07-22-2015 Budget Workshop City of Clermont
MINUTES
BUDGET WORKSHOP
JULY 22,2015
The Clermont City Council met for a budget workshop on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in the
Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Ash called the workshop to order at 6:00 pm with the
following Council Members present: Council Members Mullins, Goodgame, Bates and Travis.
Other City officials present were: City Manager Gray, Finance Director Van Zile and City Clerk
Ackroyd.
Pledge of Allegiance
Proposed Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Budget Discussion
City Manager Gray reviewed the purpose, outline and highlights of the budget presentation. Each
Department Director will present their budget in a summary format and will be available for
questions. The Fire Assessment Fee will be discussed at tomorrow's budget workshop and is not
included in the proposed budget.
Finance Director Van Zile provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 General Fund
budget, budget history and the funds that support the General Fund; revenues; expenditures and
reserves. The total revenues and reserves is $71,363,476 and the current millage rate is 3.729
without a proposed increase. The current millage rate represents an increase of 5.11 percent over
the rolled back rate of 3.5478. According to the Lake County Property Appraiser's Office,
taxable property values are estimated to increase 11.65 percent. Based on the current millage rate
and property values increase, the increase in the Ad Valorem Taxes revenues for Fiscal Year
2015/2016 is $789,366. Furthermore, there is a proposed merit pay increase for employees of 2
to 4 percent.
Police Chief Broadway reviewed the Police Department budget. Staff and Council discussed the
proposed police station funding and construction, vehicles, and additional officers.
Council Member Goodgame requested staff return with costs of body cameras. Mayor Ash
opposed placing it in the upcoming budget. City Manager Gray suggested staff return to discuss
at a future Council workshop for consideration.
Jim Purvis, 4206 Hammersmith Dnve, noted he conducted research on Police vehicles. Mr.
Purvis distributed the information to Council in regards to leasing vehicles and cameras. He
encouraged the city to look into a similar program as other cities in Florida have adopted this
type of program.
Fire Chief Bishop reviewed the Fire Department budget. Staff and Council discussed the SAFER
grant funded firefighters, defibrillators, and fire station expansion in the 5 year plan.
Bob Peraza questioned the location of fire station number 4. City Manager Gray provided the
location information.
Interim Environmental Services Director Roy reviewed the department budget. Staff and Council
discussed the expansion of the reclaimed system, sewer impact fees, and water wells.
1
City of Clermont
MINUTES
BUDGET WORKSHOP
JULY 22,2015
Mayor Ash recessed the workshop at 7 19pm and reconvened at 7 32pm
Public Works Director Brunson presented the department budget Staff and Council discussed
the Hancock field lighting and East Avenue reconstruction
City Manager Gray noted there will be a workshop in the fall to discuss the Public Works
complex
Assistant City Manager Kinzler presented the Parks and Recreation Department Council and
staff discussed Lake Hiawatha, Waterfront Park restrooms, new positions, City Hall Park
Christmas Tree and the Arts and Recreation Center
City Manager Gray commented the symphony is not included in this upcoming budget for the
Light up Clermont events or sponsonng the Canbbean festival event
City Manager Gray noted that Bob McKee's Office is no longer interested in developing on the
Community Center site
Development Services Director Hollerand presented the department budget Staff and Council
discussed'document imaging
City Clerk Ackroyd presented the department budget Staff and Council discussed an increase in
public records and lien requests
Tom Philbnck presented the Information Technology department budget Staff and Council
discussed the Council Chambers audio visual and fiber network
Human Resources Director Daudens presented the department budget Staff and Council
discussed the employee recognition program
Purchasing Director Suarez presented the department budget
City Manager Gray presented the department budget
City Manager Gray presented the Economic Development department budget Staff and Council
discussed restrooms at City Hall Park
Finance Director Van Zile presented the department budget
City Manager Gray presented the outside agency requests Lake County is requesting the city
fund a full time library assistant position at Cooper Memonal Library This is to expand the
hours of the library The Council will further discuss at the next scheduled budget workshop as
well as the Histonc Village request
Council approval of the tentative millage rate will be on the July 28, 2015 Council meeting
2
City of Clermont
MINUTES
BUDGET WORKSHOP
JULY 22,2015
The next budget workshop is scheduled for July 23 at 6 OOpm and will address a possible Fire
Assessment Fee
Staff and Council discussed the budget adoption schedule with the First budget public heanng
date to be September 10, 2015 and the Final public heanng date of September 24, 2015 Both
public heanngs will begin at 6 OOpm The Fiscal Year 2015/2016 budget will be effective
October 1, 2015
With no further comments, the budget workshop adjourned at 8 50pm
3