09132001 Emergency Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

243. Emergency Meeting September 13, 2001 Page 3 Mr. Gilley stated he did not necessarily think so. Mr. Gilley stated there is a level of services the community expects which is also an issue. The City's fund balance would be in a minimum range of fund balance. Mr. Mayhew stated he would like to know what all the Council Members think. Ms. Hughson would consider cutting the Tourist Product funding ($50,000.00) and cutting $50,000.00 from the Tanger advertising funding. She is not interested in cutting the Police Budget. Mayor Chiu stated 1 cent would equal $150,000.00. He would not be interested in cutting any of the Police equipment or library funding and asked if the Council would consider a 1-1/2 cent tax rate increase. Ms. Hughson stated if the library reduction of $4,000.00 was made, it would still be more funding than in this line item last year. Mr. Montoya stated he would consider a 1-1/2 cent tax rate increase, but with citizens on fixed incomes, he was reluctant to do so. Ms. Tatum stated it was okay with her to move funding around, but she would not vote for a tax increase. Mr. Cox stated he could vote in favor of a 1 cent or 1-1/2 cent tax rate increase. Mr. Cox stated if Ms. Hughson's proposal to reduce $50,000.00 funding for Tanger advertising and to cut the Tourist Product funding of $50,000.00, and leave the rest of Mr. Gilley's proposals in the budget, he could agree to this. Mr. Gilley stated if the City has more revenues than are anticipated, the Council could amend the budget to bring back some of the items cut now. Mr. Cox was willing to consider a reduction of Tanger advertising by $50,000.00, eliminating the funding for Tourist Product by $50,000.00 and Mr. Montoya's proposal to use $100,000.00 of fund balance. Mr. Mayhew and Ms. Hughson stated they were not interested in using additional fund balance. Ms. Tatum stated she is supportive of Administration reduction of $5,000.00 (in Mr. Gilley's memorandum). She stated the Council needs to look at what Mr. Gilley has recommended. Ms. Hughson stated a portion of the Human Resources reduction is for a study and was interested in the Council looking at this at a future Workshop. Mr. Gilley stated it is in regard to retirees' insurance, and the study would help the City to see if this is something we can do in the future. Mr. Cox stated the 2-1/2 cent tax rate increase is justified, but if there are not four votes for this, the Council needs to look at a reasonable compromise. Mr. Cox stated $204,000.00 had been identified by Messrs. Mihalkanin and Montoya and Ms. Hugshon, and 1-1/4 cents would equal $192,000.00 in revenue. He stated that would be a reasonable approach, the programs would continue and we would have significantly reduced the 5 cent budget. Mr. Mayhew stated 1-1/4 cents would be a good compromise. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he would be willing to accept a 1 cent tax increase. He wants to continue professional development for staff. Mr. Mayhew stated he would be willing to go with 1 cent and let Staff corne up with a proposal. Mr. Cox stated he could go for a 1 cent tax increase. Ms. Tatum stated she wants to keep looking for cuts and have no tax increase. Ms. Hughson moved to amend the Ordinance in Section 1 to add, "47.1 cents" and in Section 2.A. to add, "22.66 cents", and in Section 2.B. to add, "24.44 cents" and Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The Council then voted unanimously for approval of the Ordinance on first reading.