Town Commission

                                                                                    Budget Workshop

                                                                                    August 21, 2007 -Revised

 

The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, met for a budget workshop on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, in the Masny Room, 507 Ocean Avenue, at 6:30 P.M.

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In attendance were Mayor William Stacey, Vice-Mayor Donnie Price, and Commissioners April Evans, Paul Guglietta and Sandy Wilson.  Also present were Town Manager Jim Bursick, Town Accountant Jane Antonsen and Town Clerk Lenore R. Milan.

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Mayor Stacey called the meeting to order and offered the invocation.  The entire assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

General Fund Revenues

 

Town Manager Bursick advised that there is a $40,000 decrease in the Town’s General Fund Revenues.  He spoke about the rollback rate for Ad Valorem Taxes does not account for the State decrease of 3%, he eliminated the First Responder Funds, he stated that it looked like we will receive these funds, but he didn’t know if it would be the same amount.

 

Town Manager Bursick spoke about higher interest on investments and building permits increase planned for approximately $20,000 due to Building Official Whitelock’s diligence, with an increase in building permit fees.  He advised that the electric franchise fees are up $10,000 and the communication services tax is up $4,000.

 

Town Manager Bursick advised that Law Enforcement fines were $55,000 last year with an expected $47,000 this year.

 

Town Manager Bursick advised that the Town’s newsletter is budgeted for $6,000, that staff was finding ways to cut costs, possibly all in black print.

 

Town Manager Bursick stated that he was proposing an increase for employees of a

1 ½% lump sum in September of this year.  He advised that he was also proposing a

1 ½% increase for October 1, 2007 added to their base salary for a total of $11,260.

 

Vice Mayor Price stated that it wasn’t representing an increase, it represented holding the line.

 

There was a discussion regarding the League figures for legal expenses.  Town Accountant Antonsen will get that information to the Commission.

 

A discussion ensued regarding the Comprehensive Plan, the Visioning and EAR, that it was expensive to develop an Ordinance, that the Planning and Zoning Board have done a great job.

 

Town Manager Bursick advised that with regard to Dennis Ragsdale, the Town Planner, he has eliminated office hours, limiting expenditures.  He stated that he is recommending a restriction for the Planning and Zoning Board, with Code changes being requested by the Town Commission.

 

Commissioner Wilson questioned the Town’s general e-mail, if there was a way to eliminate the Commission’s addresses and save the Town some money.

 

Town Accountant Antonsen stated that Bright House gives the Town a certain number of addresses, she said she would check into it.

 

There was a discussion regarding better filtering, eliminating spam.

  

Town Manager Bursick stated he would implement the Planning and Zoning Board recommendations for October 1st .

 

A discussion ensued regarding insurance renewals and the 10% increase for Health Insurance.

 

Mayor Stacey inquired about dental care for employees, a possible upgrade.

 

Town Manager Bursick presented the 2008 Holiday Schedule for the Town’s employees, he stated there were no new holidays, the same 11.

 

Commissioner Wilson spoke about a letter received August 21, 2007 regarding no tax increase for the residents.

 

There was a discussion regarding the cost to run the Town.

 

The meeting duly adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                            _______________________________

                                                                  William G. Stacey, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_______________________________

  Lenore R. Milan, CMC, Town Clerk