Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-20 Finance and Safety MinutesCity of Tukwila Finance and Safety Committee FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes October 20, 2009 5: 00 p.m.; Conference Room 43 PRESENT Councilmembers: Pam Linder, Chair; Joe Duffle and De'Sean Quinn Staff: Shawn Hunstock, Nick Olivas, Mary Miotke, Don Lincoln, Rhonda Berry, Gail Labanara, Viki Jessop, Christy O'Flaherty and Kimberly Matej Guests: Jeremy Eide and Chuck Parrish CALL TO ORDER: Chair Linder called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. I. PRESENTATIONS No presentations. II. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Resolution Regarding 2010 Non represented Emolovee Salary /Waee Schedule and Benefits Summary Staff is seeking full Council approval of a resolution regarding Non Represented Employee Wages and Benefits for 2010. With the exception of utilizing information extracted from the AWC salary survey (rather than calling comparable cities individually), the same basic process was utilized, as in previous years, to calculate market trends and the regression line analysis for calculating wage increases. Based on current economic conditions staff has presented four non represented employee wage increase scenarios to the Mayor for consideration. After reviewing the scenarios and considering external comparability and internal equity, Mayor Haggerton recommends: A 4.41 increase to the non represented wages for position band ranges A 11 through D61, effective January 1, 2010. A COLA Holiday (no wage increases) for position band ranges D62 through F, effective January 1, 2010. Committee members had a lengthy discussion regarding the Mayor's recommendation for partial increases and a COLA Holiday as described above as well as other possible options. Some options discussed were: Temporary freeze of longevity pay, dependent on the total value of savings, acknowledging this scenario would be shared more equally across the entire non represented employee group. Request for a more detailed recommendation from the Mayor regarding the specific funding cuts Council is being asked to consider regarding non represented employee wages. No non represented employee wage increases for 2010. Wage increases given to all non represented employees regardless of position band range. In regards to the second bulleted item above, Rhonda Berry responded that the Administration is cognizant of both the complex nature of discussions involving employee benefits and wages, and the Finance Safety Committee Minutes October 20 2009 Page 2 general Council desire to be responsive and diplomatic in the process of making decisions that directly affect City employees. It is with these considerations that a specific amount of funding has not been targeted for reduction. At this time, the intent is to save funding and reduce expenditures whenever or wherever possible. The Committee did not reach unanimous approval for a recommended action in regards to this item. The following items were agreed to: This item will move forward to full Council for discussion with the Mayor's recommendations, after the November 3 General Election (to the November 9 COW). Non represented City employees should be asked to provide input on potential wage options. FORWARD TO NOVEMBER 9 COW FOR DISCUSSION. B. Contract Renewal for 2010 M.J. Durkan for Lobbying Services This is a professional services renewal contract with M. J. Durkan, Inc. for local lobbying service. This will be a one -year contract with terms, scope of services and fees remaining the same as last year. The Committee recognizes the importance of maintaining relations with the State especially during these challenging economic times. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 26 COW FOR DISCUSSION. C. Authorization to Transfer Funds for Additional 2009 Budget Reductions Staff is seeking full Council authorization to transfer funds from various City Department budgets in the amount of $392,416 to Department 20 for additional budget reductions. Council has previously approved funds transfers including a City -wide 3% budget reduction and a transfer from the 2009 Equipment Replacement fund. This third transfer comes from selected departments based on identified cost savings opportunities. Committee Chair Linder requested clarification in the Fund Transfer line item for Public Works Emergency Services. This line item reflects a cost savings as a result of the vacant CERT position. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 26 COW FOR DISCUSSION. D. Budget Process and Deadlines Based on Council request, staff has provided a detailed, dated list of major steps involved and required in the biennial budget process as outlined in the informational memo included in the Committee agenda packet. Kimberly Matej is currently working with Shawn Hunstock to incorporate this information into a table that can be utilized and updated annually. The Committee noted that most of the budget process is dictated and required by law. The majority of preparation taking place prior to legally mandated deadlines is at City discretion. Committee Members expressed confidence that this detailed process will allow input on budget items in a timely and efficient manner. The documentation incorporates this Council policy -level review at various times throughout the year, including an early Spring (May) review of sales receipts and potential budget modifications. The information and timeline Council will be discussing on October 26 is based on budgetary requirements without implementation of Initiative 1033. If 1 -1033 passes, the City will have ample time to react strategically. However, Committee Chair Linder requested that Shawn also provide the initial three or four steps that will be required of the City in the event of I -1033 passage. For example, passage will require setting the property tax level to the highest possible limit. FORWARD TO OCTOBER 26 COW FOR DISCUSSION. Finance Safety Committee Minutes October 20, 2009 Pare 3 E. Sales Tax Report Sales tax receipts for July continued to be below budget estimates. However, the difference between estimated and actual receipts is becoming smaller. Although this is positive, it is too early to predict the likelihood of this becoming a trend for future receipts. INFORMATION ONLY. III. MISCELLANEOUS Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 5:00 p.m. Conference Room #3 P.L- Committee Chair Approval Minutes by KAM. Reviewed by RB and SH.