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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SPCC-2017-10-04Special Meeting PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (9) COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK 5:30 p.m. October 4, 2017 Brock, McGonigal, Murtagh, Nguyen, Gearhart, Fleming, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff OTHERS PRESENT: Chief of Staff — Cogan City Controller — Thayer City Clerk — Holcomb SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Presentation of Mayor's 2018 Recommended Budget Mayor Myrick presented an overview of his 2018 recommended budget highlighting the following changes: • In 2018, the City of Ithaca tax levy will increase by 2.80% - this falls below the property tax cap of 2.94% • The total taxable assessed value in the City increased from $1.84 billion to $1.90 billion • The tax rate will remain the same at $12.04 per $1,000 of assessed value — this remains the lowest tax rate since 2003 • 92% of 1 and 2-family homes will see no change in city taxes; another 3% of 1 and 2- family homes will see a decrease in city taxes • General Fund expenditures are projected to increase by $1.8 million or 3.3%, General Fund revenues are only projected to increase by $1.6 million, so $687,000 of fund balance will be used to balance the budget • This budget includes strategic investments in the Department of Public Works for street improvements and the purchase of street lights, and also covers a reduction in anticipated revenues as a result of the suspension in odd/even parking regulations • The Police and Fire Department budgets include funding for body camera replacements, the continuation of 4 fire fighter positions funded by the SAFER grant, a Deputy Fire Chief position to be filled in November, a LEAD Case Coordinator, and continued funding for the downtown Outreach Worker • The Planning, Building and & Economic Development budget includes funding for the half-time Sustainability Planner which is jointly funded with the Town of Ithaca • The GIAC and Youth Bureau budgets include funding for hospitality employment training and the My Brother's Keeper Initiative. Salaries will be raised to match the updated Living Wage calculation • $10,000 has been included for a participatory budgeting initiative • No funding has been allotted for the Gorge Ranger program in 2018 The Mayor further presented information and metrics on • The number of city employees • Salaries • Pension costs • Health insurance costs • Debt service / total outstanding debt • State aid • Sales tax revenues • Potential revenue from recent and current development • Tax exempt property (58%) • Water, sewer, Wastewater Treatment Plant, solid waste, sidewalks, and stormwater fund budgets A question and answer period followed with the Mayor, Chief of Staff, and City Controller answering questions from Common Council members. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Julie Conley Holcomb, CIVIC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor