City Council Minutes 2002 12 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting December 3, 2002 Page 4 should reflect Council's priorities and suggested dispensing with the line items and approving the total dollar amount of the capital project budget. Davidson asked for the date the Charter requires budget approval. Laus stated the Charter requires approval by December 15, 2002. Van Pelt concurred with the comments of Council members Keany and Mayer and asked City Attorney Light for options for Council to approve the overall budget, but not the individual projects in the capital improvement budget. City Attorney Light stated the overall budget could be approved and amended at a later time. He noted individual line items or projects could be withdrawn and the appropriations number that would appear on the resolution and in the budget document could be altered. Davidson opened the public hearing and asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak for or against the 2003 proposed budget. There were no comments. Keany stated many projects in the Capital Project budget are not glamorous items and do not have a direct benefit to the public, but are necessary. He stated he was uncomfortable with some line items in the Capital Project budget and not willing to approve the budget at this time. He asked City Attorney Light for guidance. He stressed, elected officials have an obligation to provide for city services' and amenities. Brown agreed there is a need for balance in services and amenities. He suggested putting the capital improvement budget in reserve for Council selection at a later date. He commended Finance Director Laus, Staff and the Mayor for their work on the budget. Davidson suggested that, Council hold the funds of the Capital Projects budget in abeyance; prioritize the projects and amend the budget at a later time. Levihn congratulated the staff for arriving at a budget based on Council wishes. He stated the failure of the bond issues in the recent election have caused the City to re- evaluate capital projects. He noted the City is required to provide matching funds with the Town of Superior for the McCaslin Interchange, which also limits funds. He agreed with Mayor Davidson the funds in the Capital Project budget should be held in abeyance. Mayer stated part of the proposed revenue in Community Investment fees might not be realized. He noted that, adding amenities back into the budget would bring balance. He commented the present Capital Project Budget does not reflect the desires of the citizens. Davidson suggested Council approve the General Fund, the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds and conduct a special meeting on December 10, 2002, to approve the Capital Projects Budget, which would be held in reserve.