Common Council: Minutes: Special Budget Meeting, Oct.5,2005

(Ed. note. The following is an edited portion of the minutes of the special budget meeting of Common Council. Some of these numbers may have changed a bit since Oct. 5, 2006. Stay tuned to The Evansville Observer for the latest.)

"Overview

Ms. Petruzzello reported the draft budget has been prepared with the primary goal of continuing to provide basic services to a growing community, while maintaining a stable tax rate. In addition, the budget will be prepared to meet the guidelines of the State of Wisconsin Expenditure Restraint Program and ensure that the City’s levy complies with the State’s property tax levy limit. An effort has been made to include all items previously recommended by governing committees and all items incorporated into the 2007 Capital Plan.

The City tax levy will again be held to a Property Tax Levy Limit by the State of Wisconsin. This limit is equal to the ratio of the increase in equalized value form January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2006, from new construction divided by the total equalized value as of January 1, 2005. The 2007 Property Tax Levy limit will be 6.11%. Therefore, the City may levy no more than $1,953,018 for the purposes of general operations, EMS, Library, Cemetery, Debt Service and Capital projects. The proposed budget includes the maximum levy allowable.

The levy included in the proposed budget would result in a modest property tax rate increase of 0.59%. Under this scenario, the City tax on an average residential value would increase $18.66 from $993.46 to $1012.12 because of an increase in the average residential assessed value and the 0.59% increase in the tax rate.

Electric and Water Utilities

Mr. George presented the Electric and Water Utilities budgets. The budgets showed revenues without increase in water rates, and the substation project was moved from the 2006 to 2007.

General Government

Mrs. Petruzzello, and Mr. Jepperson presented the budgets for Common Council, Mayor, City Administrator, Clerk/Treasurer, Finance Director, and Other General Government. The Clerk’s budget included one additional staff member. Ms. Skinner reported the Senior Citizens Transportation and Senior Citizens Program have not received a raised in many years. She requested a $600 (or 3%) increase for transportation totaling $20,600 and $1,500 increase for Senior Program totaling $6,500. The Economic Development budget in the packet was $5,000. Now, Economic Development Committee is requesting a budget of $15,000, so that they can fund a proposed Evansville Chamber of Commerce Promotional Director position. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of funding the proposed new position.

Public Safety

Scott McElroy presented the Police Department budget, which shows the inclusion of one additional full-time police officer and the elimination of part-time officers. Council discussed the cost and safety issues related to the proposed change in staffing for the police department.

Mr. Beaver presented the EMS budget, and Mr. Halvensleben presented the Fire Protection budget.

Library

Ms. Kemp presented the Library budget. The Committee noted, in prior years, the Common Council raised the Library’s budget 5%, so the Library could buy need materials and books.

Municipal Court

Judge Alisankus presented the Municipal Court budget.

Capital Budget/TID #5/Debt Service

Mr. Jepperson presented the Capital Projects, TID No. 5, and Debt Service budgets. The Committee noted that additional capital fund balance be utilized to reduce the amount of the note issue when borrowing in 2007.

Building Inspection/Public Works/Recycling & Refuse/Cemetery/Parks & Recreation/Wastewater Treatment Utility

Mr. Wartenweiler presented the Building Inspection, Public Works, Recycling and Refuse, Cemetery, Parks and Recreation, and Wastewater Treatment Utility budgets. The Public Works’ budget included one additional staff member to address the increase workload due to growth of city infrastructures, new parks, and new businesses. The Committee discussed the implementation date of the additional employee on March 1st and May 1st. The consensus was to delay the implementation date to May 1st. "