CITY OF PICKERINGTON

FINANCE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2003

2004 BUDGET WORK SESSION

6:00 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Wright opened the work session at 6:00 P.M. with Mr. Parker and Mr. Wright present. Mr. Fox was absent. Others present were: Mayor Postage, Mike Sabatino, David Shaver, Heidi Riggs, Joyce Bushman, Linda Fersch, Lynda Yartin, Bob Mapes, Ted Hackworth, Brian Wisniewski, and others.

2. SCHEDULED MATTERS:

A. Review of proposed 2004 Manager’s Budget. Mrs. Bushman stated she would like to note that the proposed 2004 budget expenditures are $16.7 million, which represents almost $5,000,000 decrease from the $21.7 million in 2003. She stated this is a 23 percent decrease. Mrs. Bushman stated the budget also includes a four percent pay plan adjustment for non-union employees as recommended by Finance Committee. Mrs. Bushman stated the decrease is also because the water plant project is complete. Mrs. Bushman stated she would review each section and answer any questions anyone might have. Mrs. Bushman stated in the budget notes any increase of $1,000 or more in a line item has been highlighted.

Mrs. Bushman ascertained there were no questions prior to reviewing the General Fund. Mrs. Bushman stated that as she has done in the past, each Fund has a summary sheet at the beginning showing the key items and justifications in that fund, and she will answer any questions anyone may have. Mrs. Bushman stated this will be the first full year for the handicapped van and the cost of $17,804 is included in the budget.

Mrs. Bushman reviewed the Street Fund, State Highway Fund, Route 256 Highway Fund, Park and Recreation Fund, Computer Fund, OMVI Education Fund, Law Enforcement Seizer Fund, Police Fund, Mandatory Drug Enforcement Fund, Community Corporation Improvement Fund, Recycling Grant Fund, Immobilization Fund, Urban Forestry Fund, Fleet Maintenance Fund, FEMA Fund, Clean Ohio Conservation Grant Fund, Debt Service Fund, TIF St. Rt. 256/204 Debt, TIF Cycle Way Debt Fund, TIF Old Town Debt Fund, TIF Windmiller/Diley Debt Fund, TIF Cover Debt Fund, St. Rt. 256/204 Construction Fund, Street Construction Fund, Street Capital Improvement Fund, Park Capital Improvement Fund, CDBG Fund, Issue II Fund, Police Facilities Fund, CDBG Revolving Loan Fund, Downtown Revitalization Fund, TIF Old Town Construction Fund, TIF Cycle Way Construction Fund, TIF Windmiller/Diley Construction Fund, TIF Cover Construction Fund, Diley Road Improvement Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Water Pollution Control Loan Fund, Water Debt Retirement Fund, Utility Deposit Guarantee Fund, Water Capital Improvement Fund, OWDA Fund, Sewer Repair/Replacement Fund, Sewer Plant/Line Construction Fund, Stormwater Fund, Sewer Debt Retirement Fund, Water Plant Construction Fund, Water Town Construction Fund, Insurance Fund, Trust Fund, Unclaimed Funds Fund, Street Trust Fund, Stormwater Improvement Trust Fund, and Sidewalk Improvement Trust Fund. Mrs. Bushman stated a copy of the Employee Pay Plan and Authorized Strength that goes with the budget is also included. Mr. Shaver clarified the salary of the Deputy Finance Director is taken 40 percent from Water, 40 percent from Sewer, and 20 percent from the General Fund. When reviewing the Insurance Fund, Mrs. Bushman stated Finance Committee had recommended approval of a new policy on employee insurance premium payments. She stated effective 1 January 2004, all non-bargaining employees will pay a total of three percent per month of the total monthly cost of health, dental, prescription, and vision insurance. Mrs. Bushman stated this will amount to $16.00 per month for single coverage and $38.00 per month for family coverage. She stated further Finance Committee recommended an incentive of $100 per month for employees who elect not to take coverage from the City. She stated further that employees who elect to receive the incentive must provide proof of insurance from another health care plan in order to waive coverage. Mrs. Bushman stated those electing to waive coverage may re-enroll only during the annual open enrollment prior unless a life change has occurred. Mr. Shaver clarified the employee contribution can be raised more, however, Mr. Wright stated Finance Committee has reviewed this issue and recommends the increase be phased in over a period of years. Mr. Shaver ascertained the non-bargaining employees contribution will eventually match the union contracts.

Mrs. Bushman stated the typographical errors and duplications that had been noted would be taken care of and corrected sheets distributed to Council.

Mr. Shaver inquired what professional services were paid under the Mayor’s Budget as that amount was reduced from $7,500 in 2003 to $500 in 2004. Mr. Shaver asked Mrs. Fersch to check and let him know what this category was used for. Mr. Sabatino inquired if it was correct that the Mayor’s salary went from $6,000 to $12,000, and Mrs. Bushman stated that was correct.

3. There being no further questions or comments on the proposed 2004 Manager’s Budget, the Work Session closed at 7:10 P.M., November 19, 2003.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk