COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20120911
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Ald. Madden,
Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Glazier, Borgman, Harenda and Wolfe, Director of Finance and
Administration Mueller, and Recording Secretary McMullen. The Recording Secretary
stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. No one
had any issues with the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
The Committee continued review of the 2013 budget.
Mayor Chiaverotti explained new information was sent out relating to Ald. Soltysiak’s
proposed budget. Ald. Soltysiak explained a 10% cut was deducted from each line item
with the exception of the General Government Auto and Expense account. The 10%
gets the City to the $100,000 which is 1/3 of the annual structural surplus. Ald.
Soltysiak stated he looked at the General Ledger (GL) accounts that are underutilized or
offer the greatest opportunity to obtain small savings. That along with the purchasing
policy allows department heads to move funds within GLs. A contingency fund is also in
place to allow any over run throughout the year. The auto allowance for the aldermen
was brought down to $0 and the expense allowance from $11,200 to $800 which would
be $100 per person. None of the cuts affect employee compensation or insurance.
Ald. Soltysiak discussed two accounts specifically. The Assessor’s computer charges
account has a 1% increase for software that is captured under the proposal. The
balance of $1700 is for a laser printer; which could be obtained in the office supply
account that is increasing by $8,000. The police department’s ammunition account
includes less than lethal weaponry and the accessories that go with it. The budgeted
amount is only for half of what they need. Ald. Soltysiak suggested moving that to a
capital account and funded 100% at $7500.
Ald. Soltysiak noted there are a couple items that will need to be addressed in the 2014
budget as well. The GIS/Planner position is only budgeted for half of 2013 and going
forward to 2014 it will need to be increased to $100%. Mayor Chiaverotti stated the
position will be $50,000 for half of the year. Ald. Soltysiak expressed concern as to
where the additional $50,000 will come from in 2014. Mayor Chiaverotti noted that both
department heads will be available at a future meeting to discuss this position. Ald.
Soltysiak also noted there may be a need to increase park maintenance that was
pointed out at the Park and Rec Board meeting last night.
Mayor Chiaverotti explained for various reasons there may be items that cannot be
reduced due to contracts that are already in place, Council may have adopted items that
cannot be reduced, and the Recreation programs have expenses that are driven by
revenue and without the revenue the expenses will not take place. Regarding the
purchasing policy, department heads cannot transfer from one GL to another. Director
Mueller is responsible to the auditors and can make the determination if it can be
allowed.
Committee of the Whole Page 2
September 11, 2012
Director Mueller reviewed the surplus over the past 4 years. Director Mueller noted the
City has saved on contingency over all the years and did not have to use the
emergency fund.
Mayor Chiaverotti noted that the final numbers from the State for Shared
Revenue/Transportation Aide has not been given yet. The estimates used for the
budget have been very conservative.
It was the consensus of the Council that it would be beneficial to have each department
head available to discuss the impact of the 10% reduction on their budgets and if they
have the flexibility to move funds from GL accounts.
Mayor Chiaverotti explained the department heads were not asked to come to this
meeting because they needed time and also the Common Council meeting following the
budget meeting needs to start promptly at 7:00 p.m. Ald. Harenda requested to know
ahead of time which department heads will be at the next meeting.
Ald. Soltysiak reiterated his request to remove approximately $4,000 from the Police
Department’s Ammunition GL and create a capital account for the full amount of $7,500
for equipment and accessories.
Ald. Harenda requested a COLA breakdown prepared. Director Mueller noted a 1%
across the board would be $45,000 and merit increase for former non-reps would be an
additional $40,000.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Borgman moved to adjourn at 6:52 p.m. Seconded by Glazier, motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellie McMullen
Recording Secretary