05-24-2016 CCM BUDGET KICKOFFHUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
2017 BUDGET KICKOFF
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016 - 4:00 PM
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Call to Order
Mayor Forcier called the workshop to order at 4:00 p.m. Members present included Mary
Christensen, Bill Arndt, Chad Czmowski and John Lofdahl. Others present were: Matt Jaunich,
City Administrator, and Andy Reid, Finance Director
2017 BUDGET KICKOFF REVIEW
2. 2017 Budget Kickoff
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich noted that today's
workshop is to begin the 2017 budgeting season. Mr. Jaunich noted that setting the annual budget
is one of the biggest policy decisions of the City Council. The City's budget documents drive the
work of the city and are the forces behind achieving the City's Mission Statement. Mr. Jaunich
reviewed the City's mission statement, the six core areas of focus and five long-term goals the
Council should consider every budget season. Those goals include: 1. What should future tax
levies look like? 2. What levels of services should the City perform and provide in the future? 3.
What is an acceptable level of debt? 4. What is our level of investment in technology and
equipment, and what period of payback is acceptable? 5. What are our future infrastructure needs
(roads, utilities, buildings, etc.) and how are we going to pay for them?
The purpose of today's workshop is to review the budget calendar that has been established.
Review historical data as well as items that staff has identified as items/concerns that need to be
addressed. Staff would also like to get direction from the Council on what they would like to see
during the 2017 budget preparation season.
Mr. Jaunich reviewed tax rate comparisons of Hutchinson with other McLeod County cities as
well as with other regional center city rates. Hutchinson is the second lowest in the county and
ranks the second highest amongst regional centers. Mr. Jaunich reviewed this data with data from
2006 with Hutchinson's ranking not changing within the county nor amongst regional centers.
Mr. Jaunich spoke about the reasons why tax rates are what they are — mainly due to the
homestead credits being replaced with an exclusion. A credit is a reduction in the amount of
taxes due and an exclusion is a reduction in the amount of value subject to tax. Mr. Jaunich also
reviewed Hutchinson's tax levy history over the last ten years as well as its market value history
and tax capacity history. Mr. Jaunich reminded the Council that the City's tax rate is determined
by its tax levy and tax capacity and tax capacity is determined by its market value. Over the past
ten years, the City's market values have taken a hit and are about 2.6% lower than what it was in
2006. The 2012 Homestead Market Value Exclusion had a negative effect on the City's taxable
market value. The Market Value Exclusion ended up reducing the City's taxable market value,
increasing the tax rates. Mr. Jaunich then reviewed historical budget numbers.
Mr. Jaunich then spoke of some very preliminary issues that the Council will need to consider
when establishing the 2017 budget. These include wages and benefits expected to increase by
4%, removal of classification study, and perhaps an overall 2.3% increase in expenses. The
current look at the budget includes a 0% levy increase, PILOT payment from HUC showing an
8.6% decrease, transfers -in from Hutchinson Health increasing 5%, charges for service having a
.7% increase and having al% tax levy increase equal to $45,690. Mr. Jaunich also spoke about
things to keep in mind when reviewing the general fund. These include needs for
increases/decrease in program charges; enterprise fund transfers to the general fund, police staff
turnover and its budget impact, staffing levels at Police and Liquor, permanent funding source for
HSA Employer contributions, hospital lease payment, analysis of certain line item projects,
funding of wages and benefits, payroll allocations, Event Center/Senior Center deficit, certain
contracts in need of an analysis, continued discussion on general staffing levels and service level
needs/wants, facilities maintenance fund, determine actual PILOT payment, LGA allocation
policy.
Mr. Jaunich then reviewed the debt management plan and the new target debt levy of $2.6
million. There will be a 1% debt levy increase in 2016 and no other increase will be needed until
2023 at which time a 1.5% increase will be seen. The proposed plan includes financing for heavy
equipment in 2017-2021 and moves annual project costs from $1.5 million to $1.9 million. Mr.
Jaunich also reviewed 2016-2020 CIP Projects as well as other major projects scheduled in 2017.
Mr. Jaunich also noted something to think about is expanding the footprint of City Center as there
are two lots for sale directly to the south of the City Center building.
Mr. Jaunich then reviewed the various City fund balances. Mr. Jaunich noted that the City is
fiscally healthy. Mr. Jaunich also reviewed the City's use of LGA funds. Mr. Jaunich feels that
perhaps a discussion should be held on the allocation of LGA to the capital fund. Mr. Jaunich
also reviewed a list of staff concerns or items in need of being addressed. These include:
establishment of a funding plan for the replacement of playground equipment, full-time vs. part-
time staffing levels at liquor store, staffing levels at police department, operating budget for new
aquatic center in 2017, long-term funding sources for heavy equipment and employer
contribution to HSA, rising city subsidy at Event Center and Senior Center, more direct LGA
Policy, use of hospital money, growth of salaries & benefits, finishing financial policies, long-
term plan on transfers from HUC, central budgeting for facility maintenance, parks/school
grounds maintenance contract, replacement on SCBA packs for fire department. Items that Mr.
Jaunich would like the Council's thoughts and ideas on include the tax levy goal for 2017, any
services that they would like to see provided and/or increased/decreased, is there a specific
project/item they would like to see budgeted for and/or done or any fee/rate/transfer changes to
look at.
Czmowski suggested a donation fund for establishing a dog park. Czmowski suggested using the
skate park as a model.
Lofdahl spoke about a bus transportation service.
Dakota Rail is now considered a regional project which opens up legacy funds.
3. Adj ournment
Motion by Lofdahl, second by Arndt, to adjourn the workshop at 5:20 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier Matthew 7aunich
Mayor City Administrator