MONROE - Members of the Monroe Finance and Taxation Committee still did not agree on the contents of the proposed 2018 budget but decided it could be better deliberated with the full council, moving to have it discussed during a Nov. 21 public hearing.
The committee met Tuesday, poring over previous deductions made during a budget-based meeting Thursday.
Committee chair Michael Boyce asked whether the group could agree this time, despite no one being completely comfortable with the proposed budget. Discussion centered around suggestions to help bridge the gap between the projected $10.3 million in revenue and $11.1 million in expenditures. Boyce referenced the topic of a vacant patrol officer position in the Monroe Police Department, which would be left vacant under the drafted budget.
Alderman Ron Marsh was unhappy with the budget process, a sentiment he echoed to a packed room at the westside fire station.
"I think there was more than just filling that vacancy," Marsh said. "The goal post keeps being kicked down the field."
Specifically, Marsh said he could not rely on information being given to him because it changed too quickly to keep track and come to a concrete conclusion regarding budget items. He handed out a draft with the permission of Boyce in which he laid out revenue and expenses. However, he had forgotten that during the Thursday meeting City Comptroller Bridget Schuchart explained a miscalculation had been made during the 2016 audit, affecting the total of the general fund.
As she had outlined Thursday, the general fund balance was actually just over $192,000.
During the previous meeting, committee members had used that number. Alderwoman Brooke Bauman proposed $75,000 of the general fund be designated toward the capital fund, which is money saved and used over time to replace large-cost items rather than borrowing money for them. That way, less of the levy could be designated toward the savings, leaving the water utility's Payment In Lieu of Taxes increase at just over $84,000 - rather than the proposed 70 percent hike of $140,000 - to a total of $284,000.
Boyce was not in favor of raising the PILOT by the initial suggested amount because, he said, it would "eventually affect water users" and it still could be an option in the future rather than "maxing out the credit card, so to speak."
Marsh's proposed budget was cast aside. Alderman Charles Koch said as a businessman of 45 years, he does not agree with the way the city outlines its budget, with "creative funding" and said a shortfall means you don't purchase new equipment, which meant capital funds could be used to help with other funding problems, like paying the salary of a new patrol officer.
"I'm comfortable with what's presented, which is a balanced budget," Boyce said. "Does it please everyone? No."
In the end, the committee voted unanimously to send the proposed budget to the full council, where all nine members could consider options more thoroughly.
Committee members requested that City Administrator Phil Rath adjust the proposed tax levy to reflect a lower amount contributed to the capital fund. Those updates could then be brought to council members when they discuss the budget in November.
Finalized numbers will be presented during council proceedings Nov. 21, when a public hearing will be held for residents to share concerns regarding the proposed budget.
The committee met Tuesday, poring over previous deductions made during a budget-based meeting Thursday.
Committee chair Michael Boyce asked whether the group could agree this time, despite no one being completely comfortable with the proposed budget. Discussion centered around suggestions to help bridge the gap between the projected $10.3 million in revenue and $11.1 million in expenditures. Boyce referenced the topic of a vacant patrol officer position in the Monroe Police Department, which would be left vacant under the drafted budget.
Alderman Ron Marsh was unhappy with the budget process, a sentiment he echoed to a packed room at the westside fire station.
"I think there was more than just filling that vacancy," Marsh said. "The goal post keeps being kicked down the field."
Specifically, Marsh said he could not rely on information being given to him because it changed too quickly to keep track and come to a concrete conclusion regarding budget items. He handed out a draft with the permission of Boyce in which he laid out revenue and expenses. However, he had forgotten that during the Thursday meeting City Comptroller Bridget Schuchart explained a miscalculation had been made during the 2016 audit, affecting the total of the general fund.
As she had outlined Thursday, the general fund balance was actually just over $192,000.
During the previous meeting, committee members had used that number. Alderwoman Brooke Bauman proposed $75,000 of the general fund be designated toward the capital fund, which is money saved and used over time to replace large-cost items rather than borrowing money for them. That way, less of the levy could be designated toward the savings, leaving the water utility's Payment In Lieu of Taxes increase at just over $84,000 - rather than the proposed 70 percent hike of $140,000 - to a total of $284,000.
Boyce was not in favor of raising the PILOT by the initial suggested amount because, he said, it would "eventually affect water users" and it still could be an option in the future rather than "maxing out the credit card, so to speak."
Marsh's proposed budget was cast aside. Alderman Charles Koch said as a businessman of 45 years, he does not agree with the way the city outlines its budget, with "creative funding" and said a shortfall means you don't purchase new equipment, which meant capital funds could be used to help with other funding problems, like paying the salary of a new patrol officer.
"I'm comfortable with what's presented, which is a balanced budget," Boyce said. "Does it please everyone? No."
In the end, the committee voted unanimously to send the proposed budget to the full council, where all nine members could consider options more thoroughly.
Committee members requested that City Administrator Phil Rath adjust the proposed tax levy to reflect a lower amount contributed to the capital fund. Those updates could then be brought to council members when they discuss the budget in November.
Finalized numbers will be presented during council proceedings Nov. 21, when a public hearing will be held for residents to share concerns regarding the proposed budget.