GOODLAND CITY COMMISSION

Special Commission Meeting

June 22, 2020                                                                                                                      5:00 P.M.

Mayor John Garcia called the meeting to order with Vice-Mayor Aaron Thompson, Commissioner Jay Dee Brumbaugh, Commissioner J. J. Howard and Commissioner Gary Farris responding to roll call. 

Also present from the City were Rich Simon – Director of Public Works, Dustin Bedore – Director of Electric Utilities, Joni Showalter – Police Chief, Joshua Jordan – IT Director, Sami Philbrick – Museum Director, LeAnn Taylor – Municipal Court Clerk/Judge, Kenton Keith – Street Superintendent, Neal Thornburg – Water/Sewer Superintendent, Danny Krayca – Parks Superintendent, Brian James – Fire Chief, Mary Volk – City Clerk, and Andrew Finzen – City Manager. 

Mayor Garcia led Pledge of Allegiance

PRESENTATIONS AND PRECLAMATIONS

1. FY 2021 Budget Presentation – Andrew stated, presentation of the budget is one of the most important items for the City.  Preparation requires a significant amount of work and 2020 has been a challenging year.  I commend staff and the Commission in being able to navigate the challenges.  This early in the year, 2021 provides uncertainty which you will see in the budget preparation.  I will review City funds and functions, budget highlights staff set to accomplish in 2020, and the 2021 budget timeline.  Budget highlights for 2020 are COVID-19 management and fiscal impacts, complete the street improvement project, install $300,000 recreational trail with assistance from Dane Hansen Foundation, purchase airport land for $143,000, Phase A of Taxiway B Reconstruction project, $8,000 for equipment to livestream meetings, $70,000 museum entrance improvement.  The Commission has never received a budget this early which poses challenges to get the most accurate numbers.  In past years the Commission has approved the budget first meeting in August which requires publication of budget by July 24^th to ensure meet deadlines set out by statute.  If it is not approved August 3^rd, we will have to have a special meeting.  The budget presented does not have a tax increase, keeping mill levy steady.  Items included in budget are $3,400,000 Reconstruction of Runway 5-23, $10,000 home rehabilitation program, $30,000 new funding for street maintenance, $13,000 new funding for IT infrastructure, $26,383 for airport projects, eliminate 3.5 positions, 4% employee contribution toward health insurance, 20% increase for health insurance to extend renewal date to July and $.48 wage increase for employees to offset contribution.  Budget presented is 50.108 mills for $1,714,630.  Budget figures received from County estimates a moderate increase in valuation for 2021 to $34,218,204.  Sales tax through May continues to be strong, up $12,000 from 2019.  I anticipate we will have a decline, but hard to say.  June figures will give us a better picture.  General fund revenues are well balanced from several sources which helps if one source is hurting.  The NRP is a partnership program rebating taxes back to property owners in the program for improvements to their property, which comes at a cost to City.  It is a benefit to encourage improvements.  The City ends up rebating approximately 3 mills in the program.  Commissioner Brumbaugh asked, what positions are eliminated?  Andrew stated, maintenance/janitor position in General Government, Economic Development Director, Public Works Director is retiring this fall and then a part time police position that has not been filled in past budgets.  Commissioner Brumbaugh asked, how does the $.48 raise equate to employee contributions?  Andrew stated, depends on plan but it equals about $1,000 which offsets the contribution for a family plan.  For employees with single plan there is the benefit of a small raise.  Andrew reviewed department budgets outlining personnel, notable contracts/expenses, capital outlay and transfers.  With Economic Development, we need to coordinate funding level with the County at joint meeting July 6^th.  I have two additional workshops scheduled on July 6^th and July 20^th.  I would recommend keeping to budget timeline for budget publication on July 24^th.  Mayor Garcia stated, I recommend you send your presentation to the Commission.  Andrew stated, I plan on it; however, when meeting got moved up we were still working on information today.  Vice-Mayor Thompson stated, your presentation was well done with good explanations.  Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, I know this is a lot of work but good job.  This is a lot to absorb.  Mayor Garcia stated, we will meet with County July 6^th then go into budget discussion.  I recommend Commission review information and come on July 6^th ready to tackle budget again.  Andrew stated, I encourage Commission as you review information to email questions as soon as possible to ensure resolve question.  Commissioner Farris stated, this is a lot to digest.  Mayor Garcia stated, we will have a candid conversation on July 6^th as you addressed some information Commission requested in your evaluation, but Commission will have input at meeting to address questions.  Commissioner Howard stated, I commend work on budget and employees on job. 

DISCUSSION

1. FY 2021 Budget  – None

ADJOURNMENT WAS HAD ON A MOTION Commissioner Howard seconded by Commissioner Brumbaugh.  Motion carried by unanimous VOTE, meeting Adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

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ATTEST:                                                                               John Garcia, Mayor

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Mary P. Volk, City Clerk