CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
BUDGET WORKHOP
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
August 7, 2001

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Doug Everett
Councilmember-elect Pam Feagle

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, George Stamos and
Annette Anderson

Mayor Frith called the meeting to order. Councilmember Scott led those attending the meeting in
prayer. Mayor Frith led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The secretary then called
the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

SUBJECT OF MEETING:
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2001-02 CITY OF PERRY BUDGET
ISSUES.

Mayor Frith opened discussion saying the City Manager had presented the City’s proposed fiscal year
budget 2001-02 to the Council along with the proposed millage rate at the July 24, 2001 regular City
Council meeting. Mayor Frith said the Council tentatively chose to use the same millage rate as last
fiscal year as opposed to the rollback rate. Mayor Frith said using the same millage rate, in effect,
would slightly increase the amount of taxes and would generate an amount of approximately $20,000.

Mayor Frith said the proposed budget is similar to last year’s budget in that it does not include any pay
raises and does not include any additional monies to be contributed to the local organizations that the
City has routinely contributed to each year. Mayor Frith said one organization, Main Street Perry, did
not receive any funding last year and the City does not propose to give anything this year under the
proposed budget Mayor Frith said the City came out having to use some (cash) reserves to make the
budget balance for the year 2001-02.

Mayor Frith said two main questions for him is, “What are we going to do about employees (pay
raises)?” and “What to do about contributions to these organizations?” Mayor Frith commented that if
the Council chooses to do something that costs money, where is the City going to get the money?
Mayor Frith asked the Council their suggestion as to how they would prefer to proceed to address the
budget. Councilmember Scott said, for the past two to three years, as a City Council it was decided not
to raise the amount that is contributed to the organizations. Councilmember Scott said, in light of that,
her feeling would be to juggle the funds of $136,000 and divvy it up to those organizations that have
made requests. Councilmember Everett asked Councilmember Scott if she had any specifics in mind.
Councilmember Scott said in the past the City had contributed $25,000 to Main Street but as Main
Page 2, August 7, 2001, City Council Budget Workshop

Street did not request funding for this current year, that amount was given to the Taylor County
Development Authority (TCDA). Councilmember Scott said the Council could decide whether or not
it wanted to take this amount back. Councilmember Scott said the City has not contributed to Refuge
House and they are requesting $10,000. Councilmember Scott said she would be in favor of taking
part of the $25,000 to give to the Refuge House and give Main Street the remaining amount or not give
Main Street anything and leave it to TCDA. Councilmember Everett asked if Main Street had resolved
its problems. Mayor Frith said he had attended a recent meeting and the indication was that the money
situation was cleared up. Mayor Frith said there was good participation at the last meeting he went to
and it appears Main Street is trying to get reorganized. Mayor Frith said he does not think most of the
organizations are represented this meeting, but they could be asked to come back when Council meets
again.

Councilmember Everett said where Main Street is concerned, from an economical impact, is there
anything the City has been able to recognize with its contributions to Main Street. Councilmember
Everett asked if the furnishing of this money increased the profitability of local businesses.
Councilmember Everett said he does not think it is responsible spending for the City to contribute
monies if it cannot show and prove economic improvement for the community. Councilmember
Everett said he personally has not seen it and asked if someone could tell him otherwise.
Councilmember Everett said he thinks (Council) needs to use this basis to make decisions on. Mayor
Frith commented the downtown looks better. Councilmember Everett said he does not know that the
City needs to pay another organization to do something the City can do. Councilmember Everett said
he would rather see the Council take the $25,000 and shift it into the budget into the needy areas of
employees and projects like the retention problem on Main Street. Councilmember Everett said his
focus concerns comments regarding the police officers and firefighters (obtaining and retaining these
personnel). City Manager Bill Brynes said this also includes the city’s building inspector position.
Councilmember Everett said he has seen and talked to a lot of people and recognizes the specific
problem with the loss of good officers going to other agencies because they cannot make ends meet.
Councilmember Everett said he would like to see employees across the board get a pay raise but
questioned whether this could be done.

Councilmember Alexander said his focus concerned insurance and employees. Director of Finance
Billy LaValle said the City is supplying information to a couple of insurance companies to, hopefully,
get some quotes and try to improve the insurance the City has now. Councilmember Alexander
commented, “We need to take care of our own.” Councilmember Everett agreed saying it needs to be
done within the budget. Councilmember Everett spoke of eliminating wasteful and unnecessary
spending and said he intends to look at every dollar and cent and into individual department budgets to
find more money, as he thinks there is some there. Councilmember Scott said she does not know if
there is enough money within the departments but knows the Council needs to look at raising
employees salaries and possibly look at the tax base. Councilmember Scott said, in order to give the
employees the raise they deserve or that Council would like to give them, Council may have to look at
the tax base another year. Councilmember Scott asked if there was any “fat” in the budget that could
Page 3, August 7, 2001. Budget Workshop Minutes

give employees a decent raise or would Council need to look at taxes. Mr. Brynes said the Council
could go through the budget and expenses of prior years and see how the budget is made. Mr. Brynes
said there is no contingency in any department.

Councilmember Everett commented this is not the kind of policing he is talking about.
Councilmember Everett said there might be some waste, duplication of efforts, etc., within the City
that could be addressed. Councilmember Everett then referred to a recent occasion he had to witness a
project where two people were working with six onlookers. Councilmember Everett then questioned
the police department’s capital outlay request of $44,000 for two vehicles. Councilmember Everett
asked the age and mileage of the vehicles being proposed for replacement and asked if these vehicles
would last another year or whether it would become a burden of maintenance. Chief of Police Wayne
Putnal explained there could be approximately 125,000 to 150,000 miles on the engines of the
vehicles, plus the wear and tear on the suspensions. Chief Putnal said he did not know if the current
vehicles could be driven another year explaining that a “swap-out” study by the Florida Highway
Patrol suggests replacement at 80,000 miles. Councilmember Everett commented the City should not
take figures from the State. Councilmember Everett questioned whether this money would be better
served in the pockets of the police officers and if they would mind driving older vehicles. Chief Putnal
said “safety-wise,” he could not say so. Mr. Brynes explained that two police vehicles currently on the
road could be taken off the road and given to police detectives (downgraded) and explained these are
non re-occurring capital outlay items brought forward from prior years. Councilmember Everett said,
still, if the $44,000 is not spent, is it better used in another fashion. City Manager Bill Brynes said
Council could put it in re-occurring expenses as long as Council is committed to doing something in
the future to replace it.

Mayor Frith suggested setting a course of discussion. Mayor Frith said Councilmember Everett has
said he wants to set a course to keep all personnel happy but look at the police officers and firefighters
and building inspector. Mayor Frith said there has been discussion of hiring individuals without any
experience and training them as police officers and firefighters. Mayor Frith said he agrees they will
have to have that salary incentive to stay. Mayor Frith suggested looking first at cutting any “fat” out
of the budget and then see where to spend monies or cut monies from the budget. Councilmember
Everett said, speaking for himself, he personally intends to “do what I can to go through the budget and
find some monies.” Councilmember Everett said he is not trying to run any department head’s
business, but because (we) have been elected as a City Council to use this money as effectively and
efficiently as can. Councilmember Everett said his personal opinion is that fire safety and police safety
is of the utmost importance to the community and feels the City needs to be competitive.

Mayor Frith suggested beginning discussion with the capital outlay items. Mr. Brynes first reviewed
the city’s total proposed operating budget. Mr. Brynes said the proposed operating budget totals
$7,501,190 with personnel costs comprising about 50 percent of the budget, adding to that the cost of
Page 4, August 7, 2001, Budget Workshop Minutes

natural gas purchases comprises 64 percent of the budget. Reviewing additional operating expenses,
Councilmember Everett had questions concerning the police grant. Chief Putnal explained the City is
responsible for a certain dollar amount of the grant.

Before proceeding, Mr. Jack Scott, addressed the Council. Mr. Scott said he would like to show the
Council how to “shave” some money to help all employees. Mr. Scott said he represents himself, other
interested taxpayers and non-supervisory employees, whether (salary) capped or uncapped. Referring
to taxes, whether ad valorem or indirect, Mr. Scott said he would be the last one to advocate any taxes
over and above that, which is necessary. Referring to finding money for employee raises, Mr. Scott
told the Council they could get monies from the Economic Environment portion of the proposed
budget. Mr. Scott’s suggestions included: 1. Taylor County Development Authority - take $25,000
from TCDA’s proposed funding amount of $41,000. Funding to TCDA in previous years was $16,000
but was increased by $25,000 when Main Street did not request this funding from the City this current
year. 2. Chamber of Commerce - Eliminate the $15,000 contribution to the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Scott said this organization is a private organization and its agenda is not necessarily the agenda of
the people. 3. Taylor County Senior Services (previously Taylor County Adult Meals Program) –
Eliminate the $10,000 contribution mount. Mr. Scott said this organization should be in good shape
now and commented that it has been able to give a $10,000 per year raise to its director. 4. Boys and
Girls Club – Reduce contribution down to $40,000. Mr. Scott reminded the Council the contribution
given to Code 10 several years ago had been combined with the amount contributed to the Boys and
Girls Club to make a total contribution amount of $60,000. 5. Taylor County Leadership Council –
Eliminate the $7,000 contribution. Mr. Scott said this amount was originally given to the organization
to help them get the organization started.

Mr. Scott commented that if certain gas tax monies were combined with these suggested amounts taken
from the organizations, the City would have additional monies. Mr. Scott said no one is trying to
detract from the good these organizations do for the community and spoke of these times of cutbacks,
pink slips, downsizing and privatization. Mr. Scott said some of these organizations, whose programs
and agendas might very well help people, all profit from the burden of all taxpayers. Mayor Frith
asked Mr. Scott his thoughts on funding for Refuge House. Mr. Scott said he did not have enough
information on this organization to make a comment.

Mr. Scott said there could be monies enough to give a 50 cents per hour increase in employee wages.
Mr. Scott said for non-supervisory personnel the cost would be approximately $44,000 plus the cost of
fringe benefits. Mr. Scott commented that, as for the police and fire department personnel, there is a
necessity to upgrade. Mr. Scott said, as much as the thought of raising taxes is with him and others, he
has to entertain the idea that one mill could currently be estimated to bring about $154,000. Mr. Scott
questioned, “when it comes to the police and fire personnel and it is contrasted with these
organizations, do you want police and fire protection or do you want community correction?” Mr.
Scott thanked the Council for their attention.
Page 5, August 7, 2001, Budget Workshop Minutes

The Council then went through the capital outlay requests of each department:

Legislative: none

Administrative: none

Financial Services: One Receipt Printer.

Councilmember Everett asked how the purchase of this item would save money. Director of Finance
Billy LaValle said this item would replace the existing piece of equipment. Mr. LaValle said the
existing equipment is five to six years old and he feels this item is necessary because the quality of
print of the existing equipment is bad and the equipment has been repaired several times over these
five or six years. Councilmember-elect Feagle asked how much it costs to repair the equipment. Mr.
LaValle said it costs approximately $300.00 each time it is repaired. The Council tentatively approved
this item.

Legal Services: none

Comprehensive Planning: none

City Garage: Wash-down Pad and Re-roof Building.

When asked about the wash-down pad, Director of Public Works Barney explained there is no place to
wash down city vehicles before the mechanics can work on them. Mr. Johnson said it is an unsafe
manner in which this is being done now. Mr. Johnson further explained the wash-down pad would be
a 40 x 50 slab of concrete provided for washing down of vehicles. As for the re-roofing of the
building, Mr. Brynes said this was in last year’s budget, but (the City) never got around to doing it.
Mr. Brynes said the roof has continued to deteriorate and needs to be replaced. The Council tentatively
approved these items.

Councilmember–elect Feagle asked if these type City projects include labor costs. Mr. Brynes and Mr.
Johnson said city employees could do this work for the most part. Councilmember Everett asked about
putting such projects out to bid to see if there is a cost difference. Mr. Brynes said the City could do
this work using city employees to help. Councilmember Everett said, “What does this tell me about
what they are hired to do?” Mr. Brynes said the project could be bid out if Council wishes. The
Council agreed this item be reviewed at a later date. Councilmember Everett asked if the city is
operating efficiently. Mr. Brynes stated that it is.

Police: Two pursuit vehicles.

Councilmember Everett questioned the need to replace older vehicles and asked about the mileage and
maintenance of the vehicles. Chief Putnal explained there are six police vehicles on the street with
three officers assigned to each vehicle. Chief Putnal said it’s not about replacing just two vehicles; it’s
about replacing four vehicles, as the two older vehicles are passed to the department investigators.
Councilmember-elect Feagle asked what happens to the investigators’ (present) vehicles. Chief Putnal
said these vehicles are sold at auction for just $200 to $300, with these monies going back into the
city’s general fund.
Page 6, August 7, 2001, Budget Workshop Minutes

Fire: One computer

One Ice Machine
Two Fire Truck Pumpers

Pumpers: Mr. Brynes explained the fire truck pumpers are put in the proposed budget to keep in mind
these trucks will have to be replaced in the future.

Ice Machine: Councilmember Everett asked where the Fire Department is currently getting its ice
supply. Mr. Brynes said they get it from the city warehouse. Councilmember Everett said he feels they
can continue to get it from the warehouse.

Computer:

Councilmembers tentatively agreed these items not be approved. Councilmember Everett suggested
the combined amount of these two items ($3,000) could be put in the firefighters’ pockets instead.

Protective Inspections: One pickup truck

Director of Community Development George Stamos told the Council this is the vehicle used by the
animal control officer. Mr. Stamos said he would urge the Council to consider the fact that the animal
control officer deals with citizens’ pets and pets are important to those individuals. Mr. Stamos said
the impression is very important. Councilmember Everett asked how many miles are on the truck and
how many calls the animal control officer responds to each day. Mr. Stamos said approximately two to
four complaints are handled each day, but the animal control officer’s duties also include disposal of
animals and patrolling of the city among other things. Mr. Stamos told the Council the vehicle and the
animal facility is in bad condition and feels they are an embarrassment to the City. Mr. Stamos told the
Council although the facility is in bad condition, it is a clean one. Councilmember-elect Feagle said
she would not be concerned about how the truck looks, if it can be repaired. Councilmember Everett
said it would be hard to make a decision without further information and asked exactly what the City is
buying for $21,000—questioning whether the truck has items such as CD players, electric windows,
etc. Mr. Brynes said the City buys vehicles on state contract and these vehicles may come with such
items. Councilmember Everett commented that the City has the option to buy from the Ford and
Chevrolet dealers. Mr. Brynes said the City does purchase from these dealerships when possible. Mr.
Stamos said he did not come to the meeting prepared to provide the exact miles on the vehicle’s
odometer but could provide this information later. Mr. Stamos said Council is welcome to come in the
department and see what his staff does. This item to be discussed again at the next budget workshop.

Transportation – Push Mowers – 4 each

Weed Eaters – 4 each
Front Mounted Mower 1 each

Mr. Brynes told the Council these are normal replacement items each year. Councilmember-elect
Feagle questioned the four weed eaters at $1,400. Mr. Brynes said these are commercial grade pieces
of equipment. Mr. Brynes told the Council the present front-mounted mower is ten years old.
Page 7, August 7, 2001, Budget Workshop Minutes

Recreation – Backpack Blower – 1 each $415.00

Construct two baseball fields $125,000.00

Mr. Brynes said the baseball fields would only be constructed if the city receives grant funding. Mr.
Brynes said if this amount is not used for the ball fields, if needed, it could be used for another
purpose. The Council tentatively approved these items.

Water –
Of the items listed, Councilmember Everett questioned the item of lights for the filter building at a cost
of $6,000. Director of Public Works Barney Johnson, along with Water Superintendent Stephen
Hollowell, explained that this building has no windows and the present lighting fixture is such that it
cannot be easily repaired nor the bulbs replaced. Councilmember Everett asked if the City could get
some contractors to give a bid estimate on this. Mr. Johnson said this could be done. This item to be
discussed at the next budget workshop.

Gas – ½ ton pickup truck - $20,230

Councilmember Everett asked the miles on the present truck. Mr. Johnson said he could provide this
information later but estimates 119,000 miles. This item to be discussed at the next budget workshop.

Sewer Utility – Time Clock - $700.00

Portable Generator - $800.00
Mr. Johnson said the department’s present time clock is not accurate and the department needs a new
one. Regarding the portable generator, Mr. Johnson said this item is needed to provide portable power
for tools. The Council tentatively approved these items.

Inventory – Key Controller Modules – 3 each

Purchasing Agent Tom Sadler told the Council these items are needed because each city vehicle is
supposed to have its own fuel key. Mr. Sadler told the Council he thinks this department also needs
Internet capability and a fax machine. Mr. Sadler said he has priced the cost for a fax machine at
$69.95. Mr. Sadler said he makes numerous trips back and forth to City Hall each day to get pricing
and faxes and told the Council that state contract items are now accessible by Internet.
Councilmember Everett asked if the need for having additional fuel keys is more of a security issue or
a management issue and if the need for these keys has been assessed. Mr. Sadler said the need is more
for security reasons. Mr. Brynes said the need for the keys has been assessed and the keys are needed.
The Council tentatively approved this item.

Gas Utility – extension of gas lines - $15,000

Water Utility – extension of water lines- $40,000
Councilmember Everett asked if it is correct that these extensions of utilities may or may not be
needed. Mr. Brynes said this is correct. Councilmember Everett questioned why the City is adopting
monies that it does not have an immediate need (for extension purposes only) and that could be used
elsewhere.
Page 8, August 7, 2001, Budget Workshop Minutes

Mr. Brynes said these items could be eliminated. Councilmember Everett commented he does not
know the logistics of adopting capital outlay that the City does not have an immediate need for.
Councilmember Scott asked if this amount is put in capital outlay in case it is needed. Mr. Brynes
answered yes. Councilmember Scott asked what would happen if it were not put in and would be
needed. Mr. Brynes said the Council would have to approve a budget amendment. Councilmember
Scott asked if the Council took the $55,000 and gave employee raises and a need arose for extensions,
what would happen. Mr. Brynes said the city’s cash reserves could be used.

After discussion, with the Council’s consensus, Mayor Frith set the August 14, 2001, regular session
City Council meeting to begin at 6:00 p. m. instead of the customary 7:00 p. m. Mayor Frith said the
Council could continue discussion of the budget after the general business items of the agenda.
Councilmember Everett requested information on the vehicles that were in question be provided at that
meeting and also information on lighting for the water plant.

Mayor Frith said an item Council needs to be looking at is a scheduled utility rate increase, as the cost
of furnishing services goes up. Mayor Frith asked if the Council could look into something similar to
the five to six year plan the City had done previously. Mr. Brynes said this could be done.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 8:00 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date