HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-08 Final Budget
CITY OF OCOEE
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Ocoee Commission Chambers
September 22, 2008
MINUTES
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Vandergrift called the Final Budget Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers of City Hall. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and declared a
quorum present.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that this is an advertised public hearing to finalize the budget
and adopt a final millage rate for the City of Ocoee. Notice of this hearing was contained in
the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed by the Property Appraiser. The City
Commission has previously set a millage rate of 5.1457 mills which represents an 8.63 %
increase in millage over the rolled-back rate of 4.7371 mills.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Anderson, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Keller, and Commissioner Johnson.
Also Present: City Attorney Rosenthal, City Manager Frank, City Clerk Eikenberry
A. Briefing by Director of Finance on the percentage increase in millage under the
roll-backed rate necessary to fund the budget and the specific purpose for which
ad valorem tax revenues are being increased.
Finance Director Horton stated that the Ocoee City Commission has adopted a tentative
millage rate of 5.1457 for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year. The percentage rate increase in this
millage over the rolled-back rate is 8.63 % . This will generate an additional $878,000 dollars
in ad valorem revenues to provide funding for capital improvements, equipment purchases,
and programs. A two-thirds vote is required to adopt the proposed rate. City Attorney
Rosenthal reminded that the maximum millage rate which may be levied by the City by
regular majority vote of three for FY 2008-2009 is 4.2568 mills, such millage rate having
been established pursuant to Section 200. 145-3(a). The establishment the millage rate between
4.2569 and the tentative millage rate of 5. 1457 requires a two-thirds vote of the City
Commission, or four votes. You cannot go above the 5.1457 adopted tentative millage rate,
so there is not scenario tonight where a unanimous vote is required. He added that the Mayor
asked him to address what would happen if they didn't act tonight and the answer is that the
current year's budget would remain in effect until such time as they do act; the statutory
scheme is that action be taken prior to October 1, 2008, so the new budget and millage would
be activated at that time.
1. Comments by Citizens.
Mayor Vandergrift opened the Public Hearing and advised that it would remain open for the
entire meetings until the Commission is ready to vote.
Tom Hendrix, representing the Hartle Bowness Trust, presented a check for $50,000 to the
Parks and Recreation Department.
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22,2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
Chuck Graham, asked the City Commission to support the Lynx Bus System so they will not
discontinue any of their routes. He said he and his wife are both blind and cannot drive and
they rely heavily on the Lynx Bus System, as do the elderly and handicapped. He said he feels
the City should put some money toward the Lynx public transportation budget even though the
City is having a tough budget year. He said the handicapped have a voice and they have
changed laws in the past; they will have people and media marching in front of City Hall if
they have to in order to keep the bus transportation going. Commissioner Johnson said the
City of Ocoee was the only one who had a representative at the Lynx meetings to see if we
could do anything to assist keeping those routes; however what the City cannot do is fund the
$500,000 shortfall in the county's transportation budget when we are having difficulty with
our own budget cuts. There was discussion about the gas tax. Commissioner Anderson said
that the County is getting tax money to fund transportation, the cities do not get that; we are
trying to spread our dollars out in the best way we get to get the most for the money that we
have. Mr. Graham said he does not expect the City to give the entire $500,000, but they
should give something.
Mayor Vandergrift summarized a meeting with Lynx this afternoon that was attended by the
City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and himself. He said they are keeping a wait and see
attitude because the Lynx discussed that they may use some of their reserve money to keep the
routes going for now.
Rosemary Wilsen, 1019 Shady Maple Circle, asked about the item on the news about
outsourcing police dispatching. City Manager Frank said it was something mentioned as part
of the budget process; we are long way off from making any decisions. Ms. Wilsen said she
hopes the City will consider it based on our safety, not only on budgetary issues.
Danny Howell, Marlene Drive, 1) commented about the 911 dispatching and said ours seems
to be working well, 2) asked for clarification on the "wish list" amounts for the fire
department; City Manager Frank said those are operational costs to pay for operations while
we are in a temporary trailer or store front location; it does not include capital funding to build
the new permanent station. The two different amounts would cover temporary operations for a
full year or half year. 3) asked if Lynx is funded by Orange County; City Manager Frank
said it is funded by Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County taxes. Mr. Howell said if the
money is they are cutting the service to Ocoee can we get back the tax money and get our own
bus? Mayor Vandergrift said he and the City Attorney just conferred that they don't believe
tax equalization has ever been done on Lynx. City Manager Frank said he believes the
money comes from their Local Option Gas Tax for transportation not ad valorem taxes.
Commissioner Keller
1) asked about the millage rate of 4.9062 for his list of items because his figures show 4.9048.
2) said he agrees with the need for the Fire Station for one half year at $340,000, as opposed
to the full year.
3) said he will drop his request for Christmas Lights, since he was the only one in favor.
4) said he would also like to remove Rogers Park from the budget and go with placing that on
a bond with the rest of the parks.
Commissioner Keller and the Finance Department agreed that would take him to $734.425,
or a millage below the roll back of 4.6410.
Page 2 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
5) said he would like to leave in the $20,000 for speed humps.
6) added that liked the idea of the four ten hour day work schedule to save approx $20,000 and
it would offset costs of speed humps.
Commissioner Johnson
1) said he as no problem with getting with the temporary Fire Station for the full year, he does
not know why it shows him saying no.
2) said he would go back to no on reroofing the Maguire House
3) said yes for Air conditioning at the Beech Center
4) said we have to retrofit the old police department
5) said he wants to change to aYes on the Clarke Road Landscaping project
Commissioner Hood
1) Fire Station is a yes, we can go with the half year program if necessary
2) Changing vote to yes on Beech Center Air Conditioner
3) Changing to yes on the Clarke Road Landscaping
4) Still says yes to the Sorenson Complex, but does not mind that being part of the bond issue.
City Manager Frank said we can do a short term loan, or anything up to a 30 year bond.
5) Said he will leave Rogers Park in the budget to solidify getting the $200,000 in matched
funds.
There was discussion among the Commission, City Manager, Finance Director, and City
Attorney regarding the process for getting the bond and how it should be reflected in the
budget. City Attorney Rosenthal said it cannot be decided tonight; it has to go through a
public hearing process. City Manager Frank said a budget amendment could be done later in
the year that includes the projects and the new revenue source (bond).
6) Thinks we will want Christmas lights when the holiday time comes. Discussion followed
on possibly doing a reduced amount.
Commissioner Anderson
1) regarding the Fire Station, he was the only one that wanted fire fee, now we don't have it.
He is not in favor of the temporary station; would rather pay for architect to come up with the
right design and location.
Discussion followed with regard to the Fire Assessment Fee and the allowable uses for those
funds.
2) feels the money should remain in the budget for Traffic calming. Discussion followed
regarding using Code Enforcement to get funding for traffic calming
3) no on Holiday Lights
4) reroof Maguire House for $15,000
5) retrofItting of Police Station, yes
6) Clarke Road Landscaping, yes
7) wants all park improvements in
8) wants us to work on the Montgomery Park next year.
9) Voice Over IP, yes because it is a wash.
10) said he is in favor of 4 day work week. Commissioner Johnson, thinks city hall should
be open five days. He thinks the 9/80 works; he said it would be harder residents and
contractors. He added that he thinks it is the City Manager I s prerogative to figure out the
schedule. Mayor Vandergrift suggested they could all work 4-10 hour days, but stagger so
city hall stays open. Commissioner Anderson said that would not save money for the City
only for the staff. Commissioner Johnson said he thinks staff should be surveyed to see if it
Page 3 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
would create a hardship on those with kids and school schedules. Discussion regarding the
police take home cars and gas being paid for.
11) would like a grant for the AM Radio Station
12) Pioneer Key, yes
13) said if we are going to consider bonding, we should get a utility bond, it is not on the wish
list.
14) $5,000 into Lynx system.
Commissioner Hood stated there is an OCPS E Express letter where the state has told the
schools to expect another 24-30 million dollar cut. Mr. Armbruster has advised that they are
laying off more teachers at the high school, and they are still $680,000 short. Commissioner
Keller said part of the reason they lost some money is because some of the Wekiva kids were
budgeted to go into Ocoee High School in error.
Mayor Vandergrift
1) is in favor of the Seniors Program
2) spoke about the DOW dropped 473 points after the government worked all weekend to get
it under control.
3) Said he has always felt they should adopt what staff presented and then they will work out
other funding sources to do other things.
4) Talked about putting the Fire Fee on a ballot for 1.5 million to build the station, plus the
operational costs, they may go for the fire fee when they can see exactly what it will give
them. Thinks it should be located on the Coke Property or somewhere up Ingram Road.
8:12 P.M. BREAK to calculate changes.
8:34 RETURN FROM BREAK
Danny Howell, Marlene Drive, asked the Commission to leave traffic calming in because it is
really needed. He said they should not use the paver bricks because they sink over time and
create potholes.
Mayor VanderQrift moved to amend the adopted tentative budQet to include the
Seniors prOQram. the AM Radio Station, and the COLA and Merit Raises. Motion
died for lack of second.
Discussion occurred on what type of motions can be made at this time.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to include the fire inspector position at full time at a
cost of $38.065.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQency
fund. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Keller. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include the increase in COLA and Merit raises
from 1.5% to 2% at a cost of $106.960.00 and to remove the same dollar amount
from the continQency fund. Motion carried 5-0
Page 4 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Keller. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include (3) TOUQh Book Computers for Fire
EnQines at a cost of $5.400.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the
continQency fund. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Hood, moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to include operational costs for a temporary Fire Station
in District #1 for one half year at a cost of $340.000.00 and to remove the same
dollar amount from the continQency fund.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there will be a Fire Fee brought up later in the year. City
Attorney Rosenthal said that you cannot condition a proposed amendment to amend the tentative
budget. He added that he can make a separate motion with direction to staff. Discussion
regarding the intent from the Commission to include some percentage of Fire Fee next year.
After the discussion. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Mayor VanderQrift. seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to include the Seniors ProQram at a cost of $60.000.00
and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQency fund. Motion carried
5-0.
Finance Director Horton said the millage rate with the amendments so far would be at 4.5554.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include the Clarke Road LandscapinQllrriQation
project at a cost of $50,000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the
continQency fund. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Finance Director Horton said the millage rate with the amendments so far would be at 4.5786.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include the Pioneer Key Roadwork proiect at a
cost of $135.000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQency
fund. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Finance Director Horton said the millage rate with the amendments so far would be at 4.6414.
Commissioner Hood, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to include Sorenson Field Improvements at a cost of
~110.000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQency fund.
Motion carried 4-1, with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include ROQers Park Improvements/Grant Match
at a cost of $200.000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the
continQency fund. Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Finance Director Horton said the millage rate with the amendments so far would be at 4.7857.
Page 5 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
IS Manager Ross said the Fire Department line item was budgeted at the dollar amount that
would be expensed if this item were approved. He added that the savings realized in the
budgeted line item will be approximately the same annually as the one time cost for the Voice
Over IP. City Manager Frank said we need to make a motion that the operational budget
already reflects the decrease.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to include Voice Over IP Hardware for Fire Station
#26 at a cost of $3.000.00. usinQ the money from the Fire Department Line Item
for telephones. and havinQ no effect on the millaQe rate. Motion carried 4-1, with
Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Commissioner Hood asked Parks and Recreation Director Hayes asked if the racquetball courts
and tennis courts will be utilizes once these improvements are done. Mr. Hayes said the
racquetball courts are up and running, the money in this item is for the tennis courts.
Commissioner Hood. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to include ViQnetti Park Improvements at a cost of
$75,000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQencv fund.
Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Finance Director Horton advised the millage rate with amendments so far would be at 4.8206.
Commissioner Anderson said he was looking at what approximate taxes would be for a home
valued at approximately $120,000, after the homestead exemptions. Finance Director Horton
said approximately $578 at the current rate (4.8206 mills) and $622 at last years' millage rate.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Mayor VanderQrift, moved to amend the
adopted tentative budQet to raise the MVP Grant Awards back to $20.000.00 at a
cost of $10.000.00 and to remove the same dollar amount from the continQency
fund. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Johnson away from the dais.
Commissioner Anderson asked Public Works Director Krug if the $20,000 that is already
budgeted for traffic calming devices is going to be enough. Mr. Krug said the new contractor
will cost $4,000.00 for the signage, asphalt, and striping as opposed to the prefabricated ones that
cost $5,500.00.
Commissioner Anderson asked about the work schedule of four 10 hour days. City Manager
Frank said he had not surveyed employees at this point because he was not sure the Commission
is in favor of it. He added that some employees have children they have to transport. Consensus
was that the four dav work week, closim! Citv Hall on the fifth dav would be the onlv feasible
ovtion that would save enerf!V/monev and directed that the emvlovees be volled on that
Question. Commissioner Keller asked residents who may be watching television to call in and
advise how they feel about City Hall being open for four days per week with extended hours on
those days such a 7:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Commissioner Hood asked for a tax estimate on a $200,000 home at the current millage rate.
Finance Manager Brosonski advised a $27.30 savings over last year using 4.8252 mills.
Page 6 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
Rosemary Wilsen asked why they are only increasing the money to the MVP Grants and not the
CMA Grants. Commissioner Anderson said because the Board just changed the bylaws to
reduce the amount that organizations could receive from that program which will reduce the
amount of money they need.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to amend
the adopted tentative budQet to reduce the continQency fund by removinQ the
remainder of the $1.819.203.00 funds placed there durinQ the Tentative BudQet
HearinQ that had not been affected bv the previous motions at a cost reduction of
-($688,778.00). Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Discussion occurred regarding the Lynx Bus system and whether or not it is appropriate to
supplement their budget. Mayor Vandergrift said we have having discussions with Lynx on
various ways to resolve the problems and they have been open to suggestion.
Mayor Vandergrift asked if there were any further amendments to the amended tentative
budget. There were none.
Page 7 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
B . Announcement by Director of Finance of the recomputed proposed fmal millage rate
and the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled-
back rate. This percentage is the proposed final percentage increase in property
taxes.
Finance Director Horton advised that the proposed millage rate is 4.8252 which represents a
1.86 percent increase over the rolled back rate of 4.7371. City Attorney Rosenthal said this
is the proposed increase in property taxes.
Commissioner Keller. seconded bv Commissioner Hood moved to adopt
Ordinance No. 2008-015. settinQ a millaQe rate of 4.8252 mills for the Fiscal Year
2008-2009.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the ordinance and announced the following:
The name of the taxing authority is the City of Ocoee.
The rolled-back millage rate is 4.7371.
The percentage increase by which the proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled-back rate is
1.86%.
The millage rate proposed by the ordinance is 4.8252 mills.
a. Comments by Citizens - none
b. Comments by Commissioners - none
c. Vote on motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2008-015, setting the final millage rate.
Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
The ordinance as adopted carries the following title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A
MILLAGE RATE FOR AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE CITY OF OCOEE FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2009, PROVIDING FOR MILLAGE ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING FOR
COLLECTION OF TAXES; PROVIDING FOR AN 1.86% INCREASE IN MILLAGE
RATE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK RATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
2.Mgtil:)fl~()~~QP
Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Hood moved to adopt
Ordinance No. 2008-016. as amended adoptinQ a final budQet for the Fiscal Year
beqinninQ October 1. 2008 and endinQ September 30. 2009.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the ordinance.
a. Comments by Citizens - none
b. Comments by Commissioners - none
c. Vote on motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2008-016, adopting the final budget.
Motion carried 4-1. with Mayor VanderQrift opposed.
Page 8 of 9
Ocoee City Commission Meeting
September 22, 2008
Final Budget Public Hearing
The ordinance as adopted carries the following title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER
1,2008, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2009; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
I C. Announcement by Mayor Vandergrift of end of budget public hearing.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that this is the end of the budget Public Hearing.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
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