HomeMy WebLinkAbout102313 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF OCTOBER 23, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session the twenty-third day of
October 2013 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to
order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor David King.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Robert Gray, David King, Catharine Robinson,
Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch. Kris Nelson and Michelle Sandoval were excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Special Assistant Bob Jean, Deputy Finance Director Corena Stern, Public Works
Director Ken Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, Interim Library Director Bev
Shelton, Police Chief Conner Daily, City Engineer Dave Peterson and City Clerk Pam
Kolacy.
2013 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND DRAFT 2014 BUDGET COUNCIL WORKSHOP -
GENERAL COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Special Assistant Bob Jean reviewed the "Upcoming Budget Process and Calendar"
document.
He then went through Deputy Finance Director Stern's memo regarding updated
revenue estimates for 2013. He noted that it is more likely that new construction will be
about 1% rather than the 2% originally predicted. Sales tax and utility revenues are
trending higher. Comment was made that a document showing total revenue sources
and how they are allocated is desirable for the final budget package.
City Manager Timmons reviewed upcoming building projects. He noted that the City and
County will be working together on a master facilities plan in 2014.
There was brief discussion on the format of the final budget presentation, with
suggestion that the overall picture be presented in addition to the fund by fund
format. Comments were made about the difficulty of doing this without an explanation of
the complications of municipal budgeting.
The Council then proceeded to go through the funds one by one with a brief explanation
from staff and Council questions. It was noted that an index of page numbers would be
helpful.
Mr. Jean stated that all property tax numbers are being revised downward, and this will
affect the Library. Mr. Timmons said it is particularly important for the Library to set
City Council Workshop Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 1 of 2
guidelines and create a five-year forecast that will take into consideration the set amount
of revenue allocated. Mr. Jean added that staff is putting together a scenario that would
include a branch library but it appears the Library would go into a negative position
sooner if those costs are added.
Explanation, discussion and questions ensued regarding the following operating funds:
Public Works Administration and Engineering; Library; Community Services; Fire and
EMS Services; LID #1; LID #2; Drug Enforcement; Contingency; Street; Lodging Tax;
Community Development Block Grant; Housing Trust fund; Stormwater, Equipment
Rental; and Firemen's Pension.
Discussion continued on Capital, Debt and Trust Funds: Capital Improvement Fund,
System Development Charges Fund; Transmission Line Replacement Fund; G.O. Debt
Service Fund; 78 Water Sewer Revenue Bond Fund; 92/98 Water Sewer Bond Res.
Fund; 92 Water Sewer Revenue Bond Fund; Utility Construction Fund; Engineering
Service Fund; Golf Course Fund; Memorial Fund.
The General Fund was discussed briefly, in particular a potential request for more funds
for PTTV equipment upgrades, whether training budgets should be increased, and
creation of a reserve fund for unemployment costs. A more detailed review of the
General Fund line item budget similar to the evening's discussion will be scheduled for a
future meeting. Councilors were asked to provide any comments on the budget and
associated documents to Mr. Timmons and Mr. Jean.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Attest:
,
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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