This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor
Tamara Cornwell, Vice-Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director (Present via ZOOM)
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
Cheryl Miller, Finance Director
Matt Misco, Finance Manager (Present via ZOOM)
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 5:30 pm.
1. FY 2025 BUDGET DISCUSSION (J.FREEMAN/C.MILLER)
Mr. Johnson introduced a couple of the new CRA Interns that started on July 17th. Veronica Jolley attends New College of Florida and Jemmo Joseph (JJ) attends Florida Gulf Coast University.
Mr. Freeman reminded everyone of the next Commission meeting on July 29th. At that meeting they will be required to set a tentative millage and tentative budget hearing date. He also mentioned that on August 5th there will be Workshops during the day to discuss the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant. The first Workshop at 10:00 AM will be for contractors that are interested in doing this work. The second Workshop at 1:00 PM will be for homeowners. The application process will run for two months. There will be additional Workshops as well.
Mr. Freeman shared that Aubrey Drummond, IT, retired as of Friday, July 19th. Emin Mathews will be starting on August 14th in that position.
Mr. Freeman opened the discussion for the FY 2025 Budget. The purpose today was to give the Commission a high-level overview and begin discussions. A copy of the proposed budget was included in the Agenda and
City Commission/CRA Budget Workshop
July 24, 2024
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posted on the website under the Finance Department. In version 1 of the budget, they have proposed no change to the millage rate of $5.9671. Our gross taxable values are up by approximately 11.33%. Overall, within the CRA, the taxable values are up over 7%. As part of the TRIM process, we have to set the tentative millage rate and tentative budget hearing date by August 4th. That is why we will set that at our July 29th meeting. September 9th is when we are proposing to have the tentative budget hearing. The final budget meeting would be on September 23rd.
Mr. Freeman continued to read from the overview, which was listed as the first page of the version 1 budget. They are proposing a balanced budget. He went on to highlight the personnel statistics. There are 128 full-time funded positions, 12 part-time, and 6 elected officials. There are 26 vacant positions, which will remain funded. They are currently doing a compensation study. They have budgeted within the proposed budget to account for that implementation. It is not finalized yet. He also noted that it is a PBA negotiation year. Staff have been working with the PBA union. They have reached a general consensus from the bargaining teams. Pension costs for both General Employees and Police have increased slightly this year. They are working with their insurance representatives to possibly decrease the costs of health insurance for the City and employees. They have budgeted for an increase of 4%, but they are hoping to reduce that. Other forms of insurance for the City have increased, as highlighted on page 4. Capital expenses, capital leases, and debt expenses were highlighted. Fund balance charts are listed on page 8. We have a little over 6 months in reserves for the general fund.
Commissioner Cornwell mentioned the controversy that was discussed at the Historic Society Board meeting last night. She asked if the City can put a line item in our budget to assist, if needed. Mr. Freeman answered that they are working towards resolving some of those issues, but they do have funds allocated in the events and facilities budget for that. Commissioner Cornwell further explained that their biggest concern was with funding personnel to work at that facility, as a worst-case scenario. Mr. Freeman indicated that he would reach out to them to ensure they’re not missing anything. Mr. Freeman highlighted the funding that is already listed. Mayor Bryant further explained the issues that are occurring. She thought they could request a meeting with the Chair of the County Commission for herself and Mr. Freeman. Mayor Bryant and Commissioner Cornwell went on to discuss the historic firetruck that was once at the Historic Park but has now been moved to the North River Fire Department. It belongs to the Historical Commission.
Commissioner Williams questioned who runs the Historical Park. The Historical Park was under the Clerk of court, but now it is not. Our interlocal agreement was with the Clerk of court. Mayor Bryant reiterated that they are working to figure these things out with the County. They met with the Clerk of the court. The county made the decision to change this arrangement.
Commissioner Williams went on to question how many retired employees we had. Mr. Freeman answered around 50 for Police and 60 for General, he thought. Commissioner Williams opined that we need to increase their pension. Mr. Freeman answered that both pension boards recently did a one-time cost of living adjustment, COLA. An Ordinance was approved by the Commission to look at the COLA at least every 5 years. The actuary looks at the pension plans every year. Mr. Freeman further explained how the assumptions are determined.
Commissioner Williams went on to question the plans for City Hall and Public Works to get new buildings. Mr. Freeman stated that would be part of the capital improvement plan, CIP. Mr. Freeman discussed a new storage building at Public Works. They are currently exploring the needs of City Hall and the Public Works Administration building. At City Hall we are at maximum capacity. All our offices are being utilized. Commissioner Williams asked if this was something that should be put as a standing item on the Agendas. He wants to see movement on this. Mr. Freeman reiterated that this will be part of the CIP. They can do a mid-year or quarterly check-in on these projects. Commissioner Williams strongly suggested having at least quarterly updates on these projects.
City Commission/CRA Budget Workshop
July 24, 2024
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Commissioner Williams questioned the purchase of the CSX land. Mr. Freeman answered that would be part of the CIP land acquisition. Commissioner Williams wants to see these projects being closed out. He believes it’s the Commissioners that sometimes delay these projects. It is not the staff’s fault.
He reminded his fellow Commissioners that if they don’t set an increase in the proposed millage at the next meeting, they can’t increase it during the budget process, but they can decrease it.
Commissioner Jones questioned the CRA positions listed on page 161. One position was missing. Finance will correct that. Commissioner Jones wanted to discuss an individual employee, but Mr. Johnson reiterated that he would not discuss an individual employee at a public meeting. It is inappropriate.
Mayor Bryant further discussed the historic fire truck. She also noted that they have never been able to get Manatee County to move forward with the repair/replacement of the Green Bridge Fishing Pier. It belongs to Manatee County. She wants to get this issue resolved.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:31 pm.
Minutes approved: AUGUST 12, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk