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JACKSON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING BUDGET WORKSHOP

MAY 19, 2010

CALL TO ORDER.

The Jackson City Council met in special session in the City Council Chambers for a budget workshop.  Mayor Karen F. Dunigan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL.

Present:  Mayor Karen F. Dunigan and Councilmembers Carl L. Breeding, Robert B. Howe, Daniel P. Greer, Kenneth E. Gaiser, Andrew R. Frounfelker and John R. Polaczyk-7.  Absent:  none.

Also present:  Interim City Manager Warren D. Renando, City Attorney Julius A. Giglio and City Clerk Lynn Fessel.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA.

Motion was made by Councilmember Polaczyk and seconded by Councilmember Howe to adopt the agenda.  The motion was adopted by the following vote.  Yeas:  Mayor Dunigan and Councilmembers Breeding, Howe, Greer, Gaiser, Frounfelker and Polaczyk-7.  Nays:  0.  Absent:  0. 

PROPOSED 2010-2011 BUDGET.

Using a power point presentation, Interim City Manager Renando discussed his plans for this budget and the future.  His plan begins with what he would like to see accomplished in the next six weeks, six months and six years as follows: 

Six Weeks

• Implement the recommendations of the water/sewer rate study
• Close 2 fire stations
• Return the Deputy Assessor and Deputy Treasurer to full-time

Six Months

• Share costs of City positions with other government agencies
• Go to the State regarding: refinance debt, change the cemetery trust, and Ella Sharp Endowment
• Use CDBG funds to staff a city planning/zoning position
• Health Care - single provider - negotiate with unions
• Consider enacting public safety
• Re-examine implementation of fire transport
• Possible merger of Old Police and Fire Pension with Act 345
• Consider closing existing pension system to non-union new hires and place them in a defined contribution plan - negotiate in future union contracts

Six Years

• Make population loss a priority
• Share Services - Parks, Police/Sheriff, Building Inspection, Fire
• Focus on user fees for services
• Reduce city staff
• Reduce city benefits

Revenue Generators

• Examine all vacant parcels in the City for potential revenue generating reuse
• Stop tearing down housing units and favor programs to fix or replace City housing
• More careful implementation of PILOTs, tax credits and tax incentives
• Enhance recruitment of companies or governmental entities that need sewer and water

The Good News

• The City’s fund balance is in much better shape than cities of comparable size
• Reduction in staff through attrition instead of mandating layoffs
• City has qualified, experienced staff dedicated to serving the citizens of the City

Finance Director Phil Hones discussed income tax revenues; a question and answer period followed.

CITIZEN COMMENTS.

None.

ADJOURNMENT.

No further business being presented, a motion was made by Councilmember Greer and seconded by Councilmember Howe to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Lynn Fessel
City Clerk