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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-09 Finance Com. MinutesDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE WHOLE Monday, August 17, 2009 5:30 p.m. -Council Chambers Minutes of Meeting Chairperson Keenan called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Council members present: Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, Vice Mayor Boring; Mr. Keenan, Ms. Salay; Mr. Gerber; Mr. Lecklider. Mr. Reiner was excused. Staff members present: Mr. Foegler, Ms. Grigsby, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Harding, Ms. Crandall, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Earman, Ms. Ott, Mr. Tyler, Ms. Hoyle, Ms. Ruwette, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Racey. • FINANCIAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Mr. Keenan stated that the material reflects staff's proposed policies. If Council desires to make any changes, would this be the appropriate forum for that discussion? Ms. Grigsby responded that any questions, direction, suggestions, or requests for additional information would be appropriate with this discussion. The City's financial policies and guidelines have been the key to the City's long-term financial stability and its bond rating, which is the highest rating of AAA. As part of the operating budget review in recent years, staff has focused on the characteristics that rating agencies consider good policy for financial management. General Fund Balance The first characteristic is the establishment of a "rainy day" or budget stabilization fund/reserve. To meet this policy, contingencies are appropriated in both the General Fund and the Capital Improvements Tax Fund for unforeseen items that were not anticipated with the budget preparation. In 2005, the Accrued Leave Reserve Fund was also created, which allows the City to fund long-term liabilities related to payouts upon retirement/separation of employees. This avoids the significant, one-time hit with the occurrence. The most significant reserve for the City's budget stabilization is the General Fund balance that is maintained. The target has been to have a 50% balance as compared to the General Fund expenditures and operating transfers. In 2008, that balance was 59.08%. In 2009 it is projected to be approximately 55%, but it may be slightly higher. Current projections for revenue and expenditures indicate that in 2010, the 50% balance will be maintained in the General Fund. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends that governments maintain at a minimum 5-15%, and many jurisdictions try to achieve 20-25%. In comparison, Dublin's target fund balance is considerably higher. That is partially due to the fact that the City is so reliant upon income tax, and the economy can quickly have an impact on income tax revenues. Revenue Update The second recommended characteristic is regular economic and revenue reviews to identify shortfalls. The City primarily looks at income tax revenues because it is such a substantial portion of the City's revenues. Far 2010, it is projected that the City will realize an eight percent decrease. At the end of July, the revenue was down 6.6%, and significant decreases are expected again in September and December. Some of that relates to some significant withholding payments that the City receives on a quarterly basis, which showed a decrease in March and June. Therefore, at year end 2009, a revenue decrease of 8% is expected. During the CIP discussion, it was pointed out that the 2014 income tax projections are less than the 2008 actual revenue. Through 2013, the impact totals $49.4M in total income tax revenues. At 2014, the income tax revenues will be $68.2M, which is Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 2 about $2 million dollars less than last year. Therefore, fewer projects can be added to the CIP budget. Operating Special Revenues (Property Taxes, Service payments, Hotel/Motel taxes) Staff has been monitoring property taxes and service payments. The City received its second distribution of real estate taxes in early August. In August, property tax revenue increased approximately two percent, and service payments were up approximately 10%. Service payments increased primarily because of construction that occurred in 2007 within several of the City's TIF districts. Unfortunately, many Board of Revision complaints have been filed, which could result in reductions of property values. In 2011, property will be reappraised. It is likely that commercial property values could be reduced during that reevaluation. The current year revenue estimates have always been less than the previous year's actuals. The City projected a 4.6% decrease in operating revenues for 2009, and may end up with a 10% decrease over 2008. The City has limited ability to impact the revenues, but does have some ability to impact the expenses. Expenditures Included in tonight's packet was information on the 2009 operating reductions/adjustments that Mr. Foegler directed staff to make. One of the biggest reductions made was in not staffing vacant positions. The difference between the budgeted 2009 and the actual/projected 2009 is $71.5 million versus $66 million. The latter figure does include a 27~h pay. Taking out the impact of the 27th pay would reduce it to $64.8, which is close to the 2008 actuals. It is anticipated that the 2010 expenditures will be flat compared to the 2009 projection, which will result in a 6.5% decrease for 2010. There are some operational actions that could be taken to offset that. It is possible to maintain the General Fund balance because of the advances that are being repaid from TIF projects that were previously advanced from the General Fund. In 2009, no transfers were programmed from the General Fund to any Capital Project Funds. During the next five-year period, there will be no additional General Fund subsidies or additions for capital improvements. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked her to confirm that the 2009 estimate is for $2.2 million in expenditures greater than income received. Ms. Grigsby responded that is correct -based on current information. Mr. Keenan inquired if, however, the General Fund balance would be maintained. Ms. Grigsby confirmed that it would. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if that takes into consideration the reductions already in place. Ms. Grigsby responded that it does. However, the 27~h pay, which is approximately $1.3 million, is reflected in 2009. At the end of 2010, the City will still maintain the targeted 50% fund balance. From now until development of the 2011 budget, steps can be taken to reduce expenditures. In the 2009 Operating Budget, a breakdown is shown between operating capital, other expenses, and salaries/benefits. A large portion of the operating budget relates to the staff who provide the City services. That budget will be evaluated in regard to increases for 2010 and beyond, health insurance benefits for staff, and staffing in general. In 2009, the staffing Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 3 level remained consistent at 399 full-time employees, with 23 of those positions vacant. The staffing level of part-time employees increased. Ms. Salay asked if there are 267 true part-time employees, or are some of those seasonal. Ms. Grigsby responded that most of those are seasonal. There are eight permanent part- time positions. Mr. Keenan asked why there was an increase in part-time employees in 2004-2005. Ms. Grigsby responded that the impact in 2003-2004 would have been the addition of staff for the City's South Pool. Ms. Grigsby stated that Council has requested certain information related to salaries/wages. Information has been included regarding the current labor agreements with the Steelworkers, F.O.P., and Dispatchers/Communications Technicians -current terms, number of employees, and currently approved salary increases through 2011. The United Steelworkers contract expires in September 2010; negotiations will begin June 1, 2010. The F.O.P. contract ends December 31, 2010; negotiations will begin October 1, 2010. Vice Mayor Boring stated that these are the annual cost-of-living adjustments the union employees receive. Can Council also be given information regarding the average annual pay raises they receive? Ms. Grigsby indicated that the employees who have not reached the final step in their pay grades do receive an additional increase. That information will also be provided. Vice Mayor Boring stated that this number is misleading, as it is only part of the salary adjustment. Ms. Salay inquired if there could be an advantage in beginning negotiations earlier. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff did have a brief discussion today regarding the need to ensure there is sufficient time for the negotiations prior to the contract expiration. Ms. Grigsby stated that in regard to non bargaining employees, Mr. Harding has been evaluating current marketplace trends. Also, several different scenarios will be provided for non-union employees, including 0°/u increases to something slightly higher. The impetus to that is the need to reduce expenditures in order to maintain the 50% General Fund balance. Another significant consideration in regard to staff is the employee health care plan. A meeting of the Administrative Committee of the Whole has been scheduled for August 31 for Council to review some proposed changes to the plan. A high deductible health saving account (HSA) plan will be proposed for Council's consideration. In 2010, it would impact non-bargaining employees only; then, in 2011 it will be part of the negotiations with the Steelworkers and FOP. Mr. Keenan inquired if a City contribution will be proposed. Ms. Grigsby responded that a partial contribution will be proposed. Ms. Salay inquired if this would be an option to the employees or a plan change. Ms. Grigsby responded that it would be Administration's recommended plan change for the non-bargaining unit. The details will be covered at the August 31 meeting. Mr. Keenan asked if the City would be offering three or four alternatives - an HSA plan or a different deductible plan with varying levels of contributions? Mr. Harding responded that staff would make one recommendation only - a high deductible plan with an HSA. They are looking at different options for the funding. There seems to be a strong trend for this in the marketplace. No other option will be proposed. Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 4 Vice Mayor Boring requested that, together with the information regarding the proposed change, Council also be provided information regarding the recommendation for the percentage increases of salaries for 2010 for non-bargaining employees. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff would try to provide the information for that meeting. Review of Operational Expenditures Ms. Grigsby stated that staff has continued to evaluate the operational expenditures, particularly discretionary spending --those things that the City is not legally obligated to pay, such as overtime, travel and consultants. It is likely the adjustments that have been made to the 2009 budget will be carried forward into 2010. In addition, an analysis will be made of the operations and services that are provided. The analysis will continue through mid 2010 and beyond. Options for providing more efficient delivery of services will be considered. Staff is conducting a comparison with other cities/entities providing the same service, either more efficiently or at less cost. Some areas being evaluated are: development, fleet, procurement, custodial and maintenance services. There may be opportunities to make adjustments that will save the City money, while continuing to provide the same high level of service. COUNCIL DISCUSSION: Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked about the balance of the accrued leave reserve fund. Ms. Grigsby responded that it is approximately $1.3 million. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if that is 100% coverage of the accrued amount. Ms. Grigsby responded that it slightly less. That is partially due to the modification that was made last year in regard to sick leave time payouts. Within a couple of years, it will be fully funded. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked what percentage of sick leave and vacation are paid out. Ms. Grigsby responded that vacation and comp time are paid out at 100%. Sick leave is paid out at 33.3% up to a max of 700 hours. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked when a 27~h pay will next occur. Ms. Grigsby responded that it would not occur again for 10-12 years. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher cautioned that without a plan of action for reimbursement, it is easy to deplete a reserve fund. She would want to see that in place, if reserve funds are used. Also, even when there are labor contracts in place, there have been some municipalities/entities where the employees have been willing to take a reduction when the municipality was faced with a critical economic situation. That would not seem to be Dublin's situation. However, the point is that labor contracts can, when the need arises, be reopened for discussion. In light of the staffing vacancies, is a different organizational structure being considered so as not to assume the positions would be filled? The workload in some departments has substantially reduced, and may never be at the previous level. Mr. Foegler responded that there is no assumption that the staffing level in any given operation is appropriate in view of the anticipated workload in the foreseeable future. Mr. Keenan requested information for the next meeting identifying the vacant, fulltime positions. Ms. Grigsby responded that there are vacant positions throughout the divisions. Some vacant positions will be filled. For instance, one dispatcher position in the Police division will be filled later this year. This is due to the fact that the City will receive some level of Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 5 reimbursement from Franklin County because Dublin was designated the 9-1-1 destination for cell phones. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher referred to the "Special Events" category on page 5 of the report. She appreciates the Dublin Irish Festival's adjustment. However, in the last fiscal cycle, if not before, Council indicated that they did not wish to expand any of the existing special events. In fact, Council further indicated that the money spent for the events should be evaluated to determine what could be done differently. While the attendance at the DIF was very high, that was not consistent with the direction given by Council last year in terms the size of the festival itself. It is important to show some restraint with the extent of the production and expenses of the events so that the City is doing more in line with what is appropriate for a municipality in these economic times. From a citizen's perspective, she would much prefer to see the City invest the money in hiring another police officer versus holding a special event for the citizens. Mr. Keenan stated that in regard to the Dublin Irish Festival, it has evolved into a signature event as a result of the interest of the community. The City is somewhat "at the mercy of whoever desires to come." Cutting back the funding might actually result in the City losing money with the event. Last year, the City ended up with $200,000 in the black. Ms. Grigsby noted that reflects direct costs only; it does not include the indirect costs. Mr. Keenan stated that this year, the profit should be higher than last year's. Ms. Grigsby responded that the final expenditure reports are not completed, but the revenue from the event should exceed the direct expenditures. Mr. Keenan stated that Council could trim the event if desired. However, the costs could then be greater than the potential return of the event. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she does not totally agree. The City is not "at the mercy of whoever happens to come." Staff has indicated that that they conducted more marketing this year than was done previously for Friday and Sunday. This occurred even though Council had stated that they did not wish the event to become larger, primarily because it was becoming both dangerous and too crowded to enjoy. From the expense standpoint, obtaining sponsorships has offset some of the costs. There are steps that can be taken to alter the level of expense that the City funds. Mr. Keenan stated that if the marketing has been expanded, it would be interesting to have some information on the difference from previous years. However, he recalls Council's direction as relating more to the scope of the event and the actual space used. A few years ago, the Festival space was expanded across Post Road, and the event grew accordingly. There are fixed costs involved with this event. He agrees that the size of the event is becoming difficult to manage, and it should not be further expanded. However, he believes this is a signature event, and he would be concerned with having it cut back. Mr. Lecklider stated that he agrees with the sentiments expressed by both Council members. He suspects it could be a delicate balance to reduce the scope of the Festival and not end up in a negative position. He does wonder, overall, how much money might be saved. The last time Council discussed special events, he suggested that the Spooktacular event also be scaled back. This event did not even exist ten years ago. He is not saying that the public does not enjoy the event, but it is another example of an event that could be revisited -- consistent with Council's intent. Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 6 Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the goal of this meeting was to have Council look at these policy issues as staff is developing the budget. Looking forward, what does Council want to include in Special Events? She recalls Mr. Lecklider's previous suggestion to scale back the event, and she concurred, although the majority of Council did not, at that time. Ms. Salay indicated she also concurred. Ms. Grigsby stated that when the cost of services update occurs, with Special Events, it will be important to look at both the direct and the indirect costs. The indirect costs are considerable to produce the Irish Festival and the Fourth of July event. Many staff members are involved for a lengthy period of time. The indirect costs are included in the total costs being prepared for the cost study update. Ms. Salay inquired the distinction staff is making between direct and indirect costs. Ms. Grigsby responded that the direct costs are paid primarily from the Hotel-Motel Tax fund -the costs of tents, stages, etc. Indirect costs include the cost of all the other staff outside Special Events staff, such as Street Maintenance, Police, Finance, who provide support -- not only during the event, but also before and after. Vice Mayor Boring stated that she would prefer to eliminate some of the smaller events than to impact the signature events -the Fourth of July and the Irish Festival. She supports evaluating the continuance of the Spooktacular event in the operating budget discussions this year. Mr. Keenan stated that the budget for Spooktacular is only about $25,000 - $30,000. Vice Mayor Boring stated that there are also indirect costs involved. Mr. Keenan responded that the indirect costs for Spooktacular are minimal compared to the indirect costs associated with the Irish Festival and the Fourth. He will concur with the others, however, in this regard. Ms. Grigsby stated that when the division budgets were adjusted by 5°/u earlier in the year, Spooktacular was looked at. The inflatables, at a cost of approximately $15,000, were eliminated, as they are not really related to Halloween. They had been added to help with the crowd at the event, but they may actually encourage attendance. Instead, more room can be provided for the hayrides or other activities more in keeping with the event. Vice Mayor Boring asked how much staff time is involved with preparing for some of the events. For example, could the Community Events staffing level be reduced by one person by eliminating an event, such as Spooktacular? Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that staff has already projected that the hotel-motel tax revenue will decrease significantly. This will impact Special Events, since they are paid for from that fund. If reductions of budgets for events are not made, it will require more General Operating Budget subsidy to fund them. Ms. Grigsby agreed. The reason they have been able to expand or add special events is that the source of the revenue has been steady. This is the time for Council to evaluate what events they consider important to the community and to identify those events that may be less preferred, such as Spooktacular. Mr. Gerber stated that the difficulty in evaluating this is that Council does not understand all of the costs of the events. While some indicate that a profit was made at the Irish Festival, is that accurate? He would like to review the numbers for all the indirect costs including the time and effort associated with the events before making a decision regarding the future of these events. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff will be providing that information in the cost of services update. Traditionally, when there have been discussions regarding whether the Irish Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 7 Festival "made money," staff has tried to clarify that the revenue received only offset the direct costs, and that it is not necessarily profitable. Mr. Gerber acknowledged that with the Irish Festival, there may be some intangible benefits for the City as well. Hopefully, Council can engage in a productive dialogue regarding this topic when the information is available. Ms. Salay stated that the events foster a sense of community and some residents look forward to the events. However, she agrees that the two signature events, the Irish Festival and the Fourth of July, are the ones to maintain. She would prefer to scale back or eliminate other events in order to do so. Mr. Lecklider stated that he believes community spirit is more a part of the Fourth of July celebration than the Irish Festival. In recent years, as the size and attendance of the Irish Festival has grown, he has heard more from Dublin residents that they have not had a pleasant experience at the Festival and they are not inclined to come back. While many members of the community may enjoy the Festival, he does not believe it should be distinguished similarly to the Fourth of July. Ms. Salay concurred. Mr. Keenan stated that he would like to focus on some of the larger budget items and the proposed budget adjustments. Legal Services reflects a substantial decrease. Mr. Foegler responded that the projected amount reflects a 5% budget reduction. At the end of the year, the real impact will be known. Mr. Keenan stated that Parks budget is at $6.7 million -that is one of the biggest line items in the budget. The City does have many parks, but perhaps there are some areas where things could be done differently -such as grass cutting. The Country Club at Muirfield has let some grassy areas grow, and as a result, has significantly decreased maintenance costs. Another piece in tonight's packet related to CORMA. He compared the exposure numbers between the municipalities of Westerville and Dublin, which is what the premiums are based upon. Dublin has $76 million in property values; Westerville has $100 million. Dublin has 349 titled vehicles, and Westerville has 221 vehicles even though they provide water, electric and fire services, which Dublin does not. Ms. Grigsby stated that this is one of the areas staff has been evaluating over the last 12-18 months. A comparison with Westerville has been made in other areas as well, including staffing levels. When revenues decrease, it provides an incentive to look at the way Dublin has been doing things and to determine if there are some services that could be provided as well at a lower cost. The City's fleet is one area that has been highlighted to be re- evaluated. Mr. Gerber concurred. He would like to see the City maintain its 50% operating budget reserve every year. That is one of the things that has made Dublin competitive over time - the City has enough reserve money for projects that come up. It would be nice to maintain that competitive edge by adopting a policy of a balanced budget on the operating side. Mr. Keenan suggested that it might be worthwhile to review this on a quarterly basis. As some of the policies change, the budget projections will also change. Not only does Dublin have more vehicles than Westerville, it has the newest and best. It may be possible to have fewer units and to use the vehicles a few more years before replacement. Dublin has a relatively small radius of operations. Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 8 Vice Mayor Boring stated that the City assumes responsibilities that others should be helping with. In the last five years, the City has handled many projects without asking neighboring entities to share in the costs. Dublin needs to be more careful going forward Mr. Keenan asked for examples. Vice Mayor Boring stated that one example would be the planned interchange, and another is the Hard Road/Sawmill improvements. When Columbus was not willing to assist with the improvements, Dublin volunteered to take care of it.. Those are the type of projects for which Dublin should no longer assume total responsibility. Mr. Keenan stated that another example could be the Glick Road/Dublin Road intersection improvements discussed recently. Vice Mayor Boring agreed, but noted there was some effort on the part of the other municipalities to work together. Her concern is that Delaware County was only willing to match the contribution of Shawnee Hills. That did not seem appropriate in view of the resources Delaware County has. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher referred to the privatization issue raised at the beginning or the meeting. Is there any value in Council prioritizing the items now, or would it suffice to discuss the cost of each later at the budget? Staff would need to provide the cost for each of the items before that time. Ms. Grigsby stated that the intent for this year was to define the priorities and look at what could be revised before the 2010 operating budget development, which will be a challenge in the limited timeframe. No modifications to the proposed budget will be made without including all the information, and a good recommendation can be provided to Council. Therefore, changes could potentially occur throughout 2010 or be added in the 2011 operating budget. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she would like staff to bring to Council any recommendations for adjustments to the budget throughout the year and not wait until the next year's budget is developed. The City's revenues may not remain commensurate with the expenditures. Ms. Grigsby responded that if the City's revenues were to decline more than anticipated, additional reviews or decisions would be accelerated. Current staffing levels could be reviewed. If needed, some entities have utilized furloughs, incentives for employees eligible to retire, etc. Mr. Keenan stated that he has heard from some of the employees that they are overworked. He believes that Council's first and foremost responsibility is to ensure that the City maintains its existing jobs. The 23 vacant positions will not be filled. Dublin is not in a position where it needs to lay off employees, and he does not want the City to be in that position. His position is that, at all costs, layoff, furloughs, or any of those types of situations must be avoided. They can be part of a Plan B or C if, in the future, the City has some serious revenue deficits. Ms. Salay stated that she believes the City should be very cautious about moving toward privatization, especially for operations that impact residents. It is much easier to address service issues with a City supervisor versus a contract worker. Direct services and development are two areas for which she would have to be convinced that the cost savings were so great and the City was in such dire financial straits that it was absolutely essential. That would include fleet and facility maintenance and perhaps custodial services. Mr. Keenan stated that the City has successfully utilized some privatization, such as in landscaping maintenance. Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 9 Ms. Salay stated that she does not object to that because it is not a direct service to the resident. Vice Mayor Boring agreed. At one time, the City did privatize custodial services for the Recreation Center, and the City received numerous complaints from the residents about the maintenance levels. The City's Facilities crew are now on the job and accountable. Ms. Salay stated that City employees have tremendous pride in the work they do. They are proud of the community and proud to work for the City. Private employees do not operate similarly. If not initially, over the long term, the quality of City services would suffer. In addition, once an expense is eliminated, it is difficult to reinstate. Mr. Keenan stated that Council seems to be in agreement regarding privatization. Ms. Grigsby noted that items such as street sweeping would be looked at for the potential of privatizing. Evaluating what is done and how frequently may be addressed by re-focusing. Privatizing may not be the way to go in some services, and reevaluating the policies for services could be beneficial. Mr. Keenan summarized Council's direction to this point: • Re-evaluate the City's fleet • Provide information regarding who is affected by the 23 unfilled vacancies. • Provide indirect costs for special events • Re-evaluate the Legal Services line item He asked when the "Legal Services" line item information would be available? Mr. Foegler responded that a recommended budget for that item would be available within 30 days. Mr. Keenan requested that the recommendation for Legal Services also be included in the 2010 budget review materials. Vice Mayor Boring stated that another item that should be included is setting Council's policy regarding the future of some events. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that Ms. Grigsby indicated that staff would be providing a comprehensive budget for each of the events, so that Council would be able to look at the indirect cost for all four events at the same time. Mr. Keenan stated that the next piece is the Parks item, which is the largest line item expense. He would like to review whether there are any opportunities for cost savings. Mr. Foegler stated that one of the tools the City engaged in last year was performance measurement. The data received shows expenses per person, per mile, fleet expenses, etc.; comparable community analysis; cost recovery on recreational programming; and janitorial and custodial services for the Rec Center and other buildings. The City now has good comparables to review. In some cases, the City chooses to provide a much higher level of services, but in some cases, inefficiency in the delivery of services is revealed. It is important to understand the reasons for those differences and not to immediately draw conclusions from the data. The data will provide insight regarding areas to focus on. Mr. Keenan inquired if the costs were provided per division. Mr. Foegler responded that some divisions, such as Police, were included in the process, but others, such as Engineering, were not. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she agrees with a comprehensive review, but at the same time Council wants Dublin to be distinct from other communities. The goal is to Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole Monday, August 17, 2009 Page 10 attract people to live and work in this community. Although everything must be evaluated, ultimately, Council must make its decisions with that spirit in mind. If Dublin becomes an "average city," then Dublin could lose what attracts people and businesses to this community. She would prefer to focus on strategy differences that could bring more efficiency, yet retain high quality and distinction in the areas of direct, visible services. Although Dublin has a large number of parks, it is a service area that is visible and used substantially by the residents -- an area that should be evaluated from that perspective. Vice Mayor Boring asked when Council would receive the information and how that would fit into the budget review? Mr. Keenan noted that he would like to have the information a few weeks before the budget review. Ms. Grigsby asked if Council would like to have all of the requested information before the budget review, or only the proposed changes. Mr. Keenan responded that he would like to have all of the information. If Council has questions after their preliminary review, there would be time to address those before the budget meetings. Ms. Grigsby concurred. If staff anticipates any difficulty in obtaining some of the information in that timeframe, Council will be made aware of that. Mr. Keenan thanked staff for the report. The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m. Clerk of Council