Council
Chambers
Special
Session
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper.
E)
THIRD
A) RESOLUTION
DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING A TAX FOR CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES IN
EXCESS OF THE TEN-MILL LIMITATION AND REQUESTING THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO CERTIFY
MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Schneider mentioned that he is once again voting No for the reasons stated previously and that we need a Budget Administrator to determine if we need these funds.
Mr. Gabbard mentioned that he has gone back and forth on this matter and made phone calls to residents and the bottom line is that we need to make progress. We should have addressed these earlier however, and should have had language to earmark funds in the renewal levy itself.
Ms. Kelly agreed with Mr. Gabbard but there really is no question that we need these funds.
Mr. Moore added that we had wanted all along to include specific earmarking of funds in the levy language, however, in doing our research we realized that in order to change the wording this would have been a replacement levy rather than the renewal. We also learned that as a result of changing from a renewal to a replacement levy we would discontinue receiving the State Personal Property tax reimbursements. The next levy on the ballot will allocate specific funds to these same important programs.
Mr. Mumper agreed with Mr. Moore and that the funds generated by the personal property taxes are too significant to forego.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the third reading of the resolution. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the resolution. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider.
B) RESOLUTION
DECLARING COUNCIL’S INTENT TO ALLOCATE THE
PROCEEDS OF AN EIGHT (8) MILL
RENEWAL LEVY, IF PASSED BY THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF
Mr. Schneider noted that this is important to have these constraints and we hope that these funds can be used to match future grants.
Mr. Gabbard added that it is very important to make progress on these fronts and we have to live up to this commitment.
Mr. Schneider added that he doesn’t feel as if the financial people of this City are engaged in managing the City’s finances. The Auditor and Treasurer should be present at our Council meetings and the Budget Analyst position should be filled. At this point the Finance Committee does all of the work.
Mr. Sanker responded that as was discussed last meeting there have been many candidates and none have been interested in the position due to the current situation and salary level. This search has not been neglected or forgotten. Mr. Sanker added that this is a commitment to the citizens and hopefully 2008 will be a starting point.
Mr. Moore added that we must remember that Council is not voting to extend this levy, rather we are only placing this on the ballot so that the citizens have an opportunity to make a decision to improve this City while maintaining their current taxes.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the third reading of the resolution. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the resolution. All members present voted YES.
F) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All
members were present.
G) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council