July 13, 2004

The Moran City Council met in special session on Tuesday, July 13, 2004. Mayor Phillip Merkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Mike Holman, Jerry Jackman, James Mueller, Warren Johnson, and Chryll Ginn. Also present were Terry Sercer of Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, Jarred, Bledsoe and Lori Evans, City Clerk.

2005 BUDGET PREPARATION

Mr. Sercer presented the proposed budget for 2005. He noted the following:
  • Mil levy remained unchanged from last year.
  • Police expenditures are up considerably for 2003 and 2004 and the Council will need to consider increasing taxes or increasing transfers to the General fund to increase the police budget.
  • Payroll expenditures were increased 3.5% for budgeting purposes.
  • Expenditures in the water utility are up and should be closely monitored for the rest of the year.
  • Suggested combining redundant and unnecessary reserve accounts to reduce the overall number funds.
  • Rename Sewer Replacement Fund to Sewer Reserve Fund.
Mayor Merkel asked Mr. Sercer to revising the amount of the annual transfer from the electric fund to the fire equipment reserve fund. In years past transfers of $10,000.00 were made from the electric fund to the reserve fund. In 2003 and 2004 this amount was decreased to $5,000.00 to allow the electric fund to grow. Mr. Sercer said he saw no problem with restoring the transfer from electric to fire equipment reserve to $10,000.00.

Mr. Sercer suggested the Council consider merging the refuse fund with the general funds to further decrease the number of accounting funds utilized by the City. Councilmember Ginn moved the refuse fund be merged with the general fund. Mueller seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Mueller moved to transfer the 2004 year end balance of the sewer operation and maintenance fund to the sewer reserve fund. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilmember Ginn moved to publish the budget with the approved changes. Jackman seconded the motion, motion passed with all approving.

Councilman Mueller moved the meeting adjourn at 8:25 PM. Johnson seconded the motion, motion passed with unanimous approval.

This page was prepared

August, 2004