09-12-2013 Special Meeting City of Clermont
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
FIRST PUBLIC HEARING -FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 BUDGET
The Clermont City Council met in a special meeting on Thursday,September 12,2013 in the Council Chambers at
City Hall. Mayor Turville called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm with the following present: Council Members
Mullins, Goodgame, Bates and Van Wagner. Other City officials present were: City Manager Gray, City Clerk
Ackroyd and Finance Director Van Zile.
City Manager Gray p rovided an overview of the process in presenting the tentative budget t o begin n
October 1 and
includes a proposed millage rate of 3.7290. It will be presented in two parts—tentative millage rate for the General
Fund and the tentative budget that includes all funds.The final public hearing will be held at 6:00pm on September
26.There has been a decrease in the city's ad valorem revenue.The loss is due to state legislature tax reform known
as Amendment 1 that passed in 2007 and a decline in taxable values.Both total$3.7 million in a loss of revenue.To
offset and establish a more sustainable budget,staff has proposed to balance the budget by using reserve funds and
adjust the millage rate. In 2008,the Council lowered the rate to 3.142 in response to the 2007 tax reform.This will
be the first increase since 2001.This budget does include 8 full time positions,focuses on public safety,department
reorganizations and keeps the reserves at $8.8 million. Furthermore, City Manager Gray commended staff for
assistance in searching for efficiencies in providing services to our citizens.
Finance Director Van Zile provided a summary of the General Fund and millage rate history,proposed millage rate
increase of 3.729,highlights of the General Fund budget,revenue projections for property tax revenue through 2018
and a five year capital improvements plan. Staff is requesting the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013-18
providing for a tentative ad valorem millage rate of 3.729 mills which is more than the rolled back rate of 3.093 by
20.56 percent for the Fiscal Year 2014.
Resolution No. 2013-18 Tentative Ad Valorem Millage Rate
Mayor Turville read Resolution 2013-18 aloud in its entirety.
A Resolution of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Florida, adopting the Tentative Ad Valorem
Millage Rate for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2013, and ending September 30, 2014;
providing for collection of taxes; providing an effective date.
Mayor Turville opened the public hearing.
The following spoke in support of the millage rate increase: Bob Peraza, 2322 Fenton Avenue; Jim Purvis, 4206
Hammersmith Drive; and Frank Niemi, 1023 Princeton Drive.
Gail Ash, 3365 Saloman Lane, expressed concern.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing.
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Mayor Turville spoke in opposition to a tax increase.
Council Member Bates questioned the number of years an increase has been requested.
Finance Director Van Zile replied staff requested an increase for Fiscal Years 2010-2011 and 2012-2013. Fiscal
Year 2010-2011 was the first year for a millage rate increase due to a projected deficit budget.Prior to that,staffhad
not presented a deficit budget to the Council.By proposing a millage rate increase,the city would not have a deficit
budget.
Council Member Goodgame spoke in favor of a millage rate increase.
Council Member Van Wagner favored a millage rate increase.
Council Member Mullins suggested a 10 percent increase in the millage rate.
Council Member Mullins moved to adopt Resolution 2013-18 at a millage rate of 3.456;the motion
died for the lack of a second to the motion.
Council Member Goodgame moved to approve Resolution 2013-18 as presented at 3.729;seconded
by Council Member Van Wagner. The motion passed 3 to 2 with Council Member Mullins and
Mayor Turville opposing.
Resolution No. 2013-19 Tentative Budget
Mayor Turville read Resolution 2013-19 aloud by title only.
A Resolution of the City of Clermont,Lake County,Florida, adopting the Tentative Budget for the
2013-2014 Fiscal Year.
Finance Director Van Zile presented an overview of the city wide budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 highlighting
capital improvements. Staff requested approval of Resolution 2013-19 establishing the tentative budget in the
amount of$102,331,442 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014.
Mayor Turville opened the public hearing.
Gail Ash, 3365 Saloman Lane, questioned the budget amounts for proposed capital outlay expenditures.
City Manager Gray explained the splash park was placed in the budget last year as a space holder depending on
location and obtaining cost estimates. Staff would like to start the master planning process before moving forward
with a splash park then return to the Council for discussion.
Mayor Turville stated there was a consensus from the Council to set aside funds in the budget last year and carry
forward into the next Fiscal Year for the splash park.
City Manager Gray also noted the city is in partnership with the Lake County Rowing Association regarding the
Rowing Boathouse. It will be sent out to bid once the budget is adopted.
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Frank Niemi, 1023 Princeton Drive,questioned the splash park cost estimate.Council Member Van Wagner noted
the cost for a splash park in other cities is estimated at$500,000.
Debbie Kiely, 10812 Crescent Lake Court,noted the Lake County Rowing Association will assist with maintenance
and have boathouse service clean up days.
Lisa Rayborn, 1325 West Avenue, supported the boathouse.
Mayor Turville closed the public hearing.
Council Member Goodgame moved to approve Resolution 2013-19 as submitted for$102,331,442
for Fiscal Year 2014; seconded by Council Member Van Wagner.
Council Member Goodgame withdrew the motion.
Council and staff discussed online permitting software.
Council Member Mullins questioned funds allocated for the Historical Society and asked for a written request.
Council Member Goodgame moved for the approval of Resolution 2013-19 in the amount of
$102,331,442 for operating the government of the City of Clermont for the period of October 1,2013
to September 30,2014;seconded by Council Member Mullins.The motion passed with all members
present voting aye.
ADJOURN: With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27pm.
APPROVED:
Harold S. Turville, Jr., ! ayor
ATTEST:
Tracy Ackroyd, /ity Clerk ' r-
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