2012-09-10 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 budget would include an increase to employees for medical benefits. Mayor Rigby responded that is correct. Mayor Rigby commented the tax rate has not been raised in 24 years; the amount of tax increases seen by citizens over the years is due 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 Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2012-3431: 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 Clausen moved to approve the City of La Porte's Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget. Councilmember Mosteit seconded. MOTION FAILED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Martin, Mosteit and Clausen 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 Board studied the increase on more than one occasion, recommended an increase to Council more than on one occasion, the increase was discussed extensively during the budget process, and now the increases are being rejected. Councilmember Leonard responded yes to Mayor Rigby's comment. Councilmember Leonard moved to amend the City of La Porte's Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget with no increase in employee insurance rates and with no other changes to the proposed budget. City Manager Corby Alexander commented part of the budget presentation includes increases and decreases on the employees' side. Councilmember Leonard commented he did not recall a decrease in the PP0500 Plan but did 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