| June 22, 2009 Meeting Minutes |
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City Council Meeting
Draft Minutes
June 22, 2009
City Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
A. Resolution fixing and determining the amount of money to be appropriated by the City of Concord for the fiscal year 2010 ending June 30, 2010. (6-8)
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved to suspend the rules and hold the public hearings for items A through G together. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
Mayor Bouley opened the public hearings for items A through G.
Five Minute Public Testimony
Roy Schweiker, Chapel Street, noted that he was unhappy that two new high paid positions, an attorney and management analyst, are being added to the budget asking that they be delayed for at least another year. Referencing an article in the newspaper indicating that the city should not discuss saving money in the solid waste budget because it doesn’t affect the tax rate, he noted that he feels that some were misquoted pointing out that the solid waste budget is paid for by residents of the city and many are paying, in effect, a five percent tax increase to pay for the Pay As You Throw program. He noted that he feels that the city owes it to the residents to try and keep the solid waste budget down as well as the overall budget. He suggested the elimination of the every week collection of recyclables and summer leaf collection and to give everybody twenty bags free. He noted his confusion as to why the city can afford to pick up recycling at the houses but if a resident wants to bring it to the site, they have to pay $5.00 for the privilege noting that maybe some type of arrangement could be made to waive the $5.00 fee because it does save the city money to not have to go and get it. Referencing snow removal, Mr. Schweiker indicated that he feels that in this economy there will be very capable individuals available to do the snow removal on-call as needed. Lastly he indicated that he is opposed to bringing back the downtown snow removal into the general budget. Councilor Nyhan pointed out that residents can drop their yard waste off at the Fort Eddy Plaza site free of charge. Mr. Schweiker noted that he was glad to hear that and asked that the city update their solid waste brochure which indicates it costs $5.00.
Jessica Eshleman, Main Street Concord, spoke in support of the snow removal and snow plowing for downtown. She explained that in addition to merchants being able to continue commerce in the downtown this will assure public safety for those who walk on the sidewalks. She added that there are a number of cultural offerings within the community that are accessed in this area and certainly does not want to see anyone injured while patronizing downtown.
Andrew Hatch, downtown merchant, thanked Council for reconsidering the options in regards to snow removal downtown and echoed the comments made by Ms. Eshleman. He noted that safety is one of the main considerations but also being able to maintain an open thoroughfare which is important for the continuation of the customer base. Mayor Bouley asked whether Mr. Hatch would be willing to talk to his fellow downtown merchants about doing some of the shoveling themselves. Mr. Hatch responded that he has shoveled over the past three years and feels that all contribute to maintaining a safe and passable sidewalk.
Clayton Higgins, Pembroke Road, noted his concern with Engine One being out of service. He explained that he feels that three engines will not protect the City of Concord in the manner in which residents are accustomed. He indicated that he wants residents to be aware that there may come a moment when they will need services and unfortunately three fire engines in the City of Concord cannot cover sixty four square miles.
Dick Croak, Mountain Road, complimented the Council for reinstating some positions that were unfunded in the Manager’s budget. He asked Council to fund one more position for a person with twenty one years of experience with the city. He added that this is especially difficult considering the possibility of early retirement not being too far off. He noted that the current Maintenance Aide position is a grade 8, step M and he suggested funding another Maintenance Aide position in the Cemetery or Parks Division starting at grade 8, step A explaining that the salary reduction combined with no need for severance pay and unused vacation time would result in a cost savings to the city plus the retention of a person with 21 years experience. He further suggested that this position would float between the highway division and/or the cemetery and parks. He asked that Council reconsider the advantages of reinstating a Maintenance Aide position. Mayor Bouley asked if Mr. Croak knew what the savings would be. Mr. Croak responded that it would be forty percent with the salary reduction, severance and unpaid vacation time.
Wendy Follansbee, Merrimack Street, thanked Council for their recommendation to partially reinstate the hours of the Penacook Branch Library. She noted that the hope is that when the economy improves, Council will be able to increase the hours and put the money back into the materials budget.
Jim Baer, Washington Street, thanked the Council for due diligence and making an effort to keep the budget under control. He asked that Council to do the level funding on the budget as originally proposed by the City Manager with no increases in taxes. He submitted a petition in support of a no tax increase budget. He noted that in a budget that is taking a hit on many departments including police and fire he feels that the library shouldn’t be exempt from this hit.
Tenley Callaghan, Concord Public Library Foundation President, thanked Council for listening to the voices of Concord and noted that the foundation supports the revised budget. She noted that many people have presented creative ideas for the library in which is being followed up by the foundation. She indicated that the foundation will accept any donation of funds to be used to buy materials for the library to keep it stocked with new bestsellers, dvds, software and periodicals. Ms. Callaghan noted that the Library Director is working with the foundation to continue to offer programs for both adults and children. She indicated that the community is coming together in extraordinary ways to make sure the library can be the resource the community needs. She noted that the foundation pledges to take the energy and vitality that the community showed on June 4th and channel it to bolster the library during these difficult times. (copy of Ms. Callaghan’s full statement on file in the Clerk’s office).
Pamela Ean, Pleasant Street, did not wish to speak but completed a card in support of the Manager’s budget.
Garret Ean, Pleasant Street, did not wish to speak but completed a card in support of the Manager’s budget. Mayor Bouley indicated that Mr. Ean had written “taxation = majority sanctioned theft” at the bottom of the card.
Charlie Russell, Columbus Avenue, did not wish to speak but completed a card in support of the Manager’s budget. Mayor Bouley indicated that Mr. Russell had written “no tax increases” on the card.
Carol Hargrove, Conant Drive, spoke on behalf of her friend who suggests that for several weeks per year the city holds a drawing for the library at local grocery stores allowing people to make donations towards purchasing new books. She noted her agreement in the importance in reinstating Engine One.
Tom Adams, Holt Street, noted that he was distressed to learn that the library budget was being cut and that there have been some restoration noting that he does not feel that it is enough. He indicated that in order for a vibrant democracy to exist people need access to knowledge. He explained that even though he is concerned about taxes, he is more concerned about access to knowledge. He noted that he does not support any cuts to the library budget at all.
Barbara Linder thanked Council for listening to the people in attendance at the June 4th meeting and for the graciousness with which they listened to all. She noted that she does not feel that it is an ideal solution but will keep the library going for another year in which she is grateful for.
Eleanor Stark, Library Trustee, noted her support of the budget as amended indicating that she is grateful that hours were put back both in Penacook and in Concord. She noted that because of the funding mechanism used by taking from the trust funds, she feels that this is making a very dangerous precedent and hopes that this is the one and only time.
Chuck McGee asked that Council support the Manager’s budget as originally proposed. He explained that he does not believe that it is fair when the residents are asked to pay more taxes just to retain some of the special things that are enjoyed within the city. He noted that he feels that everyone needs to share in the current economic state. Referencing special things enjoyed, the Mayor indicated that one of those special things that he proposed reinstating in the budget was snowplowing and asked if Mr. McGee considers snowplowing a special thing or an essential core services that the city needs to provide. Mr. McGee responded that he feels that the roads need to be plowed for safety’s sake but pointed out that the downtown merchants are the only ones asking Council to reinstate snowplow removal.
Three Minute Public Testimony
Roy Schweiker, Chapel Street, clarified that he does not object to the snow being removed from downtown but merely objects to every resident of the city paying for a select group to get a service not available to others. He noted that last year there was a situation in which it was determined that the city would continue to collect trash but instead of everyone paying for it only people that dumped off trash would pay for it. He indicated that what he is looking for is to find something that only a certain select group benefits from on the business side and ask those businesses to pay for the service they receive that the rest of the city doesn’t. Councilor Blanchard asked if it’s agreed that not only the downtown merchant benefits from the snow removal but also those that drive downtown and shop. Mr. Schweiker responded that he had suggested the snow removal be charged to the parking fund. He noted that he doesn’t doubt that it is easier to get around downtown when snow is removed but pointed out that the street he lives on is hard to get around on during the winter. He indicated that the rest of the city does not get the benefit of downtown snow removal and feels that everyone should not be paying for this benefit.
Jim Baer, Washington Street, provided a description of the hardship a raise in taxes would place upon him.
Carol Hargrove, Conant Drive, inquired as to what adjustments were made within the budget in regards to trash removal. She further inquired as to why there isn’t a senior citizen discount offered for the bags.
There being no further public testimony, the Mayor closed the hearings for items A through G.
B. Resolution amending the amount of money to be appropriated by the City of Concord for the fiscal year 2010 ending June 30, 2010. (6-9) (Not previously distributed)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
C. Resolution closing and completing certain capital projects; rescinding appropriations and returning funds to their sources; and transferring, reappropriating or otherwise making remaining balances available for future purposes; together with report from the Senior Accountant/City Internal Auditor. (6-10)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
D. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization, by amending Schedule I of Article 1-5, Fees, Fines and Penalties, Water Rates. (6-11)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
E. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization, by amending Schedule I of Article 1-5, Fees, Fines and Penalties, Sewer Rates. (6-12)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
F. Resolution amending the Fiscal 2010 City of Concord budget and appropriating the sum of $425,000 for Retiree Health Benefits. (Not previously distributed)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
G. Resolution amending the Fiscal 2010 City of Concord budget and appropriating the sum of $28,960 for New Hampshire Municipal Association Dues. (Not previously distributed)
Action: Public hearing for this item taken with item A.
June 22, 2009 Public Hearing Action
5. Resolution fixing and determining the amount of money to be appropriated by the City of Concord for the fiscal year 2010 ending June 30, 2010. (6-8)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote with one dissenting vote.
6. Resolution amending the amount of money to be appropriated by the City of Concord for the fiscal year 2010 ending June 30, 2010. (6-9) (Not previously distributed)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor McClure indicated that she is following up on the discussion Council had last Thursday after tentatively approving the Mayor’s proposed additions and adjustments to the budget. She noted that she brought up the concept of eliminating the leaf waste pick up during the summer at a savings of $100,000 in the general fund. Councilor McClure moved to amend the motion to not making the general fund transfer to the solid waste fund. The motion was duly seconded. She explained that there was some confusion last Thursday about whether or not that was fiscally viable and since then it has been determined viable the way in which she stated. She indicated that she believes that as a Council they made the commitment to keep the tax rate increase at zero percent. She noted that in this economy she doesn’t feel that they can raise taxes and that surrounding communities are lowering and leveling taxes and the state is adding costs. She added that they had a successful effort led by the Mayor to get the school’s cooperation to help the city keep the tax rate flat and after receiving their support the tax rate target was raised to 2.7 percent. She noted that the Manager has proposed a budget which raises taxes by only 2.7 percent. Councilor McClure explained that leaf pick up service is not provided by any of the other 27 communities in the co-op compact and she is suggesting that this is an opportunity the city has to keep the tax rate without any increases. She noted that she feels that it is a service enjoyed by many but not by most and doesn’t believe it’s an essential service but one for which there are alternatives such as composting, storing waste for the fall pick up or the homeowner can deliver their waste to the composting facility. She added that it has been said that Council promised to provide this service when they passed the Pay As You Throw in February but explained that Council outlined what they thought the entire program would look like in February but made no promises and that all is contingent upon this budget. She indicated that Council has far more information than they did in February about the general economic impact of this budget and now know the true situation and that Council has the opportunity to provide the services the Mayor has requested and still keep the tax rate as low as promised. Lastly, she indicated that the city is about to embark on a new era of solid waste management in which homeowners take greater control over their waste disposal.
Councilor Nyhan thanked Councilor McClure for her comments. He indicated that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee did discuss not funding this option and decided to move forward with it because to eliminate yard waste collection during the summer months would be a significant change in services. He suggested that this is something that should be considered next year and that he would be voting against this motion because of the service impact to residents. Referencing the Fort Eddy transfer site, he added that the it does accept yard waste free of charge but is not open on the weekends and to open this site during the weekend would cost approximately $32,000.
Councilor McClure’s amendment passed 8 to 7 on a roll call vote with Councilors Patten, Shurtleff, Werner, Bennett, Black, Keach, Lemieux and McClure voting yes. Councilors Nyhan, St. Hilaire, Stetson, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley and Councilor Coen voted no.
Mayor Bouley noted that he wanted to ensure that people at home understood exactly what the impact is of the motion that was just adopted. City Manager Tom Aspell explained that prior to the vote, the tax rate per $1,000 assessed value was $7.05 and now goes down to $7.03 adding that the change from the budget that he proposed would be a .04 percent tax rate increase.
Councilor St. Hilaire moved an amendment to take out $11,630 from the 53rd week capital outlay and transfer budget. The motion was duly seconded. Councilor St. Hilaire indicated that it is his understanding, with the Manager’s calculations and dollar figures, that would leave a balance of $11,630 to get to the zero percent tax rate target. He proposed taking out that amount from the 53rd week because 2012 would be the year in which the city would pay employees an extra paycheck because that year would have 53 weeks rather than the standard 52 weeks. Referencing page 40-2, he explained that the city sets aside money every year up until that year to help pay for this extra payroll and have budgeted $100,000 this year to go towards that 53rd week. He noted that currently within the budget the Manager has told him that there is approximately $186,000 and with last year’s the balance is $286,000. He explained that $540,000 is needed and taking $11,630 out now will give Council the next three years to make this up.
Councilor Nyhan noted that that this item is a long term budgeting strategy to make sure the city has this money available for that 53rd week.
Councilor St. Hilaire explained that $100,000 is budgeted for fiscal year 2010 and 2011 but this does not take into fiscal year 2012 and if Council budgets money for fiscal year 2012 it would more than cover it.
Councilor Keach spoke in support of Councilor St. Hilaire’s amendment and indicated that he would be voting in support of it.
Councilor Blanchard noted her support of the amendment.
Councilor St. Hilaire’s amendment passed 14 to 1 on a roll call vote with Councilors St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, Stetson, Werner, Bennett, Black, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, Keach, Lemieux, McClure and Patten voting yes. Councilor Nyhan voted no.
City Manager Aspell explained that the tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation would be $7.02 and the change from the budget he proposed would be zero percent change.
Referencing the Old Loudon Road/Old Suncook Road landfill solid waste cap that Council had spoken about, Councilor Bouchard inquired whether this park is still going to be pursued as a possibility or were actions that were taken at the last budget hearing had taken that money away to encompass a larger study. City Manager Aspell explained that action that Council took, as he understood it, was that it would expand the scope of the study to take a look at not simply the capped area but look at the area bounded by Loudon Road and the river, the southeast corner of the city. Councilor Bouchard inquired whether the other sites are walkable to residents that live on Mulberry Street, Old Suncook Road and Airport Road or are the other sites closer to the arena. Mr. Aspell responded that the sites that he has heard discussed are closer to the arena and behind the old King’s plaza but that would only be two of at least a dozen of other sites. He added that the idea of the area of where the landfill is that is where the need is and that is why the study is gravitating towards this site. He explained that all the options/alternatives and pros and cons of each would be brought back to Council.
In regard to the miscellaneous budget under the cable franchise fee, Mayor Bouley noted that last year Councilor Coen had made a motion that if there were any increases above and beyond what the Manager had recommended in the budget for the cable franchise fee that this would be split 50/50 between Concord TV and the city. He indicated that it was always his understanding from last year that that fifty percent split was to be for that fiscal year and the Manager has interpreted that that 50/50 split would be carried forward year after year. He explained that there is a significant jump in what is anticipated to be the cable franchise fee this year and the odds are that it probably won’t exceed that but at this point in time it might be fair to simply eliminate that 50/50 split and Concord TV would keep anything coming to them but anything beyond what the Manager has budgeted would stay with the city.
Councilor McClure moved an amendment to remove the budget footnote. The motion was duly seconded.
City Manager Aspell explained that there is an amount projected to be revenue and an amount projected to be the appropriation as a percentage of that revenue and questioned whether the vote is to essentially lock down that appropriation number or if money comes in above the $670,000 that it be continued to be split along the 37 percent/63 percent ratio.
Referencing striking this amendment, Mayor Bouley asked how the Manager would interpret this. Mr. Aspell explained that the way it has been done until that amendment came in place was that they would continue to split revenues from the fee on a 63/37 percent split. He noted that the reason for this was that somebody could put that number at a certain number and the money coming in above it would go to the city. He added that the clarification that he is looking for is that the number is locked down based on what is appropriated or the number is not locked down and is let to flow as a percentage. Mayor Bouley explained that his intention was to no longer look for a flow to lock it down as the number. He added that he is not looking at reducing what the Manager is suggesting appropriating but to just simply lockdown the number.
Councilor McClure noted her support of this.
Councilor Keach asked for the implication if the number was locked down and franchise fees come in under that number. Mr. Aspell responded that the contract is only 37 percent of what comes in as franchise fees.
Councilor Patten noted that he would be taking Rule Six on the vote for this amendment.
Confusion be noted, Mayor Bouley explained that the way he understands it is that the city has a contract with Concord TV and within the contract the city is to appropriate 37 percent of the franchise fees to Concord TV. Last year they didn’t get 37 percent in the Manager’s suggested budget because he suggested less than 37 percent but Councilor Coen changed this and said that if the city receives more than what is estimated in the franchise fee, then the city will split the difference 50/50. He explained that the city received substantially more than what the Manager had estimated, approximately $36,000 more, and the city split this amount between the city and Concord TV. He noted that in essence Concord TV got the full 37 percent last year and did not see a reduction and this year the Manager once again has gone back to them explaining that he wasn’t going to recommend to the Council that they get 37 percent. The Mayor indicated that when he read the budget he thought this fiscal note applied only to last year and what he realized after discussions with the Manager, the way he was interpreting it was that he was implying continuing going forth with this footnote. He noted that he does not want to reduce what the city is giving to Concord TV but would like to have a firm number as to what they are going to work with. He asked the Council to consider removing the footnote and that Concord TV is locked at $213,000.
Councilor Coen noted that he is interpreting this is that it is $213,000 if Comcast hits that number and if it’s less than that number that amount would be less than $213,000. Mayor Bouley responded that he reads it as the city appropriating $213,000 and if a lot less came in for the franchise fee, they would still see $213,000. City Manager Aspell explained that if Council were to appropriate the 37 percent that amount would be approximately $247,000 and he dropped the percentage down so that it comes in at $213,000. He further explained that if it comes in at above that amount it would not go over the $213,000 but it would have to come in significantly lower to drop lower than the $213,000.
Councilor Keach questioned whether there was a recommendation from the Manager on this motion. Mr. Aspell responded that he was not in favor of the motion to add the footnote last year and is not in favor of keeping the footnote this year.
Councilor Blanchard inquired as to what the current motion was. Mayor Bouley responded that the motion is simply to remove the budget footnote.
Councilor Lemieux asked whether it would be appropriate to summarize this discussion by saying that the budget for Concord TV would be 37 percent of the franchise fee capped at or to a maximum of the number contained within the budget of $213,000. Mr. Aspell indicated that to be correct.
Council discussion ensued and Councilor Keach moved the question.
The motion to remove the budget footnote passed with no dissenting votes. Councilor Patten took Rule Six.
Referencing the amendment to the 53rd week, Councilor Nyhan indicated that it would be approximately $200,000 over three years and dividing this into thirds to accommodate the 2012 year it would be approximately $66,666 per year. He noted that Councilor St. Hilaire had made the motion to use approximately $12,000 of the $33,000 to bring it to a zero percent tax rate. He indicated that by his calculation that leaves roughly $21,000 left in the difference between that $100,000 and the 1/3 figure. He moved to bring that 53rd week line item down to $66,666 and use the difference from Councilor St. Hilaire’s motion, roughly $21,334, to fully fund the admin tech II at the Prosecutors office. The motion was duly seconded.
Councilor Nyhan explained that in the current budget for the next two budget cycles, $100,000 has been expensed per year for the 53rd week salary cycle. Recognizing that in 2012, zero dollars are budgeted which leaves a total dollar value of $200,000 and in dividing this by three years is $66,667. He further explained that the difference between the $100,000 for this year and $66,667 is roughly $33,333 and he is suggesting taking that $33,333 and subtract the dollars that Councilor St. Hilaire made the motion to leaving a figure of approximately $21,334. He noted that he is proposing to use that dollar figure to fully fund the admin tech II position in the Prosecutor’s office.
Councilor Keach indicated that he would be voting against this motion.
Councilor Nyhan’s motion failed on a voice vote.
The motion to pass the resolution, as amended, passed 14 to 1 on a roll call vote with Councilors St. Hilaire, Shurtleff, Werner, Bennett, Black, Blanchard, Bouchard, Mayor Bouley, Councilors Coen, Keach Lemieux, McClure, Nyhan and Patten voting yes. Councilor Stetson voted no.
Action: Councilor McClure moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
8. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization, by amending Schedule I of Article 1-5, Fees, Fines and Penalties, Water Rates. (6-11)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote with one dissenting vote.
9. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Title I, General Code; Chapter 1, Government Organization, by amending Schedule I of Article 1-5, Fees, Fines and Penalties, Sewer Rates. (6-12)
Action: Councilor Coen moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote with one dissenting vote.
10. Resolution amending the Fiscal 2010 City of Concord budget and appropriating the sum of $425,000 for Retiree Health Benefits. (Not previously distributed)
Action: Councilor Nyhan moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote. Councilor Stetson took Rule Six.
11. Resolution amending the Fiscal 2010 City of Concord budget and appropriating the sum of $28,960 for New Hampshire Municipal Association Dues. (Not previously distributed)
Action: Councilor St. Hilaire moved approval. The motion was duly seconded and passed on a voice vote. Councilor Bennett and Mayor Bouley took Rule Six.
Comments, Requests by Mayor, City Councilors
Councilor Bouchard noted that the County budget was -0.44 percent.
Councilor Bennett thanked the members of the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee and recognized Councilors McClure, St. Hilaire, Coen, Nyhan, Bouchard and Keach for all their work. He also thanked the City Manager and his staff, department heads and city employees. He noted the hard economic times and indicated that the city needs to be regardful of the citizens who are the ones that are asked to bear the burden and who will also endure increases to the county, state and federal taxes as well. In closing he indicated that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Council.
Councilor Blanchard echoed Councilor Bennett’s remarks.
Councilor St. Hilaire commended Council and the public for coming out and giving Council some advice and input. He thanked the City Manager, his staff and city employees for their work. He also thanked the Mayor for bringing Council all together during the work session to help come up with solutions and because of his leadership they were able to resolve many of the issues that were of concern of the public.
Councilor Patten thanked the City Manager and the Mayor for helping out some of the newer Councilors. He thanked staff for answering the questions that he had. He noted his concerns about the fire engines and hopes that engine one can be brought back.
Councilor Nyhan pointed out that next year’s budget cycle is going to be just as tough and they have received many good ideas from residents as to how the city can save money.
Councilor McClure noted her agreement as to everything that has been said particularly the efforts of the City Manager and Deputy City Manager-Finance. She commended the Mayor indicating that this budget season the Council has worked together in a way in which she has never seen and is largely due to the leadership provided.
Councilor Keach thanked the public and pointed out that the calls and the attitudes were all constructive.
Councilor Blanchard echoed Councilor McClure’s accolades to the Mayor but added that she was impressed with the way that the Mayor accepted everyone in the public and gave them ample time to testify.
Mayor Bouley thanked the Council for all their time and dedication to the city and in making sure the peoples voices truly are heard in city government. He thanked the City Manager and Deputy City Manager-Finance for doing an outstanding job pointing out all the hours that are spent putting the budget together. He extended his thanks to all the city employees noting that they have been forced to make difficult decisions this year some which will be extremely painful next fiscal year. He indicated that he was impressed with the dedication and doing the best as can be done with the resources they have. He thanked the Fiscal Policy Committee for keeping the Council on task and making these budget processes much easier. He thanked the School Board pointing out to the public that one of the reasons the city was able to put together this year’s budget is because they were willing to drop their tax rate by 2.7 percent to allow the city to increase theirs. Referencing his inaugural address, the Mayor pointed out that he had stated that this Council is not going to take the path of least resistance and not going to choose the status quo and this budget proves exactly that. He added that Council did not simply raise taxes, made tough decisions and although it’s going to be difficult we’ll live within our means. He indicated that he wants people to realize that the size of city government has significantly shrunk to over $4 million less, almost 6 percent less, from one fiscal year to the next; the amount of full time employees have also shrunk by 35 employees, almost 7 percent of the work force. He explained that there will be an impact to the level of services that are received within the city and is asking for patience and the hope that the economy changes. He added that this budget achieves exactly what families across the city are doing every day. Lastly, he noted that the most impressive public hearing that he has been witnessed to was the evening of the library budget and couldn’t be more proud of the community.
Adjournment
The time being 8:52 p.m., Councilor Nyhan moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was duly seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.
A true copy; I attest:
Michelle Tiffany
Deputy City Clerk