12/10/2013 Finance CommitteeFINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
December 10, 2013
Councilmembers Present
Councilmember Joan Bloom
Councilmember Diane Buckshnis
Public Present
Bill Payne
Ron Wambolt
Bruce Witenberg
Staff Present
Roger Neumaier, Finance Director
Al Compaan, Police Chief
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Councilmember Buckshnis called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
A. 2014 Hourly Wage Scale
Mr. Neumaier explained the City annually increases its wage structures to reflect the City's COLA and
the State minimum wage. No action is necessary, this is for information only.
Action
Schedule on Consent Agenda
B. Municipal Employees' Benefit Trust JMEBTI Plan Restatement
Police Chief Compaan explained MEBT replaces Social Security for City employees; employer and
employee contributions are equal to Social Security, The IRS requires plan documents for tax -
qualified retirement plans be restated or updated periodically. The restatement was reviewed by the
plan attorney.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
C. 2013 Final Budget Amendment
Mr. Neumaier reviewed the amendments:
1. Increase in professional services to reallocate funds from the City Attorney budget to the
Council budget
2. Transfer from Non -Departmental to City Clerk's Office for costs associated with retirement
payout for City Clerk
3. Request from the Finance Department to upgrade budget module
4. Salary adjustment in Public Works was under -budgeted in 2013 budget
5. Appropriation for Parking Permit Fund to purchase equipment
6. Expenditure for Sister City 25`n anniversary events
7. Amendment to support settlement agreement between City and Meiers
8. Authority to pay for ESCO III project
Action: Schedule for full Council
D. 2013 October Bud-getaryFinancial Report
Mr. Neumaier relayed there are no major changes from the September report. Based on preliminary
projections, revenue is $120,000 less than projected in the budget, and under expenditures are
$337,000 greater; a net increase of over $200,000.
12-10-13 Finance Committee Minutes, Page 2
Mr. Neumaier advised the Finance Department will provide Councilmembers a revised 2014 budget in
January. It is available to the public from the City Clerk for photocopying fee.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
E. Review Interlocal Agreement Clarification between City and 'EPFD
Mr. Neumaier relayed the Auditor has indicated to the City and EPFD that prior period adjustments
can be removed if the City and EPFD agree in a written letter that future payments are not limited to
sales tax receipts. Councilmember Buckshnis suggested the financial statements could be revised
and she will prepare an agreement. Councilmember Bloom requested Councilmembers have an
opportunity to review the Interlocal Agreement. She also asked that the City Attorney review and
approve the Letter of Agreement.
Councilmember Buckshnis offered to draft the agenda memo and Resolution/Letter of Agreement that
states annual payments may not be limited to sales tax receipts. Mr. Neumaier anticipated the auditor
would agree to delay an opinion until next year.
Action: Councilmember Buckshnis will draft a Resolution/Letter of Agreement for full Council
consideration in January
F. Council Notification on Financial Reporting
Mr. Neumaier proposed the following revisions to the City Code:
® The Council shall be notified and consulted with by the Finance Department prior to any
material changes in financial reporting principles or practices are made to the Consolidated
Annual Financial Report.
• On at least an annual basis, the Finance Department will submit and seek authorization from
the Council a listing of City accounts receivable to be written off.
® The preliminary CAFR summary be shared with Council prior to the end of May (rather than by
April).
Action: Schedule for full Council consideration in January
G. Refinancing of City of Edmonds 2003_UTGO Bonds
Mr. Neumaier explained the City's has the ability to refinance these bonds; the City's Financial
Adviser Alan Dashen estimates a $90,000 - $100,000 savings. Mr. Dashen has suggested pursuing a
bank loan rather than a bond due to the small amount.
Action: Proceed with the process of refinancing.
H. Utility Tax Rate Renewal Ordinance
Mr. Neumaier explained the tax is currently set at 6%; unless renewed, the rate will sunset on
December 3, 2013 and return to 5.25%. The rate has been at 6% for 20 years. The reduction of
0.75% would be a revenue decrease of approximately $186,000. A brief discussion followed regarding
whether to allow the rate to return 5.25%. Mr. Neumaier recommended approving the renewal
ordinance and considering whether to reduce the percentage later.
Action: Schedule for full Council at the December 17 meeting.
I. Authorization to Contract with James G. Murphy to Sell Surplus City Veh des
12-10-13 Finance Committee Minutes, Page 3
Mr. Neumaier relayed this is standard practice for surplus and seizure vehicles.
Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda
J. Public Comments
Bruce Witenberg. Edmonds, made the following comments:
• There is no single place in the budget where the total budget and expenditures for attorney
fees are reported.
• Following executive session, the Council should explain the nature of the settlement, the
amount and to whom it was being paid.
• The public should be informed when there are significant developments in litigation that is a
matter of public record.
• The City should investigate whether providing the library building and maintenance at no cost
to the Snolsle Library District is a good deal for the City and whether that arrangement can be
amended.
• Although there is support in the parks survey for a Metropolitan Park District, it is simply
another tax.
Ron Wambolt. Edmonds, suggested the monthly financial report include projections for the year. He
suggested this could be calculated using the YTD actual plus the budget for the remaining months.
Adjournment — The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.