08/17/2015 Minutes — CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
August 17, 2015
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Special Budget Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Grand Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First
Street, on August 17, 2015. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on
August 12, 2015.
Mayor Jeremy L. Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers
were present: Mitch Nickerson, Mark Stelk, Jeremy Jones, Chuck Haase, Julie Hehnke, Linna
Dee Donaldson, Michelle Fitzke, Vaughn Minton, Roger Steele, and Mike Paulick. The
following City Officials were present: City Administrator Marian Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae
Edwards, Interim Finance Director William Clingman, City Attorney Robert Sivick, and Public
Works Director John Collins.
INVOCATION was given by Community Youth Council member Adan Redwine followed by
the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Jensen commented on this being his first budget for the City of Grand Island. He stated
when he ran for office he vowed transparency and what was best for the City of Grand Island. He
wanted us to look long-term towards 2020 with regards to the finances of the City. By 2018 the
expenses would exceed the revenue and by 2020 the City would have no cash.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Discussion of 2016 CIP (400) Fund Budget and Beyond. Interim Finance Director William
Clingman reviewed the 2016 Capital Improvement (400) Fund Budget. The forecasted ending
cash balances would dwindle by 2017.
Jason Probasco, 3120 West 17th Street representing the Northwest Little League Baseball and
Softball Association thanked the City for the sidewalk/trail installed at the George Park ballfield.
The following future projects plans for George Park were mentioned: agrilime for the ball fields,
bathroom renovation, parking lot stripping, playground equipment, and splash pad.
Discussion was held regarding projects that could be moved to a later date. Public Works
Director John Collins presented several scenarios and projects that were committed. These
projects were those that had already been contracted and those with the NE Department of Roads
(NDOR) funding which were matched by the City. Level of service that was desired would
indicate what could be saved in this budget. Mentioned was setting aside money for projects in
the future. Reviewed were the projects and funding sources for those.
Comments were made regarding what the gas tax and keno funds could be used for.
Councilmember Paulick recommended Administration look into increasing the sales tax by 1/2
cent. City Administrator Marlan Ferguson stated they were looking at this and that there were
restrictions which were defined for infrastructure. Mayor Jensen commented that a property tax
increase should be the last resort.
Page 2,City Council Study Session,August 17,2015
Discussion of General Fund 5 Year Projection, 2016-2020. Mr. Clingman gave a presentation of
what the budget would look like with and without the additional 1/2 cent sales tax, keno, and
food and beverage tax. The continuation of the food and beverage tax was critical to the City for
short term to pay the State Fair local match in the amount of$400,000. For the long term we
would need to look for new revenue or decreased spending.
Mr. Clingman stated there was money in the General Fund that didn't get moved in 2014 to the
Capital Fund which made a difference in the cash balance. Also money budgeted from the
NDOR that was not received. It was recommended that a small group of Councilmembers meet
with Administration to look at each fund.
Councilmember Haase stated we needed to look at the revenue that was consistent (which would
go towards salaries) and then at what we could afford.
Discussion was held on the growth of the sales tax per year (at around 3%) but the expenses
increased by more than 5 1/2% due to personnel costs. Comments were made that in order to cut
expenses there would need to be a cut in services and where those cuts should be made.
2016 Budget - General Fund Department Review and Discussion. Mr. Clingman stated the
General Fund discussion tonight would cover Public Safety which included Building Inspection,
Fire, EMS, Police and Emergency Management.
Fire Chief Cory Schmidt answered questions concerning the need for a new Quint ladder truck in
the amount of $750,000. Explained was the need for new equipment due to the Yancy, three
story apartment buildings, additional nursing/skilled care homes, etc. Comments were made
regarding an equipment replacement plan.
Mr. Collins stated he would answer questions regarding a 24% increase in streets &
transportation line item at tomorrow night's meeting.
Councilmember Haase complimented the Police Department on keeping their budget down and
their vehicle rotation plan.
Emergency Management Director Jon Rosenlund commented on personnel needs with regards to
the number of calls received. One additional employee was requested for the swing shift. Capital
request was down from last year due to the replacement of outdoor warning sirens being lower
than last year. Mr. Rosenlund stated the wireless and land line revenue was coming in flat.
Mentioned was the backup 911 location at Broadwell Avenue in case of a disaster. Discussion
was held regarding Federal Grants. He stated he was budgeting about $583,000 from the County
and the same amount from the City.
Mayor Jensen thanked Mr. Clingman for the job he has done on this budget.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
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RaNae Edwards
City Clerk