HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/2015 City Council Budget Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Budget Meeting
at 3:30p.m., Delchamps Room, 161 North Section Street,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on
Monday, 28 September 2015.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Rich Mueller,
Diana Brewer, Michael A. Ford, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, City
Attorney Marion E. Wynne (arrived at 5:02p.m.), and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.; and stated
this is an excellent budget with 95 percent taking care of itself.
Mayor Kant went over the highlights to the proposed budget. He is proposing
a two percent cost of living increase for each City employee. Capital expenditures in
general fund are $1,944,661; capital project fund expenditures are $6.6 million. City
Public Utilities will have capital upgrades of $2,883,566 which includes $1,8 million
for system upgrades and $1.0 million to purchase vehicles and equipment. Mayor
Kant said $2,050,000 of the sales tax revenue will be used for capital projects and
$2.0 million for debt reduction. The total budget for general government and city
utilities is $62,519,304 total revenue and $57,872,241 in total expenses, with a
surplus of$4,647,063.
The revenues and transfers were briefly explained the differences by Jill
Cabaniss, Finance Director, and Council President Burrell. Capital upgrades,
Performing Arts along with a feasibility study and survey, Police Department, and
Recreation Department were discussed. Vehicle Maintenance costs are the same as
last year; and the Maintenance Plan is not done at this time. Mayor Kant said it has
only been a year and a program is needed. Recycling was discussed regarding single
source and the possibility of going up on households that do not recycle. Mayor
Kant commented that all new salary figures would not go into effect until November
1, 2015. The refinancing of the General Obligation Warrant was mentioned and our
attorney is looking into this.
Council President Burrell explained to the guests present what the City
Council has been doing with proposed budget. The following grants were briefly
mentioned: TAP Grant for Rock Creek Trail and A TRIP Grant for resurfacing
Fairhope A venue.
Councilmember Brewer brought up the beach area and the picnic tables in
need of repairs or being replaced. Council President Burrell said there are funds in
the bank for the beach area; but just not budgeted.
Budget Meeting
Monday, 28 September 2015
Page -2-
Councilmember Mueller questioned the Triangle property and a design for it.
Council President Burrell stated projects need to be looked at before the next meeting.
He mentioned the Labor Cost Adjustment Factor ordinance. The Community
Development Budget was mentioned; and the request for Veterans Memorial
Cemetery for $3,000.00 for signage.
Council President Burrell stated that the City's debt was $40 million not
including the Airport's debt in 2012. In three years, the General Fund will be debt
free. We will reduce debt an additional $2.0 million this year for a total of $4.6
million in debt reduction.
The next Budget Meeting will be on October 8, 2015 at 4:00p.m.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5:56p.m.
Y./Mi,.L ~anks,MMC
City Clerk