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SESSION 1665 '- MINUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY CITY COUNCIL May 13, 1996 At a special budget study meeting of the City Council of University City held in the Emergency Opera- tions Center of City Hall on Monday, May 13, 1996, Mayor Joseph L. Adams called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In addition to the Mayor, the following members of the Council were present: Mr. Wayne I. Munkel Mr. Robert G. Wagner Mr. Lawrence Lieberman Mr. Paul E. Schoomer Mrs. Betty L. Thompson Also present were City Manager Frank Ollendorff, Finance Director Willie Norfleet, and Deputy City Manager Kimberley Trombly. The 1996-97 budget was the only subject discussed. BUDGET MESSAGE The City Manager referred to page A-I, where he noted that projected expenditures for many of the de- partments were quite sInilar to this year's, with the exception of the various recreational programs, since Council indicated those were to be emphasized next year. On page A-2, he pointed out that voters were promised if they approved the half-cent capital improvements tax, the property tax rate would be cut from $1.30 to $1.00. He said the general fund was cut 10 cents and debt service 20 cents to equal the 30 cent cut; however, it was found the Police and Fire Retirement Fund must be increased from two to four cents, and the Library is eligible for a one cent increase, which would bring the total to $1.03. Council must decide if wants to adhere to the $1.00 property tax rate; if so, three cents must be cut from the total. Mr. Lieberman pointed out the public was promised a 30 cent cut. Mr. Wagner agreed, stating that if Council is to have any credibility, the rate must remain at $1.00. Mrs. Thompson agreed. It was decided to reduce the general fund from $.66 to $.64 (a reduction of about $60,000); the Library rate will remain $.32. Mr. Ollendorff called attention to the projected fund balance at year end, which he said was uncertain because of the possibility that some of the local use tax must be repaid; however, the City is aiming for a minimum of$1.8 million. On page A-3, he noted that the revised estimated revenue for 1995-96 was about $800,000 higher than originally projected; next year, the total should be about $1 million higher due to increased sales taxes, increase in gas taxes, and the newly approved half- cent capital improvements tax. The Library budget was discussed briefly. Mr. Ollendorff pointed out that close to a quarter million dollars in this budget will be spent on a new energy efficient chiller unit. He said any questions on this budget may be referred to him and he will obtain answers. '-