COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Minutes - 10/13/2020
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
October 13, 2020
5:00 PM
City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Petfalski called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderpersons Wolfe, Terrence, Kapusta, Engelhardt, Kubacki, Hammel, and Madden.
Also present: Finance and Administration Director Mueller, Finance and Administration
Assistant Director Mustapich, Library Director, Public Works & Development Director Kroeger,
Lead Planner Trzebiatowski, City Attorney Warchol, and Administrative Assistant Crisp.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Ms. Crisp stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Alderperson Kubacki moved to approve. Alderperson Hammel seconded; motion
carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 22, 2020: Alderperson Madden moved to approve. Alderperson Hammel
seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Finalize 2021 Capital and Operating Budgets
Mayor Petfalski noted that the tax rate would go up about 1.8% which would affect the average
home ($300,000) in Muskego at about a $24 increase on their taxes. CPI last year was 2.3%
according to the Dept. of Labor.
Alderperson Terrence raised a question regarding a proposal that does not involve a tax
increase. Concerning the IT Department would there be a savings if we raised the consulting
fees rather than hiring a full time employee at this point.
Mayor Petfalski and IT Director don’t believe there would be a savings based on the needs of
the department. We are looking for someone to really know our network system, especially the
Police Department network including 911. We need to have consistency; consultants cannot
provide a consistent presence.
Mayor Petfalski pointed out that the Council created three new full-time positions mid-year
without a funding mechanism. This, along with a significant drop in interest revenue, has
created a difficult budget process for 2021. If the Council wishes to reduce the proposed
budget, it will take a reduction in staff in an already lean staff.
Alderperson Kubacki mentioned that he went through the budget line by line. Our biggest
expense is personnel; our biggest asset is personnel and we need to take care of this asset in
order to serve the public properly. We need to make this adjustment to maintain what we have
now and take care of the most important asset we have.
October 13, 2020 2
Alderperson Wolfe asked about the CDA Fund and using it in the Budget to reduce the
increase in taxes. Mayor Petfalski stated that you wouldn’t want to use it on Operating since it
would be a one-time funding source leaving a greater hole in next year’s budget; it should be
used on Capital.
Alderperson Kapusta stated that looking at the entire budget and considering all of the
services we provide for Muskego community, it is incredible to be able to keep it under 2%.
Ms. Mueller stated that the tax rate in 2016 was $4.89 and the proposed rate for 2021 is $4.55
which is less than five years ago.
Ms. Mueller reviewed the following Budget Updates and Proposed Appropriations for the 2021
General Operating Budget:
Impact to Current Budget
Description Account # Increase/(Decrease)
Revenues:
Transportation Aids 100.04.51.01.4132 $ 101,908.00
State Shared Revenue 100.09.80.00.4121 $ (186.00)
State Video Service Provider Aid 100.09.80.00.4124 $ 29,731.00
Transfer from CDA Fund (reverse 87.1% was
$190,355) 100.20.00.00.8265 $ (165,805.00)
Interest on Investments (offset per 9/22 CC 100.01.06.00.4531
adj) $ 63,045.00
Net Budget Revenue Increase/(Decrease) $ 28,693.00
Expenditures:
Little Lake District (per Resolution #080-2019) 100.05.06.00.6052 $ (1,402.00)
2.5% Health Insurance Premium Increase
(remove) 100.xx.xx.xx.5203 $ 30,095.00
Net Budget Expenditure Increase/(Decrease) $ 28,693.00
Balanced Budget Adjustments $ $0.00
Ms. Mueller stated that this is our last year to use the unused Levy Capacity. If we don’t use it,
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it will be gone by next year. The Public Hearing for operating budget is October 27 and will
require 2/3 vote because of the unused Levy Capacity.
Review 2021 Water and Sewer Utility Budgets
Ms. Mueller stated that there are no significant changes on the Sewer Budget so there is no
reason to raise rates at this time.
On the Water Budget, we are eligible for a simplified rate increase, which would be 3%.
Auditors recommended the increase. An average residential quarterly increase would be $2.
We need Council’s approval to move forward with the process.
Alderperson Kubacki made a motion to approve the simplified rate increase.
Alderperson Madden seconded; motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Wolfe made a motion to adjourn at 5:52 p.m. Alderperson Kubacki
seconded; motion carried.
Minutes recorded and transcribed by Christine Crisp.