City of Central Falls
City Council Budget Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, May 30,2001
FOLLOWING SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
A City Council budget workshop was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:50p.m.
All 5 members of the Council were present and Council President Noury chaired the workshop.
Council President Noury explained that this workshop would be to review the budget worksheet and note the areas of concern that Council members may have and wish to question.
Councilwoman Canavan questioned the worksheet and asked if this was the only information the Council would receive. She stated that last year the Council had 5 columns to work with which included an actual 9 month and a forecast of what had already been spent in the current operating budget. She stated she didn't know how the council could work with this. She stated she has a problem with working with just two columns because she has to keep cross checking with the March report. She stated that its very difficult to keep cross checking with over 300 line items. She also stated that she is well aware that there is no Finance Director but that's the Administration's fault. She stated the City had a Finance Director who was highly qualified but was terminated just before the preparation of the budget.
She stated that this is the Mayor's own doing by not having a Finance Director.
Council President Noury asked the Clerk if she would ask the Mayor to attend the workshop because if the Council can't see its way through answering these questions the Council would not be able to pass a budget for this year.
The Clerk responded that she would relate the Council's invitation to the Mayor.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Lazieh that the Finance Department submit a 5 column worksheet for the proposed budget.
Councilman Lazieh stated that there should be a 5 column worksheet for comparison. He said the information is already in the computer.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that if this motion passes maybe this could be submitted for Monday. On the motion all agreed. So Voted.
Motion was made by Councilman Lazieh that each department submit to the Council a copy of their departmental request. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Canavan.
Councilwoman Canavan asked if its true that each department keeps a detailed expense sheet.
Council President Noury asked the clerk if this is the case.
The City Clerk stated that not all departments keep a detailed expense sheet as the Fire or Police Departments may keep. She stated that they are not the bookkeepers.
The Council President asked the Clerk if she had a detailed request form. She stated that with the exception of the Salaries account everything that was requested for the line items on the worksheet is exactly what she asked for.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that as long as the document exists then there should be no problem in obtaining it. She stated that she didn't want to create extra work for any of the departments.
The City Clerk stated that her request was submitted and she didn't have a copy of it.
Councilman Lazieh stated that what is also being requested is where the budget stands to date and each department knows what it spent in each line item.
The Clerk explained further.
On motion all agreed. So voted.
Councilman Leger questioned the procedures.
None
Proceeded to item 4
4. Discussion on 2001--2002 Budget
Council members briefly reviewed their concerns on the following proposed budget items:
Tax revenue increase of $387,000 in tax collections and regarding the tax assessments.
Is the City generating more revenue because of the new rates.
Councilman Leger stated that that is a 4.5% increase in tax revenue and where is that increase coming from commercial, industrial etc.
Council President Noury stated that to be more accurate it's a 4.66% increase.
Municipal Court fees showing a -0-
Traffic fines increasing.
Increase in State revenues tangible phase-out and motor vehicles phase-out.
Increase in the telephone tax and how that is figured.
The increase in the water rebate and is this a realistic figure.
The special revenue account of $100,000.
Questioned where the firefighters increase would come from?
Council President Noury asked City Solicitor Briden about the Mayor's intention to use that section of the ordinance regarding judgements and bonds.
Council President Noury stated that the only thing that has been judged that has a signature from an arbitrator or a judge is for fiscal year 98/99. He challenged the Administration to show where there is a signature from and arbitrator or a judge for those other outstanding years. He asked if the Solicitor if he's researched that issue.
Mr. Briden asked if the Council President is asking about the subsequent years with regards to the ordinance. He stated that he would research the issue.
Council President Noury agrees that the firefighters should be paid the 98/99 but questions whether that provision could be used on the 99/2000 and 2000/2001 years.
Councilman Lazieh questioned surplus sales and property sales and nothing is indicated that he had a variety of questions.
Questioned in the appropriations side the Salaries of Department Heads.
The Salary increase in legal department. Increase in legal contingencies.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he would question other professional services in each department.
Workman's compensation increased significantly.
Police Chief and Fire Chief would be invited to a meeting.
Nothing in Fire Department to reflect increase.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Police Fire and Municipal contracts.
What's going with each.
Councilman Leger questioned where the overtime expenses are in Police and Fire Departments.
Council President Noury commented on the Municipal Court and stated that the Council may wish to appoint a Municipal Court Clerk/Associate Judge.
Mr. Briden stated that Judge Pratt will fill in for no pay at any time.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he would raise the issue of a Tree Warden and City Physician.
Councilman Leger question Highway Department and Public Works obligations and added them together 98/99 came 1.1 million 99/00 about same and increases significantly where's savings.
Councilman Lazieh asked that a breakdown be given to show the savings from Mr. Granieri.
Councilwoman Canavan questioned $24,000 for hydrants but spent nothing.
Councilman Noury questioned the increase to $96,000 in lease purchase.
Contingencies increase $100,000.
Employee benefits increase in blue cross.
Compensated absences increase.
Public Safety pension decrease.
Council President Noury asked if there is a capital budget.
Need a breakdown.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he would propose $100,000 in cuts so that surplus would not be utilized.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Canavan. Unanimously seconded.
All Agreed. So Voted.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk