11-14-2017 CCM WORKSHOP
HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
REVIEW OF 2018 ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS
MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017, AT 4:00 PM
CITY CENTER – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Call to Order
Mayor Forcier called the workshop to order at 4:04 p.m. Members present included Chad
Czmowski, Steve Cook and John Lofdahl. Member absent was Mary Christensen. Others
present were: Matt Jaunich, City Administrator; Kent Exner, City Engineer; Andy Reid, Finance
Director; Andy Kosek, Creekside Manager; Candice Woods, Liquor Hutch Manager; John Olson,
Public Works Manager; John Paulsen, Environmental Specialist and Tim Gratke,
Water/Wastewater Supervisor.
REVIEW OF 2018 ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS
2. Liquor Hutch Budget
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich reviewed the
proposed budget for 2018 which sees a total revenue increase of 2%. Mr. Jaunich noted that
since 2007, total sales have increased at an average annual rate of 3% and the customer count has
increased by an average annual rate of 1.4%. Sunday liquor is also having a better impact than
expected. Proposed expenses for 2018 have increased 2.1%. This includes a budgeted capital
item for an upgrade to the racking in the beer coolers. The debt service is related to the 2005
store upgrades and the loan will be repaid in 2020. The budget includes a proposed 2018 fund
balance of $1,064,714. Mr. Jaunich also provided a 10-year liquor fund forecast. General
discussion was held regarding Sunday sales and store staffing.
Creekside Budget
Mr. Jaunich explained that Creekside’s 2018 budget is the third year under a reduced production
model, focusing on higher margin products. This model lowers business risks and extends the
life of Creekside equipment. Total revenue is budgeted at an increase of 2.5% with a decrease in
expenses of 12.4%. Debt service is for the Rotochopper grinder. The ending cash balance for
Creekside is budgeted at $1,669,312. Mr. Jaunich also provided a 10-year compost fund forecast.
General discussion was held on providing grinding services to other communities throughout the
county.
Refuse/Garbage Budget
Mr. Jaunich noted that the refuse/garbage budget sees an increase in revenue of 14% from 2017.
The residential rates have held flat with no rate increase since 2008 and will have no increase in
2018. The increase in revenue is payback to the fund for money that was borrowed for the
aquatic center. Expenses for the refuse/garbage budget will see a decrease of 40.9% for 2018.
This is a result of the transfer out for the interfund loan payment for the aquatic center. There is a
transfer out of $55,000 that goes to the tree disease infestation/mitigation fund. The ending cash
balance for Refuse/Garbage is budgeted at $674,212. Mr. Jaunich provided a 10-year refuse fund
forecast.
Water Fund Budget
Mr. Jaunich explained that the Water Fund budget shows a 1.2% increase in total revenue for
2018. There will be no rate increase in 2018 and hasn’t been since 2011. Water fund expenses
are budgeted at a 0.8% increase. The ending cash balance for the water fund budget is budgeted
at $3,571,790. Mr. Jaunich provided a 10-year water fund forecast. General discussion was held
regarding capital outlay items. It was noted that the capital outlay line item needs to be updated
in the 10-year forecast. Kent Exner, City Engineer, proposed that a comprehensive rate study be
conducted in the future.
Sewer Fund Budget
Mr. Jaunich explained that the sewer fund budget sees a 0.4% increase in revenues for 2018.
Sewer rates will see no increase in 2018 and haven’t since 2011. Total expenses have a budgeted
increase of 3.1%. The sewer fund budget has an ending cash balance budgeted at $6,223,539.
Mr. Jaunich provided a 10-year sewer fund forecast.
Mr. Jaunich reviewed the local option sales tax program and the purpose of it which is dedicated
solely to retiring the debt in water and sewer funds. Mr. Jaunich provided quick facts in reference
to local option sales tax, which included: local sales tax on a $100 purchase amounts to $.050;
local sales tax is applicable to the same retail purchases, subject to Minnesota sales tax; sale of
vehicles by dealers are exempt and instead are subject to an excise fee of $20 per vehicle sold;
local sales tax is applicable to any sale made within city limits as determined by the last four
digits of your zip code; point of possession determines taxability; purchases item/service
received/performed within city limits is subject to the local sales tax; purchased items/service is
received/performed outside city limits ex exempt from local sales tax; organizations exempt from
paying state sales tax are also exempt from the local sales tax. Mr. Jaunich also reviewed other
nearby cities with local sales tax. Mr. Jaunich explained that early retirement of debit is an option
if cash reserves are sufficient. While the main purpose of the tax is to retire existing debt, it also
allows the City to build healthy cash reserves to help with annual street projects with water &
sewer infrastructure improvements, improvements that may be needed in each facility, other
projects that create efficiencies and stable water/sewer rates. Mr. Jaunich reviewed the
outstanding debt.
Stormwater Fund Budget
Mr. Jaunich explained that total revenue in the stormwater fund budget is seeing an increase of
3.6%. There is a planned rate increase of 3% over nine classifications. Expenses are budgeted at
an 18.4% increase. City’s leaf vacuuming program is accounted for in this fund and street
sweeping is also funded by this account. Mr. Jaunich reviewed stormwater rate history. The
ending cash balance in the stormwater fund budget for 2018 is $1,302,610.
Lastly, Mr. Jaunich provided an overview on enterprise fund transfers to the general fund. Mr.
Jaunich noted that the liquor fund continues to do well. There are no rate changes for garbage,
water and sewer users. There is a slight rate increase in the stormwater fees. The enterprise fund
transfers into the general fund account for 6.1% of general fund revenue. Cash balances continue
to remain healthy.
General Fund Budget Update
Mr. Jaunich provided an update on the proposed 2018 general fund budget. Expenses have been
reduced by about $75,000 from the preliminary budget. The tax levy is proposed to increase
2.7%. Open enrollment has recently begun and there could be additional savings if employees
make adjustments to their insurance plans.
3. Adjournment
Motion by Lofdahl, second by Cook, to adjourn the workshop at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST:
________________________________ __________________________________
Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich
Mayor City Administrator