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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1987-09-08 Budget Hearing77 COUNCIL MINUTES/BUDGET HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 1987 - 5:15 P.M. The first budget hearing of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Tuesday, September 8, 1987 at the Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Mayor Richard H. Olsen and the roll was called. Those present were: Mayor Richard H. Olsen Asst. Mayor Estelle Stern Councilman Matthew B. Blank Councilman James E. Boggess Absent: Councilman Sol M. Taplin Also present: Louise R. Miller, Village Manager Richard J. Weiss, Village Attorney Carole S. Morris, Village Clerk Mayor Olsen explained that this meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the TRIM bill. Mayor Olsen then recognized Mrs. Miller to provide an explanation of the proposed budget. Mrs. Miller explained that the millage rate had been certified to the County at 5.25 mills. However, further review has permitted further reduction of this millage rate to 3.95 mills. Reductions from the original proposal include elimination of a new police building and a reduction in the Village's contribution to the employees retirement fund. Solid Waste fees, which in FY 86/87 had been billed separately, would now be incorporated back into the millage rate. Mayor Olsen announced that the millage rate proposed, 3.95, was 16.52% over the rolled -back millage rate of 3.39. He then opened the public hearing on the budget. Mary Venturi, 159 Bal Bay Drive, requested the Council provide funds in the budget for a 4th of July fireworks show. Mrs. Miller noted that no funds are provided in the proposed document. Mayor Olsen indicated that this will be addressed. Mary T. Wetterer, 60 Park Drive, expressed concern that the Municipal Clerks Training Institute had been deleted from the budget. She stated that she, former Village Clerk, was certified and that she hated to see the standard lowered. Mrs. Miller indicated that the trip was eliminated from the proposed budget but would be caught up in the subsequent year. In reply to further inquiry, Mrs. Miller stated that the funds shown in the 512 education account were available for both the Clerk's and Manager's educational expenses. Mayor Olsen then closed the public hearing. A motion was offered by Mrs. Stern and seconded by Mr. Boggess to adopt the General Fund budget as submitted. The motion carried unopposed (4-0). 78 Mrs. Miller then presented the Water Fund budget for the Council's consideration. This fund has no impact upon the millage rate and is funded entirely through revenues from sales. A 10% increase, which is a pass -through of an increased rate charged to the Village, is proposed. Mayor Olsen opened the public hearing on the Water Fund budget and, as no one desired to speak, closed the public hearing. A motion was offered by Mrs. Stern and seconded by Mr. Blank to adopt the Water Fund budget as submitted. The motion carried unopposed (4-0). Mrs. Miller presented the Sewer Fund budget for the Council's approval. A rate increase for sewer charges is also proposed. This increase is necessitated by an increase in treatment charges to the Village and by the increased maintenance requirements due to the age of the system. Mayor Olsen then opened the public hearing on the Sewer Fund budget and, as no one desired to speak, closed the public hearing. A motion was offered by Mr. Boggess and seconded by Mrs. Stern to adopt the Sewer Fund budget as submitted. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mrs. Miller then presented the Tourism Fund budget for the Council's consideration. She noted that 1% of the 3% resort tax is reserved for beach renourishment. This budget provides for beach maintenance, a $25,000 contribution to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), as well as public relations/tourism operations. Mayor Olsen noted that, at their meeting earlier in the day, the Resort Tax Committee had recommended revisions of the proposed budget to allocate $160,000 for contribution to the GMCVB. Mayor Olsen opened the public hearing on this budget. Mario Noto, 101 Bal Bay Drive, stated that his attention had been drawn to this matter through various articles in the local media. He opposed any action which would precipitate the Village reaching into its reserve accounts for operating funds. John Alden, General Manager of the Sheraton Bal Harbour, explained that the recommendation of the Resort Tax Committee would not deplete reserve funds but would instead transfer funds from other operating accounts. This, which he viewed as the best, utilization of resort tax dollars would increase resort tax collections thus building reserve fund monies more rapidly. Bernie Burke, Singapore Hotel, concurred with Alden adding that this approach would be better for both Dade County and Bal Harbour. After some further discussion, a motion was offered by Mr. Boggess and seconded by Mr. Blank to adopt the Resort Tax fund budget as submitted. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Olsen reiterated that the Village's reduction in contribution to the GMCVB was not a lack of support but instead an act of fiscal integrity. Mayor Olsen announced that, pursuant to the General Fund budget adopted earlier, the millage rate of 3.95 exceeds the rolled -back millage rate by 16.5%. Additionally, the final budget hearing will be held on Monday, September 14, 1987 at 5:15 p.m. in the Village Hall. 79 Mr. Sidney Feldman, 9801 Collins Avenue, was recognized. Mr. Feldman, a member of the Budget Committee, expressed concern that the Budget Committee should be one of the most active Committee's but has, to the contrary, met on only one occasion. He added that he believes the Committee should include more community leaders as well as the Mayor and further that the meetings should be chaired by a member of the Council rather than the Manager. He urged the Committee begin a detailed study of the Village's personal related costs (retirement, salaries, insurance, etc.). Herbert Goldberg, 9801 Collins Avenue, suggested that a column be added to future budget documents to indicate actual expenditures. Mayor Olsen concurred with this suggestion. Mayor Olsen and the remaining Council members extended their thanks and appreciation to Councilman Blank for his efforts in reduction of the proposed budget. Mr. Weiss advised the Council that, again this year, the Village was encountering difficulties in complying with the regulations of the State regarding the police pension funds. An administrative hearing on the matter has been requested. Mr. Weiss will keep the Council advised on this matter. Their being no further business a motion was offered by Mrs. Stern and seconded by Mr. Boggess to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. ATTEST: 4� I t4416 6. /�LaillCJ illage Clerk