Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout08142023 City Council Budget Workshop MinutesCity Council Budget Workshop Minutes August 14, 2023 4:00 p.m. Council Chambers 1. Call to Order The Budget Workshop of the Crestview City Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Mayor JB Whitten. Board members present: Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Rencich, Council members: Doug Capps, Cynthia Brown, Joe Blocker, and Ryan Bullard. Also present: City Manager Tim Bolduc, City Clerk Maryanne Schrader, City Attorney Jonathan Holloway, and various staff members. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Cynthia Brown. 3. Open Workshop Mayor JB Whitten turned the workshop over to . City Manager Tim Bolduc. 4. Approve Agenda Mayor JB Whitten called for action. Motion by Councilmember Joe Blocker and seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Rencich to approve the agenda, as presented. Roll Call: Andrew Rencich, Douglas Capps, Cynthia Brown, Joe Blocker, Ryan Bullard. All ayes. Motion carried. 5. Action Items 5.1. Draft Budget City Manager T. Bolduc explained the purpose of the workshop is designed to have open conversation related to the draft budget. He went over the summary sheet that depicted a balanced budget. He demonstrated how each line item depicts the growth. City Manager T. Bolduc stated we are operating with more revenue with the half cents sales tax explaining the budget is balanced at zero every year. He added $20 million dollars was collected in previous years that was set aside in reserve for commitments. The revenue projections exceeded projections, so the funds were placed aside for the commitments. This year $25 million dollars in capital projects are funded in this budget from the reserve fund balance. In reply to Mayor J.B. Whitten, City Manager T. Bolduc answered that the ARPA funds can only be designated for specific projects. He explained extra dollars need to be invested in the infrastructure. Annexation funds have also brought in funding. Our goal is to reduce the millage rate with the funds from Crestview Commons. City Manager T. Bolduc went over the fund summaries. In response to questions by the City Council, he explained the changes to the golf course stating there are no 11Page significant maintenance issues at the golf course. He also went over the library wage and insurance increases, as well as the capital outlay. City Manager T. Bolduc mentioned the funding is still outstanding for the Twin Hills Park improvements, but we expect to receive the funds. Parks and Recreation Director, C. Powell added it is a match grant. Financial Management Analyst, Wendy Buttke, explained that Okaloosa County sends fine monies from the collection of traffic fines, in response to the question on fines from Councilmember R. Bullard. The City Council approved the personnel changes applauding the ease of use of the new budget software. City Manager T. Bolduc said since we have a surplus of revenue in the building fees, improvements in the service area will be made. The plan is to rearrange the layout and add a person in the front who will assist customers. He added the business tax receipt process will also be changed. A kiosk will also be added to assist the customer. Mayor Pro-Tem A. Rencich mentioned at the FLC conference a presentation on AI was provided, and City Manager T. Bolduc replied that the staff is researching the information that he sent. He added the goal is to serve the contractor and homeowner efficiently. Discussion ensued on the carryforward fund balance and Finance Director Gina Toussaint explained it should be $18 million at the end of June. City Manager T. Bolduc added from a cash perspective, we are good. We borrowed money at very low percentages, but the interest rates are high now, so we are spending cash on projects now. In reply to Councilmember D. Capps asked the debt, interest, government activity and business type in the budget, Finance Director Gina Toussaint explained the tax driven for government and enterprise funds fall under the business type. City Manager T. Bolduc said we have to run lean on the business side because of the infrastructure. In order to get the best funding, we have to have better financing options. City Manager T. Bolduc mentioned the fee schedule and Mirage Avenue improvements that will be on tonight's Council agenda and asked for assurance from the Council that they approve the proposed draft budget. He also added that the burden for lift stations will be on whoever is expanding in the area, adding that Mr. Criddle has the improvements included in the projects. The Council concurred that they did not need to meet again. 2IPage City Manager T. Bolduc thanked the staff on their contributions stating Wendy did a great job putting together the budget totaling $25,153,381.35. 6. Comments from the Audience Mayor JB Whitten called for comment from the public. 7. Comments from the Mayor and Council Mayor JB Whitten called for comment from the Council. 8. Adjournment Mayor JB Whitten adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Minutes approved this 28th day of August 2023. Wftten Mayor 1/\ Mat' anne Sc `, ader City Clerk 'L Proper Notice having been duly given 3IPage