06-09-04 Public Works, Property Vacation & Personnel & Finance

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i. Joint Meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and the Personnel and Finance Committee of the performance based budget process. The Mayor noted that the performance based budget information is not widely distributed,but is used by the individual departments. Mr. Gilot noted that much of the information requested on page 3 results in better bond ratings. He noted that Mr. 011ett has repeatedly suggested that the city focus on 5-6 indicators which could be used for year to year comparisons,however this has not been done to date. Council Member Puzzello voiced concern that since the May tax bills have not been paid and that residents will be asked to make two (2)payments very close to one another this Fall,that it is very important to spell out in detail the budgetary procedures utilized by the city. Mayor Luecke stated that at best there are"educated guesses"as to the amount of taxes that will be paid, since the real unknown is the appeal process. He noted that the collection rate last year was 99%. The first amendment proposed during the committee meeting was on page 4,paragraph(d) addressing the"proposed budget information"which is to be"timely posted on the City's website prior to the commencement of the Personnel and Finance Committee meetings on he proposed budget". Dr. Varner noted that currently information on the web goes back two(2) years. It was suggested that the City of Fort Wayne website on their budget be considered as one possible standard to be considered by the Administration. Much discussion then took place on proposed paragraph(e)on page 4 addressing: (1)An economic impact statement (2)A statement of goals and objectives; and (3)A cost/benefit analysis which has been in effect in the City of Ann Arbor for several years. Mayor Luecke and Mr. Gilot suggested that perhaps the analysis be considered for new programs and new recommendations rather than justifying for example why police cars are necessary. Council Member Puzzello added that if more help is needed in order to carry out a department's objectives(new equipment,new computers or software, etc)that this would be the area where the department would justify their requests. Dr. Varner stated that in the interest of accountability and the city doing its due diligence, especially in light of the current tax situation, that this information would be very helpful. He further suggested that if forms could be developed for better standardization in this area,that he would welcome that. Dr. Varner requested the Council Attorney to check her information in this area to see if there were any forms available. June 9,2004 Page 2