HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-19 Special Minutes - Budget Workshop /NJ �4
City of' Tukwila
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Budget Workshop
Location: Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
Date: October 19, 2010
Begin Time: 6:08 p.m.
End Time: 8:43 p.m.
PRESENT
Dennis Robertson, Council President; Councilmembers: Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Allan Ekberg, Verna Griffin,
Kathy Hougardy and De' Sean Quinn; and staff from various City Departments
The Budget Workshop consisted of the following:
Clarifying Questions Regarding Preliminary 2011 -12 Biennial Budget Program /Service Reductions
Discussion of Preliminary 2011 -12 Biennial Budget Program /Service Reductions
CLARIFYING OUESTIONS
The following paragraphs outline clarification provided from staff regarding the italicized subjects.
Burled Funds
Fund 502: Self- Insured Medical Fund is a reserve fund utilized for health insurance claims. There will be in
excess of $5 million in this fund at the end of 2010. Again, the intent for this fund is to pay for health insurance
claims; however, there does not appear to be legal restrictions that revoke movement of these monies into another
fund. The current preliminary budget document does not anticipate any other use for these monies outside of
insurance needs.
The state risk manager requires the City to maintain a 30% reserve which equals slightly over $1 million. The City
current meets the minimum required reserve. Since claims history can vary dramatically, higher reserves can be
beneficial. The City carries separate insurance coverage for unexpected incidents.
Budeet Reserves
The only true City reserve fund that can be utilized for unrestricted use is the contingency fund. Council adopted a
reserve policy earlier this year to assist in securing the City's financial future. All other funds are restricted to
specific purpose use.
The Council does have the ability to consider changing the use of the (REET) funds through the legislative
process.
Non Represented
Last year, non represented employees at grade -63 and above did not receive a market adjustment for 2010, but
employees at grade -62 and below did receive an adjustment. At the time, this resulted in a general fund savings of
approximately $116,000
The Current preliminary budget reflects a 3% place holder for COLA's and step increases for the approximate 45
non represented positions. A proposal will be coming forward to City Council regarding Administration's
recommendation.
DISCUSSION
During a roundtable discussion, Councilmembers made several pertinent comments, including:
There is a necessity to recognize that as a municipal entity, our community members are of utmost
importance, and we must identify and understand the direct impact of our decisions on the community.
Budget Workshop October 19, 2010 Page 2
Proposed budget reductions should attempt to have the least negative impact on Tukwila citizens as
possible.
Public safety is not just merely police and fire. The realm of delivering quality public safety requires the
integration and cooperation of all City departments.
Via consensus, the City Council established the following:
Council Budget
Council consensus existed to reduce Council travel by an additional $5,000.
DCD
Council expressed concern over how a reduction in Code Enforcement staff will affect the efficiency,
success and validity of the newly implemented Rental Housing Inspection program. Staff informed the
Council that there will be a net impact to the program with the reduction, as cases may take longer to be
addressed and /or closed.
The City Council conveyed that they do not want to reduce Code Enforcement services at this time.
Human Services
Council consensus existed to return this item to Community Affairs Parks Committee for further
discussion and consideration to replace the $15,800 Human Services Contingency Fund that was
proposed for elimination.
IT Dept
The Council was apprehensive of complete elimination of the Hazelnut citing concern for losing a good
venue for communication and suggesting the decision is premature due to the publication's value. A
reduction may be more appropriate.
Council consensus existed to discuss reduction of the Hazelnut further at a COW.
At 7:58 p.m., there was agreement to extend the workshop to 8:30 p.m.
Parks Recreation
A proposal is forthcoming to the Community Affairs Parks Committee regarding suggested changes to
Special Events.
Staff expressed concern for budget time constraints and suggested this item move forward to a COW
rather than going back through the Committee process. Council consensus existed to work this through
the Committee process if time permitted, otherwise it would move directly to a COW.
Police
Police personnel were complemented on their previous presentations to full Council regarding budget
reductions and the anticipated impacts of such.
Fire
Council consensus existed for the Fire Department to return to a COW with a more detailed discussion of
the proposed budget reductions as well as a discussion of the impacts of replacing Engine 52 with an Aid
car.
Summary by KAM