08/12/2014 Finance CommitteeFINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
August 12, 2014
Councilmembers Present
Councilmember Lora Petso
Councilmember Kristiana Johnson
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Staff Present
Sarah Mager, Accounting Supervisor
Brian Tuley, IT Supervisor
Doug Fair, Municipal Court Judge
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Mike Thies, Code Enforcement
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
A. 2014 June Quarterly Budgetary Financial Report
Ms. Mager presented the report, advising there was nothing new or different from the May report. The
June report is the second quarter report, halfway through the year. She reported general fund revenue
is above budget and expenses are below budget, none of the departments are over budget. Mr.
James will add the narrative to the report that is presented to the Council. She responded to
committee members' questions.
Action. Schedule on Consent Agenda
B. Employee Expenses, Volunteer Recognition and Reimbursements Polic
Ms. Mager explained the policy was drafted by Finance Director Scott James based on Poulsbo's
policy. He is seeking comments/changes before the policy proceeds. Committee members requested
the following changes:
• Specifically address the annual volunteer appreciation event
• Indicate Council President signs Councilmember expenses
• Eliminate limit on number of retreats (page 3)
I Action: Discussion only
D. PFD Quarterly Report
Executive Joe Mclalwain reviewed the EPFD Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net
Position, highlighting the following:
• On budget through June 30, revenues at 53% and expenses at 52%
• Ticket sales are higher than budgeted at 62%
• Rental revenue and concessions are on budget
• Contributions are at 42% which is typical at this time of year. Additional revenue expected from
Red Carpet Gala (auction) in September and Rick Steves contribution. Expect to meet goal for
contributions.
• Artist expenses are higher which translates into higher ticket sales
• Salaries and employee benefits are on budget. Reconfiguring job description for facilities
manager position.
08-12-14 Finance Committee Minutes, Page 2
Mr. Mclalwain relayed he expects to submit a request to the City for a loan of $160,000 to meet the
bond obligation at year end. This process begins via the PFD submitting a Notice of Deficiency to the
Finance Director in October.
Mr. Mclalwain reported the $10,000 projected in Snohomish County Tier 2 revenue in 2014 is
expected to increase to $40,000-$50,000 in 2015. Although a very volatile revenue stream, it is part of
the answer to the shortfall. The original projection for Tier 2 revenue prior to 2008 was $200,000/year.
They are still trying to identify new revenue streams to eliminate the need for loan from City and
ultimately begin to repay the loans. He and the Director of Advancement are working on a building
sponsorship program to generate an annual revenue stream of $150,000-$200,000 for 10 years to
help address the bond debt. The name of the ECA would be X Theater at Edmonds Center for the
Arts.
Councilmember Petso asked whether artist presentation expenses are covered by ticket sales which
Mr. Mclalwain offered to research. Councilmember Johnson requested Mr. Mclalwain add to the
agenda memo a narrative regarding the Notice of Deficiency process in October and the estimated
amount.
PFD Board President Bob Rinehart and ECA Past President Steven Shelton were also present.
? Action: Schedule on Consent Agenda. Next quarterly report in October/November 2014
C. IT Update
Mr. Tuley provided an update on the computer system upgrade. All the hardware has been received
and the engineer is scheduled to begin work August 28. The exchange server is being built from the
ground up. Users should not notice any difference.
Mr. Tuley provided an update on telephony, advising all equipment has been ordered; awaiting
delivery from MyTel. Once it arrives, the vendor will be informed, programing will be completed off site
and equipment will be installed after hours in Public Safety, Public Works and City Hall. There will be
minimal downtime and it will be virtually unnoticeable to users other than reprogramming voicemail
greetings. He forwarded the committee members a draft replacement policy and a draft replacement
schedule.
In response to committee members' questions, Mr. Tuley advised a portable A/C unit was rented for
the server room for the short term. The long term solution is to update it with a bigger unit. The new
computer equipment will not produce as much heat. The project will be on or under budget at the end.
With regard to the replacement policy, he assured equipment that is still working would not be
replaced.
Action: Discussiononly.
E. Business License Fees Discussion
Mr. Passey explained there are 1,800 licensed businesses in the City; approximately 70 businesses
annually pay their fee late. Under the current process, the City Clerk sends a renewal, a courtesy
notice and a second letter; when that is unsuccessful, it is referred to code enforcement who sends
three more letters. Several options have been discussed; he recommended raising the late fee from
$25 to $100 as an incentive to comply. The cost of a business license renewal is $50. This would free
up staff time and allow staff to provide a higher level of service to community. He has some discretion
in waiving late fee. A code amendment is required to change the fee schedule. Mr. Thies commented
it is typically the same businesses every year.