HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-2018 Work Session-Budget Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) (
COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) (
The City Council met in a Work Session/Budget Meeting
at 4:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532,
on Monday, 24 September 2018.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City Attorney
Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Mayor Wilson addressed the City Council and presented a Power Point presentation
for the overall budget. (See attached) Council Burrell questioned if the K-1 Center,
Nix Center, and park property purchase was included in the budget. Mayor Wilson
said there is a lodging tax increase included; and our Police Jurisdiction needs to be
looked at for the future. She said we need a "Rainy Day Fund" for our Utilities.
Councilmember Brown said to proceed with utility infrastructure and Council in
onboard to move forward. City Treasurer Michael Hinson presented the cash
accounts. Mayor Wilson mentioned the proposed new positions, merits raises, and
promotions. She also mentioned moving the pay grades five percent across the
board. Councilmember Conyers said private and public sectors are not the same; and
a hybrid would work for the City. Council President Burrell agreed a hybrid is the
best.
Mayor Wilson says the process is us causing employees to leave. Councilmember
Robinson replied the process is slow to make sure it is done correctly. Mayor Wilson
said these are self-imposed processes; and not the standard process for most Cities.
Operations Director Richard Peterson addressed the City Council regarding
employees and pay scales. He also mentioned several employees leaving due higher
paying jobs.
Councilmember Robinson told the Department Heads they can meet with him to
discuss the process; and stated this is supply versus demand. Council President
Burrell said the compensation was updated in 2015 and is dated. Public Works
Director Richard Johnson stated the merit raises meant something to employees; and
in Daphne a "COLA" always moved the pay grades.
Councilmember Robinson reiterated he would meet with anyone regarding the
processes; and said the rules are burdensome. Mr. Johnson commented we let hourly
employees use a $250,000.00 piece of equipment, but $2,500.00 is my limit so needs
to earn trust.
Councilmember Robinson stated we need to focus on new employees and other
needs. Councilmember Conyers commented he agreed we need infrastructure and a
Rainy Day Fund for Utilities; but we do not need to increase rates. He said allocation
has changed to other departments; and the organization is better and we are strong
financially.