03/24/2003 City CouncilSPECIAL MONDAY WORK MEETING
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
March 24, 2003
The Edmonds City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gary Haakenson in the
Council Chambers, 250 5`" Avenue North, Edmonds, followed by the flag salute.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Gary Haakenson, Mayor
Dave Earling, Council President
Jeff Wilson, Councilmember
Michael Plunkett, Councilmember
Lora Petso, Councilmember
Dave Orvis, Councilmember
Richard Marin, Councilmember
Deanna Dawson, Councilmember
STAFF PRESENT
Tom Tomberg, Fire Chief
David Stern, Chief of Police
Peggy Hetzler, Administrative Services Director
Sandy Chase, City Clerk
Jana Spellman, Senior Executive Council Asst.
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER ORVIS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIN, FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
(A) ROLL CALL
Public 3. PUBLIC SAFETY LEVY LID LIFT
Safety
Levy Lid
Lift Administrative Services Director Peggy Hetzler recalled during the 2003 budget process, Mayor
Haakenson requested she prepare information regarding a potential property tax levy lid lift devoted to
public safety programs. At that time, she provided a brief presentation regarding the potential size of a
lid lift to fund public safety programs that had been identified for elimination in the 2003 budget. She
also included an estimate of known future cost increases related to public safety. Since November,
Police Chief Stern, Fire Chief Tomberg and she have worked to develop more accurate cost estimates and
identify additional public safety costs that would impact the city in the next five years. She explained the
goal of the process was to structure a levy lid lift that would allow for the ongoing provision of current
public safety service levels for at least the next five years.
Ms. Hetzler explained several factors were considered in the process of structuring the potential levy lid
lift. First, the overall status of the city's General Fund for the next five years was examined. In order to
maintain current reduced service levels after the 2003 reductions and a minimum ending cash balance of
$1 million, the city's revenues must increase by over $2.5 million over the next five years. She explained
that of the $2.5 million in additional costs, $1.8 million related to public, safety. The total of the city's
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 1
regular and EMS property tax levy in 2003 was $9.3 million. Public safety costs alone account for $12.2
million of the City's General Fund budget. The lid lift proposed this evening totaled slightly more than
$1.8 million.
Ms. Hetzler spoke to concerns that have been expressed by the public, first that the amount of the lid lift
had increased from $1.4 million presented during the 2003 budget process. She explained this was due to
the inclusion of a few high dollar items that were not included in the first example. The most significant
of these costs was Snohomish County jail costs and increases from SnoCom for dispatching services.
Second, she pointed out only $%2 million in public safety costs related to the lid lift proposal would be
removed from the General Fund in 2004. The General Fund would not see an increase of $1.8 million in
revenues for other city programs. The $1.8 million lid lift would provide $' /z million in relief to the
General Fund, $238,000 in relief to the Criminal Justice Fund and $150,000 to the Fire Apparatus
Replacement Fund in 2003.
Referring to the concern voiced regarding double taxation, Ms. Hetzler reiterated the City's combined
property tax revenues for 2003 were $9.3 million; the 2003 public safety costs were $12.2 million. She
emphasized that the City's regular property tax levy was not dedicated to a specific purpose and was far
less than the amount needed to simply provide public safety services. The City's EMS property tax levy
was dedicated to providing basic and advanced life support services. The EMS levy totals $1.6 million;
the City's cost to provide basic and advanced life support was in excess of $2.6 million. She summarized
the only tax dedicated to public safety (the EMS levy) was insufficient to cover its costs; therefore, the
issue of double taxation was simply not the case.
Ms. Hetzler summarized the process identified public safety programs that were at risk of future budget
cuts, estimated cost increases related to public safety for the next five years, and evaluated the General
Fund over a five year period. Even with a $1.8 million property tax levy lid lift, additional revenue
sources or budget reductions in the amount of $750,000 will still be necessary to maintain current, non-
public safety programs in the General Fund. The $1.8 million levy lid lift revenues would only supplant
$' /2 million in General Fund public safety expenditures.
Ms. Hetzler provided a presentation itemizing the public safety programs for potential funding through
the levy lid lift proceeds for the Police Department:
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Two police Officers /field services
$129,718
Crime Prevention Unit
89,608
Animal Control /Ordinance Officer
48,965
Administrative Support position
43,123
School Resource Officer
76,099
Off-budget Sergeant position
95,190
Prisoner care
283,404
Training
28,104
SNOCOM cost increase
128,342
Additional Retirement costs
54,000
800 MHz radio/technology costs
50,000
Specialized evidence /CALEA costs
32,500
Total Police Department potential fundin
$1,059,053
Ms. Hetzler explained the two Police Officers /field services and the Crime Prevention Unit were
identified for elimination in the 2003 budget and were added back by the Council during the that process.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 2
The Animal Control /Ordinance Officer and the Administrative Support position were eliminated in the
2003 budget process. The School Resource Officer, currently paid from the Criminal Justice Fund, was
added to the list of items as it was expected the Criminal Justice Fund would have inadequate funding by
2005. An off - budget sergeant position was also added to the list as the position was currently paid by the
Washington Police Corp; the City would be required to fund this officer beginning in 2005. Additional
prisoner care costs were added to the list as the City received notice that jail costs from Snohomish
County will increase considerably. The $283,404 represents new jail costs and a portion of the jail costs
currently paid from the Criminal Justice Fund.
Ms. Hetzler explained additional training costs have been included as well as increases in SNOCOM
costs. She commented increases in SNOCOM costs were estimated to be $160,000, the $128,342
included on the list represented the portion applicable to the Police Department. Ms. Hetzler explained
the remaining items on the list were estimated additional LEOFF 2 retirement costs for Police Officers, a
$50,000 cost associated with the 800 MHz, and $32,500 for specialized evidence /accreditation costs.
She summarized the total in potential Police Department funding was $1,059,053.
Next, Ms. Hetzler summarized public safety programs for potential funding through levy lid lift proceeds
for the Fire Department.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Training Officer
$112,125
Three Firefighter/EMT positions
184,425
Restore Fire Inspector
14,130
New Firefighter
61,465
Administrative Support Assistant
43,268
Firefighter/Paramedic training
20,000
Restore Reserves to paid status
25,000
Uniforms, professional services, communications, etc.
29,800
SNOCOM Emergency Dispatch
32,086
Vehicle replacement contributions
150,000
Retirement cost increase
46,000
Technology
25,000
Total Fire Department potential funding
$743,299
1
Ms. Hetzler pointed out the Assistant Fire Chief was not included on the list of potential items to be
funded via the levy lid lift; in its place was a proposal to create a full -time, dedicated Training Officer, at
a reduced salary from the Assistant Chief. Also included were the three Firefighter /EMT positions, Fire
Inspector and a new Firefighter identified to be eliminated in the 2003 budget. An Administrative
Support position, a part time position eliminated in the 2003 budget, was also proposed to be restored as
a full -time position. Funding for training for Firefighter/Paramedics, restoring the Reserves to paid
status, uniforms /professional services /communications and increases from SNOCOM were also included.
She noted the remaining items on the list were funds for vehicle replacement contributions for fire
apparatus, retirement cost increase, and technology. She summarized the total in Fire Department
potential funding was $743,299.
Ms. Hetzler explained the total Police and Fire Departments potential funding through the levy lid lift
proceeds totaled $1,802,352, requiring a 23% increase in the City's property tax levy. She provided an
example of the impact on a home valued at $250,000: the current tax rate equated to $575; if the lid lift
were successful, the tax would increase to $707 or an additional tax of $132 per year.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 3
Ms. Hetzler displayed a five year projection of the funds collected via the levy lid lift fund that assumed
the lid lift would grow at 1% annually, some public safety costs would be phased in, and expenditures
would grow at the rate of inflation. She summarized a lid lift of $1.8 million would be sufficient to
provide public safety the ability to continue with current service levels for five years. At the end of the
five year period, expenditure growth would outpace revenue growth and the lid lift would begin to erode.
Ms. Hetzler displayed a General Fund outlook for 2002 -2007, pointing out that if the lid lift were
successful, in 2004 only slightly less than $' /2 million in public safety expenditures would be transferred
out of the General Fund. She pointed out in an effort to retain a $1 million cash balance in the General
Fund, the City would need to add $750,000 in new revenues or $750,000 in budget reductions.
Police Chief David Stern noted there were no additional positions or programs contained in the proposal
for the Police Department, and the proposal did not restore all the budget cuts made in 2003. He
explained an attempt was made to identify future cost increases and non - General Fund costs that
impacted critical services. He explained in the 2003 budget process, approximately $377,000 was cut
from the Police General Fund budget. Slightly under $72,000 of those cuts would remain in place under
this proposal. Further, several of the proposals were designed to move ongoing operations out of the
Criminal Justice Fund to a more stable funding source. He explained the Criminal Justice Fund was
funded via sales tax which fluctuates with the economy, making it an inappropriate source for funding
long term commitments. He explained identifying critical future cost increases now would reduce the
need to request additional funding in the next few years.
Chief Stern reviewed the rationale for the items identified for potential funding for the Police
Department. He clarified these were projected costs or best estimates available at this time. He began
with personnel costs, explaining the two Police Officer /field services positions ($129,718), were the
positions restored by Council action for 2003 but would be cut in any substantial budget reduction for
2004. He clarified these were uniformed Patrol Officers assigned to calls for services and investigation
of crimes. He noted the Crime Prevention Unit ($89,608) was also restored by Council action for 2003
but would also be eliminated in budget cuts for 2004. He explained the Crime Prevention Unit was the
Police Department's direct outreach to the community to prevent crimes before they occur.
Chief Stern recalled the Animal Control /Ordinance Enforcement Officer ($48,965) was cut from the
2003 budget. He explained this position was primarily responsible for parking enforcement, an effort
that had been severely curtailed along with the revenue associated with the enforcement. He referred to
funding proposed for the School Resource Officer ($76,099), the full -time officer at Edmonds - Woodway
High School, noting this position was funded partially by the Criminal Justice Fund and partially by the
School District. As neither source appeared to have long term stability, he proposed moving the funding
into the General Fund. He noted this position had been a critical component of the Department's youth
outreach and resourceful in preventing criminal conduct.
Chief Stern explained the Administrative Support position ($43,123) was a restructuring of four part-time
positions eliminated from the budget in 2003 into a single full -time position who would handle
purchasing, inventory control, payroll, and property and evidence. He noted this position was critical to
relieving the overload on the remaining administrative positions in the Police Department. With regard
to the off - budget Sergeant position ($95,190), Chief Stern explained this was an existing position
assigned to the Criminal Justice Training Commission since 1999 and was currently funded by the
Washington Police Corp. Beginning in 2004, it will be funded from the South Snohomish County
Narcotics Task Force for three years and in 2007 returned to the City's budget. He did not anticipate
there would be any Sergeant vacancies during that time to offset that position.
Next, Chief Stern described maintenance and operations costs, explaining prisoner care costs ($283,404)
have previously been funded via the Criminal Justice Fund. Declining City revenues have dictated
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 4
spending down an annual carryover in that fund, making it a less suitable source for long term
expenditures. Further, the construction and staffing of a new jail and regular incremental cost increases
in jail funding were likely to result in a 20% cost increase beginning in 2005. He proposed these costs be
moved from the Criminal Justice Fund to the General Fund. With regard to SNOCOM costs ($128,342),
he explained this represented only the projected cost increase. The City currently paid approximately
$450,000 per year. He explained changes in the membership of SnoCom during in 2002, primarily the
exit of Fire District 1, resulted in increased costs to the remaining participants. Some of the cost increase
in 2003 ($95,000 for the Police Department), was deferred via the use of operating reserves at SnoCom.
Those costs will be fully implemented in 2004 as well as the change to local communication centers
receiving cell phone calls rather than the current method of the State Patrol handling cell calls.
Chief Stern explained funds for 800 MHz/technology costs ($50,000) would cover previously unfunded
ongoing maintenance and operation of the new 800 MHz systems and other technology service products
such as optical imaging and the prism range system. He noted that when those items were purchased, the
decision was made not to purchase maintenance agreements which would also provide upgrades to those
systems. He anticipated there would also be other technology enhancements in future years as the
Department became more dependent on technology.
Chief Stern explained training costs ($28,104) represented funds cut from the 2003 budget only and did
not include the $10,000 cut in 2002. He commented in these days of increasing criminal sophistication,
including computer crime and identity theft, the cost of training had increased significantly. Chief Stern
referred to funding proposed for specialized evidence costs ($25,000), explaining this covered areas of
more sophisticated testing such as DNA and forensic computer examination.
Chief Stern referred to accreditation costs ($7,500), noting these were eliminated in the 2003 budget
under the assumption that the Department would switch to a less costly and less demanding state option.
However, the state has developed new standards equivalent to the national standards the Department
originally adhered to, making it imprudent to back away from the hard -won national accreditation.
Fire Chief Tomberg explained the items identified for potential funding through a levy lid lift for the Fire
Department were submitted in the context of potential 2003 reductions in force, the population served
and community demographics, area geography, increases in emergency responses, a consultant's 1997
recommendations that were not implemented, cost increases in external services and support, and the Fire
Department's goal to restore and sustain organizational effectiveness.
Chief Tomberg referred to funding for the Training Officer ($112,125), explaining the proposal was to
substitute the Assistant Chief position for a Training Officer. He explained a full -time Training Officer
was recommended in the 1997 Ewing study when there was also an Assistant Chief. He referred to
funding for three Firefighter positions ($184,425) identified for elimination in 2003 and that would be in
danger of being eliminated in the 2004 budget. Next, he explained funding for the Fire Inspector,
identified for eliminating in 2003, would be in danger of being eliminated in the 2004 budget. He noted
the lesser amount reflected the difference in the cost of the Fire Inspector and a Firefighter.
Chief Tomberg referred to the funding for one additional Firefighter ($61,465), explaining when the
eight Paramedics were assumed from Medic 7, the shifts were unbalanced. The addition of one
Firefighter would even the shifts at 16 personnel with minimum staffing of 12 per shift. Adding one
Firefighter to one shift would reduce overtime costs caused by vacancies due to illness, injury, holiday
and/or Kelly Day. He estimated overtime costs at $77,000 per year versus the proposed $61,465 for an
additional Firefighter.
With regard to the Administrative Support position ($$43,268), Chief Tomberg recalled the 1997 Ewing
study recommended a full -time automation support position. His proposal was to restore the part-time
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 5
position eliminated in the 2003 budget as a full -time position. With regard to funding for training
Firefighters to Paramedic levels ($20,000), Chief Tomberg explained this funding would cover the
vacancies and would bring the number of Firefighter/Paramedics from 10 to 12 to replace veteran
Paramedics who become injured or retire. Chief Tomberg referred to funding proposed to restore
Reserves to paid status ($25,000);' explaining Reserves earned $8.50 per hour and had been serving the
community for nearly 100 years.
With regard to maintenance and operations, Chief Tomberg noted many of these items were appropriate
for inclusion in the public safety levy lid lift as they were driven by personnel, equipment and technology
needs and the Department had little control over many of these costs. He referred to funds proposed for
uniforms, professional services, communications, and Public Works fleet maintenance ($29,800),
pointing out these were items that had exceeded the budget for the last fiscal year and would increase in
the coming five years.
Chief Tomberg explained the increase in the SnoCom emergency dispatch ($32,086) was another
expense over which the Fire Department had little control. The Vehicle Replacement Fund ($150,000)
was driven by the cost of vehicle replacement and interest rates on accumulated funds. He noted vehicle
replacement funds were often targets during budget reductions. He recalled in the past two years, instead
of replacing aid units authorized for replacement, the Department refurbished the units by replacing the
chassis, saving approximately $70,000. He assured the Fire Department would continue to replace
vehicles only when needed but a reliable fleet was essential to providing service to the community.
Chief Tomberg referred to technology costs for 800 MHz, mobile data computers, records management
system, explaining the Fire Department's share of the 800 MHz equipment maintenance was estimated at
$7,000. Mobile data computers cost approximately $8,500 and allow voiceless communications and
access to resource information by and between SnoCom and command units. He noted mobile data
computers saved valuable seconds during emergency response and supported rapid strategic and tactical
decision - making by field commanders. With regard to funds for a record management system, Chief
Tomberg advised Edmonds was one of the few departments in the State of Washington without a records
management system, making it non - compliant with the National Fire Incident Reporting System which
automatically excluded the Department from many grant opportunities.
Councilmember Dawson recalled the Public Safety Committee discussed depositing the revenue
collected from the levy lid lift into a special, dedicated fund to ensure the funds would not be used for
expenditures other than identified on the list. Ms. Hetzler agreed, noting these were General Fund
expenditure items that would be removed from the General Fund and Criminal Justice Fund and funded
via a Levy Lid Lift Fund. Councilmember Dawson clarified the funds collected from the levy lid lift
would only be used to fund these items. Ms. Hetzler agreed.
Councilmember Dawson commented it appeared the majority of items to be included in the proposal
were cuts made in 2003 or identified for potential elimination in 2004 if the levy lid lift did not pass. Ms.
Hetzler agreed. Councilmember Dawson noted many of the items were identified in the Mayor's budget
for eliminating in 2003 and funded by Council for one year with the hope a levy lid lift could be
accomplished to fund those items for additional years. Ms. Hetzler agreed.
Councilmember Dawson noted there were also anticipated future increases in SnoCom dispatch fees,
retirement costs, etc. that were external to the control of the City, Council or Departments. She observed
there were some items in both the Fire and Police Departments' requests that were neither potential cuts
nor items external to the City's control, such as the jail costs and vehicle replacement that were included
to provide funding from a more stable source. She questioned whether there were other items in that
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 6
category. Chief Stern explained the prisoner care costs in the 2003 budget were $236,000. He relayed
that the common perception was that the tax increase proposed by Snohomish County for a new jail and
staff would not pass. The Snohomish County Executive indicated the result of the tax increase not
passing would be a 20% increase in prisoner care costs, an increase from $236,000 to $283,000.
Councilmember Dawson observed the increase was approximately $50,000 over the amount currently
paid. She questioned why the proposal was to fund the entire $283,000 cost versus only the increased
cost. Chief Stern explained expenditures in 2003 from the Criminal Justice Fund exceeded expected
revenue by $239,000. Removing identified expenditures would leave $425,000 - $430,000 in ongoing
costs funded via the Criminal Justice Fund. He recalled revenues to the Criminal Justice Fund were
projected at under $500,000 and may ultimately be less than projected.
Councilmember Dawson noted the only items proposed to be funded differently were the $236,170 from
the Criminal Justice Fund for prisoner care costs and the portion of the School Resource Officer funded
from the Criminal Justice Fund. She noted the full amount for the School Resource Officer was
proposed for funding due to the anticipation that the school district would not continue to fund that
position. Chief Stern agreed, noting the school district was also experiencing budget difficulties and may
eliminate funding for that position.
Councilmember Dawson commented the reason expenditures exceeded revenues in the Criminal Justice
Fund was because the City moved expenditures into that fund on the short term to make up for revenue
losses in the General Fund. Chief Stern agreed, noting during good economic times, revenues generated
in the Criminal Justice Fund via sales tax revenue were much higher. As sales tax revenue declined,
revenue into the Criminal Justice Fund also declined.
Councilmember Dawson requested staff provide a comparison of sales tax revenue to the Criminal
Justice Fund in 2001 versus 2002.
Councilmember Dawson questioned whether the vehicle replacement fund was included as an item for
potential funding via the levy lid lift because Chief Tomberg anticipated it would be eliminated from the
budget. Chief Tomberg responded this was an item that had to be funded. He recalled a replacement
schedule prepared in November 1996 that indicated a 2002 -2007 General Fund transfer of $150,000.
Another replacement schedule prepared in August 1999 showed a $250,000 General Fund transfer. He
noted the replacement schedule described in the Council packet indicated a transfer of $150,000 annually
from 2005 through 2013. He emphasized this cost did not have to be included in the levy lid lift but it
must be funded from some source. He noted the EMS levy was also scheduled to provide the vehicle
replacement fund $60,000 annually from 2004 through 2013. He reiterated the Department attempted to
extend the life of vehicles whenever possible.
Councilmember Dawson asked how the assumption of Medic 7 would impact vehicle replacement. Chief
Tomberg explained as part of the negotiations regarding dissolution of Medic 7 into the Edmonds Fire
Department, the City received a lump sum payment of $53,000 that would be applied to the vehicle
replacement fund to defray the replacement of the 1999 medic unit. Further, in 2003, $19,200 was taken
from the Medic 7 budget for replacement of that vehicle. He advised $18,000 would need to be budgeted
annually in future years for replacement of the Medic 7 vehicle.
Councilmember Petso noted the list contained a mixture of ongoing expenditures, one -time expenses and
deferred expenses that equated to a $1.8 million levy lid lift. Ms. Hetzler noted all the costs identified
were ongoing, there were no one -time costs. Councilmember Petso referred to the $8,500 cost of the
mobile data computers. Ms. Hetzler answered it would take a number of years to accumulate sufficient
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 7
funds to purchase some of the systems. She explained technology would be phased in; for example,
funds would be accumulated over the five year period to fund the radio replacement, software, and
software license fees.
Councilmember Petso referred to the off - budget Police Sergeant that did not require funding until 2007.
Ms. Hetzler answered the funding for that position was phased. She explained the intent was to establish
a lid lift that would last for at least a five year period. She explained it was not possible to structure a lid
lift for only specific costs; therefore, the proposal illustrated the funds necessary to pay for them over a
five year period. She explained the intent was to structure a lid lift that voters could be assured, by
voting in favor of it, the identified public safety programs could continue for at least a five year period of
time. She noted these were the best estimates available at this time.
Councilmember Petso asked whether the amount in the lid lift would be reduced to $1.7 million if the
Council, for example, decided not to include the off - budget Sergeant position in this lid lift in hopes
some other funding mechanism arose to cover that expenditure in 2007. Ms. Hetzler advised the initial
lid lift could be reduced in that manner or the $1.8 million retained and the lid lift may have a longer life
than five years. She emphasized there was no way to structure a lid lift that would not erode over time,
eventually the costs of the expenditures would outpace the revenue growth.
Councilmember Marin observed the proposal was to increase the current tax rate from $2.30 per $1,000
of assessed value to $2.58. He asked whether another levy lid lift would be required at the end of the five
year period. Ms. Hetzler anticipated that would be the result.
Councilmember Marin inquired about the impact to the General Fund in 2004 if the levy lid lift did not
pass. Ms. Hetzler answered at least $1 — $1 %2 million would need to be cut from the General Fund in
2004 to keep a minimum ending cash balance of $` /2 million. To maintain adequate working capital, the
City needs an ending cash balance of $1 million. She acknowledged more cuts would be required in
future years. She summarized over the next five years, expenditures in the General Fund would exceed
revenues by $2 million.
Councilmember Marin observed the levy lid lift was essential not only for Police and Fire Departments
but also to keep the City solvent. Ms. Hetzler agreed.
Council President Earling asked staff to illustrate how costs would be phased — the year costs would
come in.
Chief Stern responded to questions, stating a 20% increase in jail costs was anticipated if the Snohomish
County tax increase did not pass. Council President Earling noted if Snohomish County's proposed tax
increase did pass, the City would have over - estimated the amount needed to fund prisoner care costs.
Chief Stern clarified the impact of the passage of Snohomish County's tax increase would be the
difference between $236,000 and $283,000. He noted the total amount was included as he was not
comfortable anticipating the Snohomish County tax increase would pass as it had failed once already. He
noted there would be sufficient time to reduce the amount of the City's levy lid lift if the measure did
pass.
With regard to funding for the School Resource Officer, Chief Stern explained half the cost was paid
from the Criminal Justice Fund and 40% was paid by the school district — half the cost of the position for
nine months.
Council President Earling asked how Fire Department training was currently accomplished. Chief
Tomberg explained he did some of the training as did Battalion Chiefs but the Department did not have a
dedicated Training Officer. He pointed out the importance of training.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 8
Council President Earling recalled in 1996, the Council made a long term commitment to retain $150,000
in the Fire Department budget for vehicle replacement and he saw this as a way to fulfill that obligation.
Council President Earling requested staff provide comparisons of sales tax revenue collected over the
past five years.
For Councilmember Orvis, Ms. Hetzler explained properties were reassessed on a citywide basis every
four years; the new assessment in Edmonds would be done in 2004, resulting in a higher assessed
valuation at that time. She noted the assessment typically increased 12% every fourth year.
Councilmember Orvis asked whether, with the passage of the levy lid lift, the Council would be
prohibited from making any cuts to the public safety budget if the revenue collected by the General Fund
did not meet projections. Ms. Hetzler answered only if the ballot measure were structured in that
manner.
For Councilmember Wilson, Chief Stern explained the school district paid 50% of the School Resource
Officer's salary for the 9 months school was in session. He inquired about the School Resource Officer's
duties for the three months school was not in session. Chief Stern answered that was when the Officer
took his vacation, attended training, or filled in shifts for other officers. Councilmember Wilson
observed the proposal was to begin fully funding the School Resource Officer position in 2004. He
asked whether this would facilitate the school district's eliminating funding for this position if the City
would fully fund it in 2004. Chief Stern explained the school district was having serious budget
problems and funding for this position was anticipated to be eliminated. The proposal was an attempt to
identify potential funding needs and avoid requesting additional appropriations from the Council.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about the impact to the vehicle replacement schedule if the funds were
not included in the levy lid lift. Chief Tomberg answered the funds would be transferred from the
General Fund. He noted if the levy lid lift was not successful, all expenditures were eligible for cuts.
Councilmember Wilson asked whether the likelihood was that the vehicle replacement schedule would
be lengthened if funding were not included in the levy lid lift. He questioned how lengthening the
vehicle replacement schedule would impact responses. Chief Tomberg emphasized everything possible
would be done to lengthen the vehicle replacement schedule. He acknowledged the vehicle replacement
schedule needed to be reviewed again due to changes in interest rates, sale of vehicles, inclusion of funds
for the replacement of the Medic 7 units, etc.
Councilmember Wilson commented the vehicle replacement fund was established to ensure the
Department had the best equipment possible to serve the community. He was concerned that lengthening
the vehicle replacement schedule could result in the Department losing access to vehicles due to
maintenance.
Councilmember Wilson asked when the $20,000 in annual funding for the replacement of the Medic 7
vehicle would begin. Chief Tomberg answered it began this year; $53,000 was received from Medic 7
for the years since 1999 and $19,200 was included for 2003. He noted the $19,200 was not included in
the $150,000 in annual funds proposed for vehicle replacement fund in the levy lid lift.
Councilmember Wilson inquired about the costs that would remain funded from the Criminal Justice
Fund. Chief Stern answered $90,000 in police administrative costs, $200,000 in SnoCom costs, $16,000
for the Domestic Violence Coordinator, $16,000 for the Youth Services Unit, and $93,000 for court
costs. Councilmember Wilson asked whether the Criminal Justice Fund was stable enough to cover those
expenditures for the foreseeable future. Chief Stern answered yes according to Ms. Hetzler's projections.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 9
Mayor Haakenson recalled Ms. Hetzler's comments at the beginning of her presentation that although
citizens may believe their property taxes pay for the most basic services — police and fire — there was
actually a $3 million gap between the property tax collected and the cost of police and fire. He
commended Ms. Hetzler, Chief Tomberg and Chief Stern for identifying public safety costs that would
be required in the next five years to address that gap and ensure fire and police services could be
provided for the next five years.
Mayor Haakenson emphasized the vehicle replacement fund replaced police and fire vehicles and was a
police and fire related cost. If it remained in the General Fund, an equal dollar amount would need to be
cut from the General Fund to balance the budget — something else would have to be cut if that cost
remained in the General Fund.
Council President Earling set a public hearing for April 8. He advised additional information may be
presented regarding the Municipal Court prior to the public hearing. He anticipated that following the
public hearing, the Council could then discuss the dollar amount, the length of the levy lid lift, and the
date the measure would be on the ballot.
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m
f
GAY H ENSON, MAYOR
f
ir���+r..O • (r ha�.�
SANDRA S. CHASE, CITY CLERK
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
March 24, 2003
Page 10
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex
250 5t" Avenue North
7:00 - 10:00 a.m.
MARCH 24, 2003
Special Monday Work Meeting
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order
Flag Salute
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Consent Agenda Items
(A) Roll Call
3. (90 Min.) Public Safety Levy Lid Lift
ADJOURN
Parking and meeting rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Contact the City Clerk at (425) 771 -0245 with 24 hours advance notice for special accommodations.
The Council Agenda as well as a delayed telecast of the meeting appears on Government Access Channel 21.