City of Central Falls
City Council Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
Following the City Council Meeting
The City Council held a budget workshop on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 8:06 p.m.
Council President Noury chaired the meeting and stated for the record that all members present at the City Council meeting are present.
A.) Discussion FY-2000/2001 Budget
B.) Discussion FY-2001/2002 Budget
The City Assessor, John Gancarski was present along with Mayor Matthews to answer the Council's questions regarding tax assessments.
Council President Noury questioned the exemptions.
Councilwoman Canavan questioned the changes in the budget.
The Homestead Exemption was discussed in detail and the Mayor related that the exemption would be increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
Mr. Gancarski commented on the exemptions including the gold star parent and veterans exemptions. He stated that the elderly exemption is the most significant.
He commented on the levy and the relationship between the levy and the exemptions.
Councilman Leger questioned the tax exemptions and asked if it included house and motor vehicle taxes.
Mr. Gancarski stated that the exemption applies to resident property owners occupying the property and he also stated that he is required to certify the tax roll by state law on June 15, 2001. He related that the total tax assessment levy last year $8,301,000 -$8,900,000.
Council members question how the levy is divided between residential, tangibles etc.
Council President Noury stated that this is an increase in taxes by $663,000.
Mayor Matthews commented on the Ordinances and asked the Council President about matters being discussed in the workshop that are not specifically posted on the workshop agenda.
Council President Noury responded that at a workshop any discussion pertaining to the budget would be acceptable as long as no council action was taken.
Discussion took place between the Mayor and Council members regarding the levy and how it affects the budget and their relationship to the exemptions.
Mr. Gancarski explained the different exemptions and how they are figured into the levy.
Discussion took place relative to the revaluation and the company that conducted the revaluation as well as the impact on resident's taxes.
Mr. Gancarski explained the tax assessor's certification process.
Councilman Lazieh commented on the revaluation and asked the Assessor for the % of homeowners and the number of absentee landlords.
Councilman Leger asked if that is the Assessor's job.
Councilman Lazieh responded that if the total number were known then the council would have an idea of what the total cost is for this exemption.
Councilman Leger commented.
Councilwoman Canavan commented on the exemptions and stated that someone has to pay for these exemptions and the higher an exemption is for one then someone else has to make up for it on the other side.
Council President Noury questioned the Mayor on the existing exemptions.
Mayor Matthews commented on owner occupied property and the proposed total exemptions which amount to approximately $320,369.00 which includes deductions for DCU, Hedco and tax exempt property.
Discussion ensued regarding the revaluation and Vision. Council members discussed the hearings on the revaluation and stated their concerns on how they were conducted.
Council President Noury turned the discussion to the revenue portion of the proposed budget. He stated that he would have questions on the Special revenues, tax revenues and he asked why the Municipal Court fees was reduced.
Mayor Matthews responded that because of the ticket tracker system the fines are reflected in the traffic fines. He said that the fees are down considerably between the Traffic Fines and the Municipal Court.
Councilman Lazieh asked if the tax revenue is current and asked the Mayor what the differences are between the May 15th and May 31st budget documents.
Mayor Matthews explained that 15% was set aside as requested by Vision due to the revaluation. He said that since then, due to some reductions as a result of the appeals, a more accurate figure is reflected in the May 31st revision.
Discussion on the Motor Vehicle phase out continued between the Mayor and Council President Noury.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Mayor on revisions.
Discussion continued on the revenues relative to the water rebate and how the figures were calculated.
The Mayor explained the suit and the revenues due from the PWSB.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the lease rental income and asked if a new lease was in effect.
The Mayor stated that there is no contract in place and that the rental agreement is on a month to month basis.
Councilman Lazieh asked if this has been put out to bid and offered for lease to the public.
Mayor Matthews responded no since the place is already rented.
The Mayor responded to questions related to revenues from the Central Falls Housing Authority, the Detention Facility and Children's Friends and services.
Councilman Lazieh commented that the Mayor has proposed -0- in surplus sales and he commented that there has been the sale of several rubbish trucks.
Mayor Matthews responded that the 2 rubbish trucks that have been sold are not road worthy.
Council President Noury adjourned the workshop at 8:55 p.m.
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Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk