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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_09/10/2015 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL MEETING 1 1T PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 2015/2016 BUDGET Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Open Public Hearing • Announce that the proposed operating millage rate necessary to fund the budget is 6.58% greater than the rolled -back millage rate of 5.9034 mills. • Announce Proposed Millage Rate is 6.2920 Village Clerk McWilliams announced the proposed millage rate for 2015/2016 was 6.2920 mills. The proposed millage rate is 6.58% greater than the rolled -back millage rate, which is 5.9034 mills. • Summary of Tentative Budget Clerk McWilliams stated the total appropriated enditures, transfers, reserves and balances, expenditures, for the general fund are $10,926,700. The tentative capital improvement budget is $316,800; the tentative water utility budget is $6,393,450; the tentative refuse and recycle budget is $490,000; the tentative storm water utility budget is $557,550; and the special law enforcement budget is $88,000. The total appropriated expenditures, transfers, reserves and balances for 2015/2016 fiscal year are $18,772,500. Expenditures for 2015/2016 are 14.7% greater than last year's operating expenditures and proposed ad valorem increase. • Citizen Comments The Mayor opened the meeting to Council. Council Member Paterno questioned the increase from $0 to $88,000 in the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund. Manager Couzzo explained the police chief saw a need for a civilian vehicle, a K9 Officer vehicle, equipment and other special needs. Council Member Paterno voiced disapproval with the request, especially at the late hour received, and questioned the need for a drone. Consensus of Council agreed to remove the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund item from the budget until the police chief could attend to address. The Mayor opened the meeting to the public for comment; there was no comments. She reopened the meeting to Council. Minutes — Special 1" Budget Hearing Meeting 9/11/14 Page 2 Council Member D'Ambra noted there would be an increase due to the increase in property values, however noted the Village's tax rate was holding steady with no increase. He asked the Manager to review the highlights on the budget. Council Member Paterno noted that residents and businesses would see an increase due to the higher property values, voiced concern with the additional personnel added to the budget and felt rather than hiring the added staff the funds should be put towards community improvements he stated he was good with the budget otherwise. Council Member Okun stated he was good with the budget and complimented staff on paring it down and felt Council did a good job tearing it apart. Vice -Mayor Arena thanked the Manager and staff. Manager Couzzo reviewed the significant highlights of the budget which included setting aside 1% of budget for capital improvements, much needed maintenance to the Village's infrastructure, and pointed out the Village had no control over the health insurance increase. Council Member D'Ambra mentioned the Unions understood the financial demands and worked together without animosity for a responsible approach. Close Public Hearing The Mayor closed the public hearing 1. Approve Proposed Millage Rate by Motion of Council MOTION Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the proposed millage rate of 6.2920 mills; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 2. Adopt Tentative 2015/2016 Budget by Motion of Council MOTION Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the tentative 2015/2016 budget with the removal of the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund, seconded by Council Member Okun, motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 3. Announce Time and Place of Final Budget Public Hearing — September 17, 2015 at 5:01 p.m. — Tequesta Village Hall The Mayor announced the final budget hearing date would be September 17, 2015 at 5:01 p.m. here in the Village Chambers. Minutes — Special 1 Budget Hearing Meeting 9/11/14 Page 2 4. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Paterno moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Okun. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.