HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/1983 Special Meeting 122
NOVEMBER 14, 1983
SPECIAL MEETING -- BUDGET REVIEW
The City Council met in session on this date at 2:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall, Yakima, Washington. Council members present were
Mayor Lynn Carmichael, Clarence Barnett, Shirley Doty and Lynn Buchanan.
Council members Beauchamp, Sparling and Moore absent.
WATER/IRRIGATION OPERATION/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Denny Cavell, Director of Engineering and Utilities, gave a brief
overview of the Water/Irrigation 1984 Preliminary Budget, explain-
ing the changes in personnel. He canmented that various capital
improvement projects for 1984 include the Gleed water program, the
High Zone Concrete Reservoir Rehabilitation, and the Water System
Enhancement for distribution on 18th Street. Following his intro-
duction, Rita Germunson, Office Engineer, was available to respond
to Council's questions regarding the increased expenditure for
communications, and capital outlay for a micro-computer and type-
writer. Mrs. Germunson justified the budgeted amount of $150 for
scaffolding due to future costs and needs. Mr. Zais reviewed the
figures on bonds, revenues and expenditures for this portion of the
budget.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Council member Barnett expressed his concern regarding the $250,000
budgeted for the Gleed Water problem and stated he felt this amount
should cane out of the Contingency nand. Mr. Covell explained
$250,000 is budgeted to assist in reaching a solution to this prob-
lem. Mayor Carmichael also expressed her concern with the budgeted
amount and also believed the Contingency Fund is the appropriate
funding source for this item.
IRRIGATION
Council member Barnett expressed his concern with the increase of
irrigation rates by 5% in 1984, and questioned if Council would be
provided with actual data prior to the time when a decision has to
be made on the assessment roll. Mrs. Germunson explained she would
not ask Council to make a decision on the assessment roll with
estimated costs two years in a row. The 5% increase is being put
in the budget to cover this division in case staff receives actual
data to present to Council.
A memorandum regarding the analysis of prospective changes in the
utility tax rates for Water and Sewer operations was addressed by
Chuck Greenough, Budget Analyst. Council member Doty inquired as
to the rationale of the past increases and decreases of such rates.
Mr. Greenough responded, stating the original ordinance states that
such taxes were found to be reasonable enough and not dispropor-
tionate to the amount of taxes that would be payable if such ser-
vice were performed by a private utility. Mr. Greenough proceeded
to expand on the tables provided, which included Utility Tax Rates
For Certain Washington Cities, and alternatives for ramping down
the City's utility tax rate. Council member Barnett requested
additional information on the sludge management portion of the
Sewer Division budget prior to that Division's budget review.
Discussion followed regarding the acquisition of computers and
software programs.
There being no further business to cane before the Council, it was
MOVED by Barnett, seconded by Buchanan that this meeting be ad-
journed at the hour of 3:30 P.M. Unanimously carried by voice
vote. Beauchcimp, Sparling and Moore absent.
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