HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/07/2004 City Council
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September 7,2004 Work Session
I MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
SEPTEMBER 7, 2004
The Special Work Session ofthe City Council ofthe City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order
at 6:06 p.m. on the 7th day of September 2004, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas,
with the following roll call:
John Dillard Mayor Present
Allen Harris Councilmember Present
Scott Ward Councilmember Present
Joe McCourry Mayor Pro-tern Present (arrived 6:20)
Lynda Bayliss Councilmember Present
Perry Schrag Councilmember Present
Joel Marks Councilmember Present
City Manager Dale Cheatham, Assistant City Manager Tony Johnston, Finance Director Rebecca
Koo, and department directors were also in attendance.
And with six council members present a quorum was established and the following items were
addressed:
I 1. Work session to discuss preliminary municipal budget and tax rate for 2004-2005
Mayor Dillard asked the council if anyone had any new ideas on how to fund the public
safety personnel. Councilmember Allen Harris told the council that there are two vendors
being considered for privatizing the operation of Hidden Cove Park, and that should be
brought to council in November. Dale Cheatham advised that, if approved, there will be a
savings of approximately $82,500 next year, if the operation of the park is turned over
January 1, 2005. It will also eliminate the fund transfer amounts for future years. Dale also
advised the council that an additional $34,000 savings is available from the storm drainage
dollars previously budgeted that can now be transferred to the general fund. Rebecca Koo
advised council that there is a savings in the IT budget of$23,000 due to the city being able
to hire an IT manager for $52,000 rather than $75,000. These three amounts, combined with
the $16,500 previously cut by the council in line items, totals $156,000 towards the cost of
the public safety personnel.
Councilmember Harris stated his preference on personnel is Option 8, which includes two
police officers, six fire fighter/paramedics and one assistant fire chief. The total cost ofthese
nine personnel is $540,000. Subtracting the $156,000, $384,000 is left.
I Councilmember Marks commented that the emails he has received from citizens are against
any tax increase and he would not be able to vote for any. Mayor Dillard asked how many
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September 7,2004 Work Session
days were in the General Fund fund balance. Tony Johnston advised there are seventy-four
days, and that sixty days is the minimum without affecting the bond ratings. The value per
day is $44,000. Mayor Dillard suggested the city use approximately nine days of General
Fund fund balance to provide the money needed [in 2004-2005] to fund the public safety
personnel. Councilmember Schrag expressed his concern over the possible ramifications of
this action on future budgets.
(Councilmember McCourry arrived)
Dale confirmed with the council that they agreed to go with Option 8, [using the resources
stated above] taking the balance of monies needed from the fund balance, and no tax
increase. A goal of increasing revenues and reducing expenses will be part ofthe process to
prepare for future budgets. Also, an evaluation of future vacant positions will be done to see
some might be eliminated. Dale stated that the budget process will be started earlier next
year.
It was agreed to fund these new public safety positions starting January 1, 2005.
Councilmember Bayliss suggested that the department directors have a goal of reviewing
each program or service and present their findings to the council [to evaluate costs vs. any
revenue]. It was suggested that a retreat be planned for February 2005 to present this to the
council.
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And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
APPROVED:
hn Dillard, Mayor
ity of The Colony
ATTEST:
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Christie Wilson, TRMC, City Secretary
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