THE CITY OF MARCO ISLAND
MINUTES
City Council Special-Called Meeting and Budget Workshop
June 10, 2004 – 8:00 a.m.
Chairwoman DiSciullo called the meeting to order and presided.
ROLL CALL
All Council members present as well as staff, members of the news media, and the public.
BUSINESS
(A) DISCUSSION – Proposed FY2005 Operating Budget.
City Council met in a budget workshop meeting for the purpose of discussing the proposed FY05 Operating Budget. City Council agreed to conclude the budget workshop meetings with the establishment of goals and objectives to be prepared by Councilman Trotter and to review and establish financial policies as deemed appropriate.
The City Manager provided a budget overview and each Department Director provided a summary of their operating budgets. City Council provided input as to the appropriate level of personnel for departments as well as the proposed expenditures for operations. Consensus was reached on most major subject matters, although it was agreed to give further consideration for the acquisition of a new rescue boat for the Fire Department. Council also considered it appropriate to review rates for the Racquet Center and to consider the establishment of an Enterprise Fund for that operation. City Council deemed it appropriate to fund community expenses incurred by the chairperson or councilor if such functions are associated with community events and organizations.
City Council recognized the significant number of projects in the Public Works Department and was agreeable to funding additional positions as may be appropriate and recommended by the City Manager. City Council discussed the zero net debt policy and agreed to allow the unrestricted reserves to continue to accumulate with the goal of offsetting outstanding debt within the five-year planning period. City Council agreed to allow unexpended operating funds to carry forward to capital projects provided that such policy consideration was made at a public meeting. Council discussed the establishment of a Dependent Tax District for the purpose of funding beautification and parks. The consensus was to proceed with the development of the District for consideration at a public meeting.
City of Marco Island
City Council Minutes for June 10, 2004
Page 2
City Council agreed to continue with its financial policies. City Council tentatively agreed to reduce the millage rate from 1.62 to 1.586 so as to provide that homesteaded property owners would pay no more in property taxes this year than in the prior year. City Council also agreed to use an 11% growth in assessed value for FY05, 10% for FY06 and 7% for FY07 through FY09.
City Council asked Councilman Trotter to modify the goals and objectives furnished to Council on June 8, 2004 with the inclusion of an objective for educational initiatives. Council agreed that Councilman Arceri would provide the text for Goal Number 2, Object “C”, regarding beautification and that Councilwoman Patterson would provide the text regarding education.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dr. Fay Biles, 1558 Heights Court, requested clarification on police department policies. She further offered comments on the County's reduction in its EMS budget and the status of the proposed Charter Middle School.
Mr. Bill McMullan, 1250 North Collier Boulevard, expressed concern about excessive speeding on Collier Boulevard.
ADJOURN
There being no further business City Council adjourned its budget workshop meeting at 5:30 p.m. and authorized the City Manager to finalize the budget for final consideration and public hearings in September.
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Terri DiSciullo, Council Chairwoman
Date________________________
PREPARED BY:
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Laura Litzan, City Clerk
Date: _______________________
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