09-24-12 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and commented he would rather see less street repairs and more money for employees. Phillip Hoot, 927 Seabreeze, addressed Council and complimented City staff on the budget, commented the elimination of a sanitation worker position could be a mistake since the City is short of sanitation workers, the Golf Course counts for two percent of revenue, but four percent of costs, and expressed concerns of property tax increases. The public hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if voting in favor of the proposed budgetwould include an increase to employees for medical benefits. Mayor Rigby responded that is correct. Mayor Rigby commented the tax rate hasnot been raisedin 24 years; the amount of tax increases seen by citizens over the years isdue to property valuations set by the Harris County Appraisal District;the actually City tax rate has been consistent for the past 24 years. (b) Consider approval or other action regarding an ordinance approving and adopting the City of La Porte’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Proposed Budget – M. Dolby Ordinance2012-3431: Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2012 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2013;FINDING THAT ALL THINGS REQUISITE AND NECESSARY HAVE BEEN DONE IN PREPARATION AND PRESENTMENT OF SAID BUDGET;FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Councilmember Clausenmovedto approve the City of La Porte’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget. MOTION FAILED. Councilmember Mosteitseconded. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Martin, MosteitandClausen Nays: Councilmembers Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski and Moser Absent:Councilmember Engelken Councilmember Leonard commented he proposes not to raise health care contributions paid by employees. Mayor Rigby commented the Chapter 172 Employee, Retiree Insurance & Benefit Boardstudied the increase on more than one occasion, recommended anincrease to Council more than on one occasion, the increase was discussed extensively during the budget process, and now the increases arebeing rejected. Councilmember Leonard responded yes to MayorRigby’s comment. Councilmember Leonard moved to amend the City of La Porte’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budgetwith no increase in employeeinsurancerates and with no other changes to the proposed budget. City Manager Corby Alexander commented part of the budget presentation includesincreases and decreases on the employees’ side.Councilmember Leonard commented he did not recall a decrease in the PPO500 Plan butdid recall premiums increasing. Mayor Rigby asked if the motion was to revert back without increases to employees. City Manager Corby Alexander asked Council if staff was being directed to keep employees contributions the same as the past. Page 3 of 7 September 10, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes