more than Elkhart County. That county has had CAGIT in place. In response to questions raised by Council Member White, Mayor Luecke stated that there have been some preliminary discussions downstate regarding the tightening of the definition of not-for-profits. Dr. Varner noted that assessment reductions might be considered since the not-for- profits need police and fire services. He voiced .concern with regard to the broad interpretations being given the use of TIF monies. Council Member White noted that older neighborhoods often need more services than other parts of the city. She noted that not all Districts should be stated the same and that discussions for such services needs to take place. In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Mayor Luecke stated that SB 114 and others address annexation and will need to be monitored. One bill would require 100% agreement of the property owners in order to go forward with an annexation, noting that programs in Fishers and Carmel have been the source of many of these bills. Jerry Niezgodski noted that he has done an analysis of various Indiana cities and believes that the number of personnel may need to be studied. He stated that the number of full-time city employees for Indianapolis is 5 per 1000; in Fort Wayne it is 6.73 per 1000 and in South Bend it is 12.27 per 1000. Mayor Luecke stated that the city will continue to review "how we do things". He stated that cities do things differently and provide a different level of services. Comparing personnel and population may not necessarily be reflective. Council Member LaFountain thanked Mayor Luecke for his report. He then adjourned the committee meeting at 6:15 pm. ~"ounct~lerThomas LaFountain, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments