08/06/2002 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 8/6/2002 Service Director and Safety Director. Up for discussion was the requirement for adjustments to the budget of the City of North Olmsted. The guiding principle used to detemune these cuts was first that it be fair, equitable and just; secondly that priority services be identified that must be continued in order to properly serve our residents and that secondary services that can be reduced or can be eliminated if necessary be identified. To begin the discussion, Finance Director Copfer gave a financial presentation which included the following figures: for the balance of the year 2002, we will have to cut $744,000 from our budget; for the 2003 budget, it is projected that we will have to reduce on the order of $2 million. Revenue problems that were encountered this year that have impacted our budget in an adverse way are local government funds reductions, interest income reductions, cable franchise fees because of the bankruptcy and other legislation that has not yet been provided to the city, Springvale administration fees, WWTP administrative fees and the cost for the Regional Income Tax Authority collections are up. One bright note is that estate taxes did increase above projections for this year. Expense problems that were identified were the reduction in the county deductions, the property casualty insurance increased, the Springvale transfer as required, retirement and vacation payback was significant. The requirement based upon those will be a net reduction for this year on the order of $744,000. Director Copeland spoke about the program audits and evaluations. Recommendations were made by both Director Copfer and Director Lisa Thomas. Legislation and possible alternatives were presented by the Law Director. Finally, there was an opportunity given for members of the audience to voice their concerns and to ask questions. Councilman McKay, chairperson of the Finance Committee: 1) The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, June 19. Present were committee members Kasler, Limpert and McKay; Council President O'Grady; Council Members Miller, Nashar, Gareau, Dailey; Mayor Musial and Finance Director Copfer. Agenda items were as follows: Resolution 2002-94, a resolution authorizing the payment of $27,320.46 to Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP for legal services rendered in connection with the termination of the USEPA consent decree. This law firm, experts in the environmental law, was retained to help the city negotiate the termination of the USEPA consent decree. The period of time to conclude the matter was one and one-half years and was more complex than arnicipated. As a result, it cost the city an additional $27,320.46 over the $35,000 first estimated. The committee recommended approval to finalize this matter. Ordinance 2002-103, an ordinance repealing Ordinance Nos. 94-148, 2000-13 7 establishing a new fee and charges schedule for the rendering of emergency medical services and ambulance transportation by the City of North Olmsted. Due to the rising costs of emergency medical services, it is necessary for the city to bill residents who have health insurance coverage, which will cover a part or all of the city's fees for emergency medical service. However, residents who pay a deductible or co-pay not covered by their insurance shall be exempt from paying a deductible or the co- pay. Reimbursement will be sought from the insurance carrier only. Persons who reside or are employed within the city will be defined as residents for exemption purposes only. The committee recommended approval of the ordinance at that time.