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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes March 1, 2013CITIZENS' BUDGET COMMITTEE Meeting Date: March 1, 2013 Conference Room 3 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Culverhouse, Chair Ron Knaggs, Vice Chair James Clasby Carl Hensley Richard Pancoast Dan Kurek Craig Mundt Marty Laven William Donovan Stephanie Morgan Jane Bachelor Jay L. McBee Edward Lounds Gwen Morris MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Casey OTHERS PRESENT: Faye W. Outlaw Marie Gouin Ken Pruitt Don West Mark Satterlee Robert O'Sullivan Audrey Jackson Jim David Laurie Waldie CALL TO ORDER Robert Bentkofsky Jennifer Hill Gertrude Walker Tara Raymore Karen Smith Michael Quinn Leslie Olson Ed Matthews Beth Ryder Mr. Culverhouse called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and welcomed the new member. Ms. Walker, Supervisor of Elections, had appointed Gwen Morris. APPROVAL OF JANUARY, 2013 MINUTES Mr. Hensley asked that the changed meeting dates be attached to the minutes. Mr. Mundt made a motion to approve the minutes, with that change, and Mr. Pancoast seconded the motion. They were unanimously approved. FY2013 FIRST QUARTER BUDGET UPDATE Citizens' Budget Committee March 1, 2013 Page 2 Ms. Outlaw introduced the new Assistant County Administrator, Mr. Robert Bentkofsky. Mr. Bentkofsky gave a quick summary of his background and appreciation for St. Lucie County. Ms. Gouin introduced the attached presentation given by Ms. Hill. Ms. Hill paused her slides to give an update on the Medicaid situation. Mr. Lounds, Mr. Donavan and Ms. Ryder discussed the issue. Mr. Knaggs asked how it was budgeted and Ms. Hill explained. Mr. Knaggs asked about the Building & Code Division. Ms. Outlaw explained the history and current situation. The members will be sent a copy of a monthly report. FUND BALANCE UPDATE Ms. Outlaw gave the attached PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Knaggs asked about revenues. Ms. Gouin, Ms. Hill and Ms. Outlaw discussed the amounts, increases in expenses, property values, miscellaneous funds and emergency reserves. Mr. Donovan started a discussion about revenues and property values. Mr. Knaggs asked about numbers for Strategic Planning. Ms. Outlaw explained the process she is using to determine those numbers. Mr. Knaggs applauded her methodology. Mr. Kurek suggested the County has been making do for so long; things must be starting to break down. Ms. Outlaw agreed and said it would be reviewed. Mr. Knaggs feels we need to get to break even. Ms. Outlaw said she is looking for the ultimate plan. She appreciates the collective wisdom. Mr. Kurek asked about unassigned money in future budgets. Ms. Gouin answered his question. Ms. Outlaw invited the Committee to submit topics for Strategic Planning. The Committee discussed economic indicators. Mr. Lounds asked about an increase in bed tax. Ms. Gouin answered that collections were up last year. Mr. Lounds asked about building permits. Mr. Satterlee said there has not been a pop but they are watching for an increase. Ms. Outlaw told that volume through the landfill is another indicator. Priorities were discussed. OTHER ISSUES Mr. Knaggs asked for an update of the health center. Ms. Outlaw said it is doing well and a report will be given. Citizens' Budget Committee March 1, 2013 Page 3 Mr. Clasby asked about the Sequester. Ms. Outlaw said it may affect the airport. They are trying to follow it. The federal lobbyist is sending her emails. He will be here March 14th for the Board's Informal Meeting. Mr. Satterlee gave more information on the airport. Mr. Lounds asked about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) projects. Ms. Outlaw gave an update. Ms. Morgan asked about a second baseball team. Ms. Outlaw gave her opinion. The field is now named Tradition Field and it is hoped they will make the naming rights payments. Mr. Laven asked about money from the State for Spring Training. Ms. Outlaw gave details. Mr. Laven reminded the Committee of cost containment issues and savings on energy. Ms. Outlaw informed the group that the utility bill is currently between $5 and $6 million. Mr. Kurek gave credit to Thomas J. White for the stadium and feels a private pocket is going to have to help foot the bill if the stadium is expanded. Mr. Culverhouse asked if it would be a Sunshine issue if members attended the Economic Development Council (EDC) luncheon. Ms. Outlaw said it would not. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Culverhouse asked if they would adopt the Board's policies on public comment. Time limits were discussed. Mr. Mundt asked that Public Comment be moved to the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Lounds asked Ms. Outlaw if she needed anything from the Committee. She did not at the time, but wants them to be part of the process for Strategic Planning. Mr. Knaggs and Mr. Laven joined the discussion. ADJOURNMENT After a motion and second, Mr. Culverhouse adjourned the meeting at 8:54 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Marlin The next CBC regular meeting will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 7:30 a.m., in Conference Room #3, at the St. Lucie County Roger Poitras Administration Annex.