HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SPCC-2017-10-04COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 5:30 p.m. October 4, 2017
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (9) 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, CMC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor