CCM20071105
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved: 11/13/2007
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 5, 2007
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were Ald. Fiedler,
Schaefer, Melcher, Werner, Borgman, Pavelko and Snead, City Administrator Sheiffer,
Clerk-Treasurer Moyer, and Finance Department Supervisor Mueller. Those present
recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk stated that the meeting was noticed in
accordance with the open meeting law.
PUBLIC HEARING
To hear any citizen on the proposed 2008 City budget.
Finance Department Supervisor Mueller presented the 2008 City operating budget. She
stated that in preparing the 2008 budget, it was the goal of Mayor Johnson to minimize
the tax levy increase while ensuring the City’s sound fiscal health. Other goals: to
provide increased resources for economic development, to present a budget that
included no new debt, to financially plan for the Janesville Road reconstruction project,
and to continue all present services and programs.
The proposed tax rate recommended by a majority of the Committee of the Whole
reflected a 3% increase. This would equate to a City tax rate of $4.75 per $1,000 of
assessed value. This decision was made under the assumption that the State would
allow a carry forward of unused levy capacity from the prior year. Following this
determination, the Governor vetoed the proposal allowing municipalities to carry forward
unused levy capacity from the prior year. The new State levy limit allows an increase of
3.86% or net new construction plus the increase of debt obligation over the prior year
budget. If the Common Council adopts the new State levy limit of 3.86%, the City tax
rate would increase by 1.71% or $.08. The levy would increase by 4.515% or $487,948.
It was noted the information included in the presentation reflected the new State levy
limit percentage increase.
Ms. Mueller stated that the City continues to struggle with funding reductions while
experiencing increased expenditures for debt service obligations and health insurance
costs. The total 2008 operating budget is proposed at $13,783,724, an increase of
2.56% over the 2007 amended budget. Pending Council approval, the total tax levy for
2008 would amount to $11,295,151, with a 2008 tax rate of $4.69 per $1,000 of
assessed value.
Ms. Mueller then noted that the proposed 2008 capital budget is $1,363,349. She
stated that these items are financed by the Capital Expenditure Fund or Capital Budget
Fund, and require no new debt.
Lastly, the Finance Department Supervisor reviewed the special revenue funds, which
are programs where expenditures are supported by specific revenue dollars generated
for a specific purpose. The major fund to note in this budget is the landfill fund.
Twenty-five cents on every ton are set aside for future negotiations. As of 12/31/2005,
the reserve exceeded $1,000,000. The undesignated funds are projected to exceed
$2,000,000 by the end of 2008.
Common Council Minutes Page 2
November 5, 2007
The following citizens spoke:
Earl Duewel, W151 S6587 Glenbrook Drive.
Budget presentation cannot be viewed easily by the public at home.
Suzi Link, W172 S7297 Lannon Drive.
Budget format on website not as informative and readable as in the past. Format
used in 2006 was better.
Parks and Recreation. The department is growing. This is a luxury and the
programs should be self-sufficient. In addition, the City should consider halting park
expansion and upgrade. Some park costs are passed on to various users, while
others are not. Consistency and equity are needed; user fees should not be waived.
The “historic park site” should be reviewed. The City is paying to maintain the site
while it is under the control of a private organization. She believes the land is better
suited for commercial use. Park dedication funds used for the Old Town Hall should
be repaid.
Muskego Community Festival. Objects to any tax dollars going to a private group.
Laptops for Aldermen. Objects to the expenditure since laptops that the aldermen
previously had were just disposed of.
Police Department. Concern that the department budget has increased by 17.5%
since the current Mayor took office. Believes the department is top heavy with
supervisors. If more officers are needed, they should be on the street, and not in the
office.
The Mayor declared the hearing closed at 7:05 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Snead moved to adjourn at 7:06 p.m. Fiedler seconded; motion carried.
Janice Moyer, CMC, CMTW
Clerk-Treasurer