2007-08-13 Budget Workshop Meetings of La Porte Ctiy Council

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City Council Budget Workshop Meetings — August 13-15 2007 - Page 3 11. WORKSHOP A. Interim City Manager John Joerns provided a General Overview of the 2007-2008 Budget on file in the City Secretary's Office on August 13`h, 2007. Mr. Joerns began review and Mayor noted we needed to backup for the addendum item that was added to the agenda. The workshop meeting was closed and the regular meeting was reopened at 6:55 p.m. Addendum Item: CONSIDER APPROVAL OR OTHER ACTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND PATTILLO, BROWN AND HILL, L.L.P. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, TO AUDIT THE CITY'S GENERAL- PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007.(Ord. 3008) — M. Dolby Interim Finance Director Michael Dolby presented summary and recommendation to Council. Fiscal Affairs Chairperson Engelken informed Council the Fiscal Affairs Committee wanted Council to know they felt Null Lairson had done a good job for the City of La Porte but after six years they felt it was important to go with a new company with a new set of eyes on the City's affairs. Motion was made by Councilmember Engelken to authorize an agreement with Pattillo, Brown and Hill LLP Certified Public Accountants, to audit the City's general-purpose financial statement for year ending September 30, 2007. Second by Councilmember Ebow. Motion carried unanimously. Ayes: Malone, Beasley, Mosteit, Engelken, Ebow, Moser, Rigby, Clausen and Mayor Porter. Nays: None Abstain: None The regular meeting closed and the workshop meeting reconvened at 6:59 p.m. B. General Fund Overview — Interim City Manager John Joerns provided an overview and answered Council's questions on August 13`h, 2007. Interim City Manager John Joerns wanted to advise Council of changes made since the transmittal letter was sent to them with their budget books two weeks ago. The following items were noted: Staff is proud to present a balanced budget for the year. Electrical and electrical rates have increased. Fiber Optic project may cause increase in technology fund. The insurance fund has shown to increase a straight percentage of 12 '/z percent. We have not done anything else with the insurance fund as far as returning to an earlier target of an 80 — 20 split between the City and employees. Those numbers can be generated and looked at later. The City is moving forward with the 12/'/2 increase being absorbed by the City. The