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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