No Comments At Budget Public Hearing
WARSAW — No comments from the general public were heard during a public hearing on Warsaw’s 2016 Budget. The budget was adopted Monday evening, Oct. 5, during the Warsaw Common Council meeting.
The adopted budget is estimated at $27,954,694 with a maximum of $11,725,809 estimated to be raised. The current levy is at $11,175,789. The estimated civil maximum levy is published at $7,741,993 and the estimated fire territory maximum levy is at $3,624,825.
Mayor Joe Thallemer presented the budget and ordinance/resolution for appropriations and tax rates. He noted the figures presented are conservative figures and cuts will be necessary. The clerk-treasurer’s office will be updating revenue figures and assessed valuation, which will bring down the amount to the flat increase experienced last year.
Elaine Call, councilman, requested clarification if the budget was as advertised. Lynn Christiansen, clerk-treasurer, stated it was published online through Gateway at wwww.budgetnotices.in.gov.
Thallemer stated departments heads are being asked to review Line 2 (2015 spending) and Line 1 spending for reduction. He did note the budget included a 15 percent increase in insurance rates. Recent notification indicated only a 5 percent increase. “There are other areas being looked at (for cost savings): recycling, equipment, trash program, we will go through at the next meeting as line 1 cuts,” stated Thallemer.
He noted the city needs to have an idea where there will be cuts. Once the Department of Local Government Finance approves the final budget, the city will have 10 days to make the final cuts.
Diane Quance, councilmen, asked that it be known the advertised budget indicates the city is not committing to spending any more than what was advertised. This is the maximum amount and the city will go through and cut the budget to the reasonable approved amount.
The resolution approved shows the adopted budget at $24,122,187 for the adopted tax levy of $11,725,811. The adopted tax rate is estimated at $1.5237 per $100 in assesses valuation. Funds not reviewed by DLGF total $3,832,507. These funds include park operational non reverting, law continuing education, cemetery permits, aviation depreciation, redevelopment allocation, Tif districts, hazardous material response and Warsaw Police Forfeiture Fund.
During other business:
- Accepted the current investments report and municipal stormwater utility financial management report for six months ending June 30. The financial management report shows the current cash position is adequate to meet the minimum fund balance reserve requirements and the present rates and charges are sufficient to support projected annual revenue requirements. The report also indicates it does not take into account stormwater capital improvements earmarked to be paid from the cumulative capital development fund. Should the CCD fund not be utilized to pay for capital projects, the current rate structure is inadequate to cover projects. The report was provided by Umbaugh and Associates, Mishawaka.
- Approved wording change in the city code in regards to equal access to housing in HUD programs. The wording change provided the federally mandated wording for the definition of “family” being revised to include families regardless of the actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status of its members.
It was noted the change in the city code is required to allow Housing Opportunity of Warsaw to receive grants. Thallemer also noted Indiana Department of Transportation has also sent notification of similar updates necessary to be eligible for state and federal funds.
Mike Valentine, city attorney, noted the code and language is verbatim to federal requirements and the ordinance is on track.
The next meeting of the common council will be 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19.