08-16-2018 Minutes SpecialAUGUST 16,2
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A Special Community Budget Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz,
Texas, on August 16, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., at the Ray D. Corbett Junior High School, 12000 Corbett,
Drive, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to -wit:
Councilmember Mark Davis
Councilmember Cedric Edwards
Staff Present:
Executive Director Dudley Wait
IT Director Myles Clauser
Police Chief Michael Hansen
Finance Director James Walters
Client Services Tech Bryan Jackson
Library Director Melissa Uhlhorn
Public Affairs Director Linda Klepper
EDC Bus. Ret. Mgr. Jennifer Kolbe
Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez
Councilmember Bert Crawford
Acting City Manager Brian James
Asst. to City Mgr. Sarah Gonzalez
Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel
Fire Chief Kade Long
IT Director Myles Clauser
GIS Coordinator Tony McFalls
Engineer John Nowak
PW Water /Wastewater Manager Jimmy Hooks
Call to Order — Community Budget Presentation meeting
As there was a quorum of councilmembers present, Councilmember Cedric Edwards called the
meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
WELCOME / OVERVIEW:
• Presentation and discussion of the FY 2018 -19 Proposed Budget. (Staff)
• General discussion and questions.
Welcome
Acting City Manager Brian James welcomed everyone and provided a brief outline of how the
evening's 2018 -19 proposed budget presentation would unfold with an opportunity for questions and
comments from the citizens. Mr. James recognized the four Councilmembers in attendance and
pointed out that several different department city employees were also present and available to assist
with answering their questions and providing information.
Mr. James asked if anyone had any questions before the PowerPoint presentation began. A question
was asked as to when there might be another upcoming meeting with TxDOT regarding the FM 1518
road expansion project.
Mr. James continued speaking about the presentation they were about to see on the budget process as
well as the discussion and action Council took this past Tuesday evening regarding the tax rate. He
also included information on how the city is now trying to `catch up on maintenance projects'
throughout the city complex, looking for more efficient ways to work and provide city services to
8 -16 -2018 Minutes
citizens and other customers, street/sidewalk improvements being planned and exploring funding
options to support our growing community needs and expectations.
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Finance Director James Walters began by explaining the information provided on the Budget 101
PowerPoint presentation. He defined several terms common to budgets (i.e., funds, accounts,
revenues, reserves, etc.), explained the 2018 property values, the tax rate (effective, rollback, current,
proposed maximum) and showed a slide reflecting the city's history of rates from 2006 to 2018. Staff
has recommended to Council a proposed maximum rate for 2018 of .5146.
Acting City Manager Brian James, Councilmembers and staff present continued to exchange
comments, suggestions, and questions. Some of the main items of interest are as follows:
• The City is still growing and there is a current need to complete the new fire station (0) and
the Police Department needs to start replacing some of their aging patrol vehicles.
• Recently the city has seen a decrease in certain revenues (i.e., municipal court fines) while
being faced with the continued rise of the overall cost for various services.
• Homestead exemptions (i.e., veterans, senior citizens) have steadily increased, thereby
decreasing that particular source of city revenue.
• Dependent on what council votes on, the taxes could increase slightly for this budget year.
• Staff will have to continue to creatively think of more efficient ways to utilize our staff and
other resources. Options are to cross -train more employees, hiring of persons with specific
critical skill sets, continued repair and preventative maintenance practices for vehicles,
equipment, buildings, parks, roads /streets, etc.
For anyone interested in viewing the proposed budget, a copy is available in the City Secretary's
Office as well as it can be found on line at www.schertz.com.
Adiournment
Councilmember Edwards officially adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Cedric Edwards, Councflmefiber
ATTEST:
Donna Schmoekel, Deputy City Secretary
8 -16 -2018 Minutes