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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-28 (special called)13F Called Meeting Euless City Council September 28, 1974 CALL 10 ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Harold Samuels called the meeting to order in the City Hall Council Chambers at 3:05 p.m. with the following Council members present: Mrs. Willie Mae McCormick, Messrs. Harold Copher, Wayne Wright and Ray Ozebek. (In absence: Mayor A. C. Krause), Also present were City Manager C. J. Griggs and City Secretary Vada Ferris. VISITORS Visitors present were as follows: Barbara ,Burke, (Mid - Cities Daily News) and Dan Frazier, (Fort Worth Star Telegram). t9l4 -75 BUDGET ORDINANCE NO. 476 Mayor Pro Tem Harold Samuels stated that this meeting was called for the purpose of continuing discussion of the 1974 -75 proposed budget which was tabled at the regular Council meeting on September 24, 1974. Replying to a question by Mayor Pro Tem Samuels, members of the Council confirmed they had received the memorandum dated September 27, 1974, concerning suggestions for the proposed budget which Mr. Samuels had made as follows: a four (4) cent tax increase will produce $874,493 in ad valorem taxes for the general fund, a decrease of $53,000 which an eight (8) cent tax increase would produce; a revenue sharing transfer to the general fund of $25,000, add $8,000 to the pro- posed revenues and use an additional $20,000 of the operating fund. Mrs. McCormick inquired if the various discrepancies in the budget, specifically the Fire Department and 'the Public Works Department, has been corrected and was advised by the City Manager that corrections have been made. Mr. Wright stated that he appreciates M r . Samuels suggestions but he would l i k e to see a cut i n the budget ex- penditures and he suggest t h a t a I I department expenditures be cut two percent, and that the City Council not consider a tax increase this year. He stated that he and Mr. Ozebek agree that the estimated revenues may be conservative by at least $50,000. (Page Two, Called Meeting, Euless City Council, September 28, 1974) Mr. Wright stated that at the end of the f i rst quarter of the fiscal year, the Council can review the revenues and expenditures and if funds need to be used from the revenue sharing fund and moneys needed to be transferred from the contingency fund, then he would not be opposed to such a transfer. He stated that perhaps at the end of the first quarter, the Council could determine if the revenues have been underestimated; that if a I I looks well at the end of the first quarter, then the Council can wait until the end of the second quarter to give additional consideration to the proposed revenues and transfers. Mr. Wright stated that he has learned from ,some department heads that regardless of the amount in the budget, near the end of the fiscal year, department heads feel that they have to spend a l l of the money because they can't carry it over to the next year. He does not feel funds should be bu i It into each department so that a depart- ment head feels that he has to spend it before the end of the fiscal year. He stated that he would rather department heads consult with the City Manager fo r an appropriation not included in the budget, if necessary, Mr. Wright stated that basically he is suggesting that two percent be cut from a l l departmental expenditures, exclusive of salaries and debt service, and that the two percent cut should be made by the City Manager. The Council discussed the revenue sharing fund and was advised by the City Manager that the City will receive revenue sharing funds during the establ ished five (5) years, (1972-1976). However, beyond that time, there is some doubt. Mr. Wright stated that maybe the City could make some adjustments in the City revenues in several places...one might be to increase the pool fees, and there are possible places for other adjustments. Mr. Copher inquired what the Council is going to do when special projects come up during the year if there is no reserve in the budget for special projects. He stated that he estimates the City spends from $50,000 to $100,000 a year on projects not budgeted. M r . Wright stated t h a t each project w i l l have to be studied carefully and. if the City does not have the money, the Council should not approve the project. Mr. Copher stated that he would like to see something in the budget to take care of some of these items which invariably arise during the year. Mr. Copher stated he does not like to see a tax increase but that he had rather see taxes increased in an amount to ade- quately take care of the City programs and perhaps not have a tax increase fo r several years. 13 (Page Three, Called Meeting, Euless City Council, September 28, 1974) Mr. Wright stated maybe the City will need a tax increase but i t appears the economic situation will be better after the first of the year and he does not feel a tax increase is justified in this proposed budget. Mr. Samuels stated he does not like to see a tax increase but that he feels the Council is stretching its luck if i t does not approve at least a four (4) cent tax increase for this next fiscal year; that next year, the Council may have to impose a large tax increase. Mrs. McCormick inquired hiw the two percent departmental expenditure cut will affect the departments and the City Manager stated that he and department heads would attempt to anticipate any possible problem and try to forestall it. Mr. Wright pointed out, perhaps, items such as pickups might be standard shifts without air conditioning and that maybe smaller automobiles could be purchased... that this is just a suggestion. Mr. Copher stated that some citizens wonder why the City does not have longer term bonds. Mr. Copher stated that i t might be good to have 30 years or more on our bonds and make the payments smaller. Mr. Samuels asked Mr. Wright if he would consider a two percent reduct ion in' departmental expenditures and a'. smaller tax increase which would give a cushion at the end of the next fiscal, year. M: Wright stated that he is not in favor of a tax increase this year; that to him, i t does not seem necessary and that he could not vote for it. Replying to a question, the City Manager stated he would effectively operate if there is a two percent reduction in departmental expenditures, excluding salaries and debt service. Mr. Wright stated that he is of the opinion that the two percent cut will not hurt any department; that it will make each department head more conservative. Mr. Wright complimented Mr. Griggs on his expertise on handling the City's financial program and pointed out the City Manager has saved the City money over the last few years. Mr. Wright moved as follows: (1.) Reduce departmental expenditures by two percent, exclusive of salaries and debt service. (2) No tax increase. (3) Suspend the requirement for two separate ordinance readings and pass Ordinance No. 476 on first and final reading. 138 (Page Four, Called Meeting, Euless City Council, September 28, 1974) Mrs. McCormick seconded the motion and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Wright, Copher, Ozebek, Samuels and Mrs. McCormick Nays: None Mayor Pro Tem Samuels declared the motion carried.. Mrs. McCormick reminded the Council that the City Manager should. keep the CounCi1 advised of the City's financial position and that each time a project is brought before the City Council for considera- tion, the City Manager should be prepared to inform the Council the impact such an expenditure w i l l have on the budget. Mrs. McCormick stated she was of the opinion much thought will have to be given to each individual project. BI- CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE PROPOSAL 10 MOVE LITTLE BEAR -CREEK BRIDGE Mr. Samuels stated that the Bi- Centennial Committee has requested the Council consider the moving of the L i tt l e Bear Creek Bridge by the Army Engineers in Fort Worth. It was pointed out the work-order has already been issued to the contractor for the destruction of the Little Bear Creek Bridge. The Council agreed that they would like to save the bridge and have it moved to the South Euless Park, however, since the work order has al ready been issued, the contractor would have to be considered. The City Secretary was instructed to advise the Bi- Centennial Committee that the Council is not opposed to the Army Engineers moving the bridge if it w i l l not cost the City any money and w i l l not jeopardize the contract for the Little Bear Creek Bridge project. PROPOSED BILL - WATER POLLUTION Mrs. McCormick stated that Mr. David Brune, T.R.A., stated that cities in this area should be concerned about a proposed Federal Water B i l l on water p o l l u t i o n that w i l l be introduced in January, 1975 which would be detrimental to the cities in this area. She stated that each e ntity i s encouraged to contact representatives concerning this proposed bill. (Page Five, Called Meeting, Euless City Council, September 28, 1974) IV ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4 :05 p.m. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Vada Ferris City Secretary 139 140