City of Frostproof, The Friendly City

July 12, 2010

The City Council of the City of Frostproof held a Budget Workshop Monday, July 12, 2010, in the Council Chambers at Frostproof City Hall, 111 West First Street, Frostproof, Florida.

Call to Order: Mayor Kay Hutzelman called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mayor Kay Hutzelman

Roll Call: Sarah Adelt, City Clerk, called roll. Council Members present: Mayor Kay Hutzelman, Vice Mayor Anne Dickinson, and Council Member Wise.

Council Members absent: Diana Biehl and Ralph Waters

City Manager Tenny Croley, City Attorney Brian Haas, City Clerk Sarah Adelt, Public Works Director James Keene, Finance Manager Melody Walsh, Fire Chief Bill Lord, Library Director Missy Hadden and Code Enforcement Officer Hank Smith.

Finance Manager Melody Walsh began by reviewing the previous millage rate of 7.8209, ad valorem with the same millage rate will reduce funding by $800,000, and projected state revenue sharing funds will increase by approximately $1000. It is projected the taxable property value will decrease approximately 13% this year. Sales tax is projected to increase approximately $6000 this year. She also reviewed the state communication tax, franchise fees, and business license tax with the total projected General Fund revenue being $2,487,870 for FY 10-11.

Melody then reviewed the proposed expenses of the General Fund. One of the items discussed referred to the membership for East Polk Committee of 100 and a suggestion was made to change this to CFDC (Central Florida Development Council), which was agreed upon by consensus.

It was agreed that training and education for staff was important and should be left in the proposed budget. It was mentioned the proposed budget does not include any salary increases. The medical insurance has been increased by 15% to cover the increased costs. All promotional costs such as flowers or celebration expenses have been deleted and will be explained to all staff at the monthly safety meeting; the city will continue to send cards. All contingency expenses have also been deleted from all departments.

Legal expense for the City Attorney has not increased in five years and will not be increasing this year per the City Attorney.

Adopting a class at each of the schools was discussed and will be included in the proposed budget.

The City Council asked that attendance at Ridge League Dinners be earmarked as a place to make a cut, if necessary. The City Council would be willing to pay their own expense. Bank fees were briefly discussed and it was suggested that contact be made with the bank to negotiate some of the fees. It was stated that some of the fees are offset by revenue when these charges are passed to customers.

It was stated the contract with the Sheriff’s Department is up for renewal in 2011 and an increase is anticipated.

The fire department increased their capital equipment expense to $60,807.55, which included 5 sets of bunker gear, helmets, air bottles, boots, tools and thermal imaging camera.

The building department was discussed, which included the interlocal contract with Lake Wales for a Building Official. It was suggested the part-time position be earmarked if a cut is necessary, plus the expense for education/training can be eliminated, as this will be covered by the interlocal agreement.

It was suggested the expense of surveying an additional area in the cemetery be delayed as it is not needed at the present time, saving the $15,500 expense.

The continuation of the paving and fire hydrant programs were briefly mentioned and will be included in the proposed budget.

The funding from the Library Cooperative was discussed, stating quotes were being received for security and fire sprinkler systems. The possibility of extending the summer hours into the fall/winter season was also briefly discussed.

Reminder of the next budget workshop to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010, was announced. Mayor Kay Hutzelman adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.