GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Special Commission Meeting

July 25, 2016                                                                                                                                7:00 A.M.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian Linin with Vice-Mayor Annette Fairbanks, Commissioner John Garcia, Commissioner Gary Farris and Commissioner Gwen Mai responding to roll call. 

2017 BUDGET

Gerry explained new tax lid law effective 2017 based on proposed budget.  In future years any budget increase is based on the CPI and improvements.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I am concerned with the increase in transfers from 2016 to 2017.  Gerry stated, a good portion of the increase if for Self-Funding insurance the City approved this year.  Reserve Transfers are planning tools for large future expenditures the City needs to plan for.  Commissioner Garcia stated, in talking with State Legislatures, the State has put the lid in place to make local governments be more accountable for their budgets; I think we need to become more accountable for our monies.  In my business I have had to cut from eight to five employees as I cannot increase the charge of the couch because people will not buy it.  Gerry stated, with a municipality the street and infrastructure will continue to exist and require maintenance.  Mayor Linin asked each Commissioner what their thoughts were on proposed budget.  Commissioner Garcia stated, I would like to see the wage increase reduced from four to a one to three percent instead then maybe a mill increase with the tax lid.  Commissioner Farris stated, I agree with Commissioner Garcia but I am concerned about the future with the tax lid.  Vice-Mayor Fairbanks stated, I do not want to decrease proposed wage increases as that will decrease morale of the employees; we have good employees and we need to show them we appreciate them.  There are a number of things not in the budget that Staff discussed they feel is important and should be in the budget.  I think with the lid we should look at increasing a mill or two to help plan for the future and help with decrease in Economic Development funding from Sherman County.  Commissioner Mai stated, I agree with Vice-Mayor Fairbanks but would like to see some matching grant money in the budget; if a grant is available we will have matching money.  Mayor Linin asked, what is our deadline?  Gerry stated, we need to get the budget published first of next week.  Mayor Linin asked, does the Commission want to think about it and meet tomorrow?  Consensus of the Commission is to meet Tuesday July 26^th at 7:00 a.m. in the Commission room to finalize the 2017 Budget for Publication and to have an Executive Session under the authority of KSA 75-4319(b)(1) for personnel matters for nonelected personnel. 

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Vice-Mayor Fairbanks seconded by Commissioner Mai.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

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ATTEST:                                                                               Brian Linin, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk