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Minutes for the special called Finance Committee meeting on December 29, 2006.
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Finance & Administration Committee Minutes
Friday, December 29, 2006
Special called budget meeting
1:00 p.m.
Members Present were: Darrel Dover, Judy Furr, Jim Hargis, Harold Perrin, John Street and Ann Williams. Also in attendance were Mayor Formon, Mr. Tony Thomas and Mr. Brian Wadley from the Mayor’s Office.
2007 BUDGET
Councilman Perrin discussed the Internal Auditor position. He recommended funding the position for 2007. He suggested reviewing the scope of audits and the scope of work for 2007.
Chairman Dover recommended passing the budget as proposed with certain stipulations. First, freeze department heads and elected officials for 90 days at the 2006 salaries. It was noted employees under department heads would receive a 4% pay increase. Second, Ms. Hackney and Councilman Perrin will review the job descriptions for department heads in 90 days. Third, Ms. Hackney, Councilman Perrin and Mr. Condrey will review the salary ranges for department heads and elected officials in 90 days. It was noted Ms. Hackney and Councilman Perrin would make recommendations and present them to the committee. Fourth, Mayor Formon and Chairman Dover will develop an organizational chart to present to the Finance Committee within the next 30 days which will outline any changes in the organizational structure. Fifth, a sum of money will be appropriated for outside agencies without specific organizations as line items. It was added each organization will formally apply for funds they wish to obtain from the City, which will allow the committee time to make sure the City is legal and to set up a process to give equal opportunity to various organizations throughout the City. Sixth, the Mayor’s car allowance will be funded for 90 days in the 2007 budget. After 90 days, a City car will be furnished to the Mayor. Seventh, there will be a change in policy in which any new position is paid more than the base salary on the salary schedule it must be submitted to the Finance Committee with rational for approval. Chairman Dover explained right now the Mayor has the right to go four grades above what the base is, but that will change so if the situation occurs it will be submitted to the Finance Committee with appropriate rational explaining why that decision should be made.
Councilman Perrin discussed Fixed Assets. He suggested identifying the assets that should be purchased with the $1.4 million from Bank of America. He added Bank of America should be contacted today to let them know the City will be pulling down on the $1.4 million. He explained if there are any Fixed Assets above and beyond the $1.4 million left with Bank of America, then the committee should consider putting out an RFP for new rates.
Councilman McCall questioned whether the committee will be coming back in 75 to 80 days to address the issues Chairman Dover discussed. Councilman Perrin noted some of the issues will take time to get done. Councilman Street explained the new Public Works Director is supposed to take office January 1st, but if there is a question about the salary then that would affect the position. Councilman Perrin questioned whether the job description of the Public Works Director has been approved. Ms. Hackney stated it has not been approved.
Councilman Hargis questioned the status of the animal shelter. Mayor Formon explained they are in the process of getting value numbers together. He further explained they received 77 bids from 40 to 50 unique bidders. Councilman Hargis then questioned how the animal shelter would be paid for. Councilwoman Furr stated the animal shelter is included in the long range capital improvements plan. Mayor Formon added after an amount is determined regarding the cost of the shelter the amount will be plugged into the budget. He noted Mr. Gene Vance indicated they would have the numbers to present at the next Public Safety meeting.
Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilman Street, to recommend the 2007 budget to the full Council as presented with the stipulations as listed by Chairman Dover. All voted aye.
Councilman Hargis questioned the difference between the total budget for 2006 and the total budget for 2007, noting it has increased since 2006. Finance Director Don Ray explained the reason for the increase is due to Fixed Assets and Capital Improvements.
Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilwoman Williams, to place the ordinance accepting the 2007 budget as approved by the Finance Committee on the City Council agenda. All voted aye.
Chairman Dover thanked everyone for their work on the 2007 budget.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Councilman Perrin motioned, seconded by Councilman Street to adjourn. All voted aye.