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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7B - Proposed 2009 Budget Reductions Report O~ PRIO'1; A- ~ f.., ~ U ~ t'21 ~lNNESO~~ MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: 4646 Dakota Street S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT JUNE 15, 2009 7B JERIL YN ERICKSON, FINANCE DIRECTOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REPORT IDENTIFYING PROPOSED 2009 BUDGET REDUCTIONS Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to consider approval of proposed budget reductions which have been identified in an effort to offset the projected General Fund revenue shortfalls for 2009. Historv In December, 2008, the City Council adopted the 2009 budget which reflected a reduction in development-related revenues and an anticipated $226,000 cut from the State for Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) aid. The 2009 budgeted expenditures were reduced to coincide with the anticipated cut in MVHC as follows: I Eliminate Economic Development Director position I Decrease fuel budgets I Eliminate Lifeguard positions Delay Fire Chief hiring until 7/1/09 Decrease litigation budget I Delay conversion from microfiche to Laserfiche I Decrease conference and seminar budgets I Total $ 80,000 55,000 34,000 24,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 $ 226,000 On June 1, 2009, a council workshop was held to discuss the expected revenue shortfalls for 2009 and to address 2010 budget challenges. Staff had projected an additional $475,000 in revenue shortfalls due to a further decline in development-related revenues (i.e. building permits, plan check fees, etc.) and investment interest earnings. A comprehensive list of expenditure reductions (i.e. eliminating non-emergency overtime, deferring equipment purchases, reducing training costs, allocating expenses to enterprise funds, etc.) was compiled to offset the projected revenue shortfall and shared with the city council. www.cityofpriorlake.com f?ho~W954;44: 7.980Q;/ .;.F~ 95~'404:7. 4245 The following table reflects a summary of the expenditure reductions by department: Summary by Department Ordinance City Manager Boards & Commissions Accounting Personnel Communications Community DevelopmenUNatural Resources Data Processing Police Fire Buildings & Transportation Services Engineering Streets Recreation Parks Library Economic Development Contingency Transfers $ 4,000 11 ,000 1,500 9,925 8,650 16,120 10,827 35,000 75,122 28,450 19,275 94,000 5,000 21,560 40,000 10,000 7,380 27,191 50,000 475,000 Current Circumstances Generally speaking, City staff sought reductions which would have a minimal impact on the level or quality of services currently delivered to the residents of Prior Lake. The majority of the contingency reserve account balance was preserved to maintain maximum flexibility if some unforeseen event occurs such as a major repair. The transfer referenced above is a transfer from the Revolving Equipment Fund to the General Fund of the savings realized on the acquisition of new equipment earlier in 2009. The transfer does not affect the financial viability of the fund. Staff would seek formal council approval to make this transfer later in 2009 if the funds are needed. The summary also reflects a partial reallocation of salaries and benefits for the Public Works Director, Engineering Technician II, and Building and Transportation Director positions to the enterprise funds. Staff believes these allocations are appropriate and is considering implementation either in 2009 or 2010. The remaining budget reductions (i.e. eliminating non-emergency overtime, deferring equipment purchases, reducing training costs, etc.) will be reevaluated and considered for reinstatement in the event revenues collected exceed current projections. Some objectives will be delayed until either later in the year or to future years. Conclusion By accepting the report without actually amending the 2009 budget, City staff will maintain flexibility in reinstating some of these expenditures if the revenues collected exceed current projections. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The impact is as stated in the above table. City staff has used conservative revenue projections based on current data available. We will continue to closely monitor revenue collections. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are available to the City Council: 1. Approve the budget reduction report as presented. 2. Amend the budget reduction report. 3. Delay action on the budget reduction report if the Council requires additional information. RECOMMENDED Alternative #1 MOTION: ReViewer:J ;L Frank Boyles, CVa) er