PUBLIC HEARING ON FY 2009 BUDGET, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2008 AT 5:30 P.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Perry.

 

Present:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Councilman John Harris and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

           

            Mayor Smith stated that the FY 2009 budget was a lean budget.  It is the 2nd year commitment of a 5 ˝% raise for the police officers and a 5% raise for the fire fighters and it includes a 3% raise for all other employees.  There are significant increases for fuel and energy costs.  This budget shows no anticipated increase in millage.  The city does not have the assessments from the county yet but hopes the city will have them by the end of this week.  Due to an error by the county staff last year regarding property values, the city will receive less property taxes in FY 2008 than anticipated.  The city’s FY 2008 budget is about $200,000 short of anticipated property tax revenue because that error.  Sales tax revenues are always an estimate but property tax revenues should be a given number in the budget.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to open the hearing on the FY 2009 budget.  Those appearing were as follows:  1) John Cherepanya, 4320 36th Avenue, appeared on behalf of the fire and police personnel.  He said public safety is a main issue with the city and he would like the city to have a good safety rating.  He would like all employees to remain.  He expressed his appreciation to the City Council for the 6% raise last year.  They want to work with the Council regarding further pay raises to get the fire fighters pay up.  They do their job because they care for the citizens of Meridian.  2) Joe Collins, 5026 Jeffrey Acres Road, appeared on behalf of the Meridian Fire Fighters Local 52.  He expressed his appreciation for all the work the Mayor and Council did last year.  They have an unenviable job this year.  They will be giving another fire fighter test this year.  He thanked them for what they have done in the past.  3) April Luke, 5201 14th Street, appeared on behalf of State Games.  She thanked the city for the support in the past years.  The opening ceremonies of State Games will once again be in downtown Meridian next year.  She asked for continued sponsorship of the State Games.  4) Steve McCartney, 3102 36th Street, appeared on behalf of the fire and police departments.  The city was good to both departments last year.  He said he was there to ask the City Council to try to continue that investment in the fire and police departments.  Public safety is a concern of the citizens, senior citizens are afraid and there is a crime problem in Meridian.  5) Chuck Overby, 617 58th Avenue, appeared and expressed appreciation from the public works department for their support and the fact they are offering a 3% raise this year.  They appreciate anything they get and don’t want to lose it.  6) Kevin Locke, 3803 23rd Avenue, appeared on behalf of the Employee Council.  He discussed the raises.  The Employee Council recommended a 5 ˝% raise for all employees (excluding fire fighters and police officers) and a longevity pay of an additional $750 for those employees who have been with the city for over three years.  They presented this recommendation to the administration but understands a 3% recommendation has come from the administration.  The CPI is up over 5% and a lot of city employees are lower income.  The price for a loaf of bread costs as much for a lower income city employee as for a higher income city employee.  They made a survey of 456 full-time employees to get a count of those who live in the city limits and within each ward.  The results were: Ward 1 – 43; Ward 2 – 25; Ward 3 – 37; Ward 4 – 39; Ward 5 – 31; for a total of 175.  6) Dan Case, Collinsville, signed up but did not speak.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilman Palmer duly seconded by Councilwoman Henson and unanimously passed by the Council to close the hearing.

 

 

            President Perry thanked everyone for coming and for their input.           

 

 

            There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, the meeting was adjourned.  Sine die.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,  

 

 

                                                                        Pam McInnis, Clerk of Council