2004-03-15 Regular Meeting and Pre-Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes

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3/15/04 - MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AND PRE-BUDGET WORKSHOP - Page 2 Policies are needed for one time revenues, unpredicted revenue sources and contingency plan (currently being developed). A Performance Measurement program will be implemented this budget year. City Manager - Debra Feazelle Performance Measurement Project - will use information provided for the departments to quantify workload and assess the need for new positions and budget requests. Due to the complexity of this project, it will be implemented in phases. Budget Calendar of Events was explained. Budget kick-off will be in April. Overtime budgets will be monitored very closely. Flex-time schedules are being considered to reduce costs and provide extended hours of service. A 90 day pilot project will be implemented. Capital Improvements long range debt service plan was discussed. Requested Council consider when to they want to consider vote on future items. Assistant City Manager - John Joerns Provided City Council with an overview of impact fees. He noted this is an alternate method to cover new projects and expenses. Fees are charged to the developer for future growths. It is not required the fees be passed at a 100% level. Council requested staff to do survey and provide them with a report on cost to implement a program. Council Questions and Directions: Bruce Meismer requested staff to research tax rate cut comparison and impact as it relates to the La Porte Independent School District, San Jacinto College District and Harris County. Mr. Meismer would like a detailed list of costs to provide services on a measurable means. We need to look at costs associated with activities; understand what our costs are, what are we doing to pay for them and how we planning to pay in the future. Do costs need to be increased? Mr. Meismer suggested reviewing job descriptions and positions above first line supervisory level and expenses. Howard Ebow questioned when department heads request items, has the City looked at measure to cut costs; he would like to see how we can better maintain and cutting costs. Barry Beasley would like for there to be a balance of receivables and expenses, including a list of new items, plus cuts they can chose from. Peter Griffiths stated we need to prioritize and make choices; and we need to better educate the citizens. Chuck Engelken would oppose a tax increase without taking a very close look at expenses. Are we controlling costs the way we should. Charlie Young stated we need to take a closer look at our expenses. Mike Mosteit would like costs to be trimmed within the City, look at growth of departments over last 10 years, and how will cutting costs impact the services provided.