Money MATTERS
Revenue Projection for 2020
City Manager Mark Kutney said the review process is ongoing and there are some changes and additions that are pending. Interim Finance Director Autumn Sullivan said she used the good faith estimate for ad valorem taxes. Except for communication tax, all the state revenue figures have been received.
Kemerer asked about the revenue from Duke Energy and electric public service taxes. The budget appears to run up to $130,000 under the revenue. Sullivan agreed to review the figures.
Discussion of 2019 Fire Department Expenses
Sullivan stated the Fire Department has been fully staffed until recently. Looking at previous years, the budget failed to address holiday pay. This was approximately $33,000. Sullivan said this could account for part of the difference in the budget and actual expenses. Historically, the Fire Department was not fully staffed, so there was room in the budget to cover the holiday pay.
Fire Chief Ron Snowberger reminded Sullivan about the removal of health insurance from the budget and inclusion of legal fees.
Tentative Millage Rate Proposed Options
Kutney stated that the City is at approximately day 26 of the 100 days to complete the TRIM (Truth in Millage) process. The tentative millage rate is due to the Property Appraiser by 08/02/19. Kutney said the Property Appraiser’s good faith estimate was $430,500,000.00.
Kutney gave five tentative rates: 6.20 mil (current rate), 7.00 mil, 7.25 mils, 7.50 mils, and 7.75 mils. Since budget discussions are just beginning, he recommended using the 7.75 mils, stating it could be adjusted downward.
Kemerer was not pleased with the recommendation, saying raising taxes when the city has a surplus would cause issues with citizens. Brayton agreed but said there were still too many unknowns because of the Fire Assessment and any transfers from the general fund.
Brayton moved to set the TRIM notice at 7.75 mils. Vice Mayor Joe Bernardini seconded the motion. The motion was passed 4-1. Kemerer cast the “no” vote.
Purchase for Cemetery Division
Kutney identified several items in the Cemetery’s 2019 budget that could be adjusted to pay for a commercial lawn mower with a six foot cut. Brayton moved to approve Kutney using $10,000 in the budget to purchase the lawn mower the department requires. Battista seconded the motion. The request was approved unanimously.
Brooksville Main Street Program MATTERS:
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