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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-11 Finance Com MinutesDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, April 11, 2011 — 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers Minutes Present were: Mr. Gerber, Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, Mr. Keenan, Mayor Lecklider, Vice Mayor Salay, Mrs. Boring and Mr. Reiner. Staff present: Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Thurman. Mr. Gerber stated that the purpose of this meeting is for review of the First Quarter 2011 Financial Update. Mr. Thurman stated that the City has experienced a good first quarter. The materials included in Council's packet provided the first quarter revenues. In addition to Income Tax, Property Tax and Service Payments, the information also includes the Hotel -Motel Tax Revenue, per Council's request. Information was also provided on the General Fund Balance. 2011 Income Tax Revenues The 2010 actual income tax revenues were up 4.46% compared to 2009, resulting in collections that exceeded our 2010 projections by approximately $963,704. Breaking that down by type — the Withholding was up 3.07 %, the Net Profit was up 18.92% and the Individual income tax was nearly flat -- .52% for the year over 2009. In the first quarter of 2011, City revenue exceeded the 2011 budget revenues by $1.9 million, or 12.18 %. In the first quarter, 2011 revenues exceeded the 2010 actual revenues by $1.2 million or 7.39 %. Breaking that down by type, the Withholding revenues have increased $682,191 over 2010 actual, or 4.65 %. The net profit revenues have increased $373,000 or 37.77 %, which is significant in view of the fact that the City was up a lot last year. To have that continue is a good sign of what is occurring with Dublin's businesses. The Individual accounts were also up -- 18.64 %, or about $168,000 over 2010 actual. The 4.65% Withholding increase is spread across the top 500 companies. The increase is larger with the smaller businesses, a sign that Dublin's smaller businesses are doing well. The outlook for Income Tax Revenues is very optimistic. Vice Mayor Salay inquired the total of Dublin businesses paying Withholding taxes. Ms. Grigsby responded that the estimate is 3,000 accounts. That fluctuates significantly in the areas of construction and contractors. Mr. Gerber inquired if the City is up 7.39% in the first quarter of 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Mr. Thurman confirmed that is correct. Ms. Grigsby stated that a conservative approach is taken in budgeting, and for 2011, the amount budgeted was at the 2009 level, which was less than the 2010 actual. That Finance Committee of the Whole April 11, 2011 Page 2 approach was taken due to the uncertainties regarding this year's economy, the potential change in the Federal income tax rate that would have had an impact in 2010 versus 2011 payments, and in regard to the State budget. Therefore, the goal was to project Income Tax revenue conservatively. If the money received exceeds the projection, those dollars are used to fund or accelerate additional capital improvement projects or issue less debt on those projects. In view of what had occurred in 2009, the goal was not to be overly optimistic too soon. General Fund Balance Due to the increase in revenues, the General Fund balance has also increased. In 2009, it was $34.7 million or 64.9 percent of General Fund expenditures; at the end of 2010, it was $39.9 million or 75 percent of General Fund expenditures; and it has continued to increase through the first quarter of 2011. The City's practice has been to maintain a year -end balance equal to or greater than 50% of the General Fund expenditures. This is a critical component of the financial stability of the City, and it is a factor used by rating agencies when evaluating the City's strength. Mr. Gerber inquired the amount of the General Fund balance. Mr. Thurman responded that the General Fund balance, as of the end of March, is $42,468,000. Ms. Grigsby noted that the City's policy of maintaining a reserve of a 50% balance of General Fund expenditures is higher than most entities have the ability to do. The Government Finance Officers Association recommends that it be 5 to 15 %, preferably the higher. When rating agencies evaluate an entity, this is one of the key components they consider, because it shows the entity's ability to survive a downturn in the economy or a disaster. In the last 10 to 15 years, the City has used those additional dollars each year to take advantage of opportunities, which typically result in developing the City's tax base. The main reason an entity has a reserve is so that when there are downturns, there is time to react or make adjustments to those downturns. When the City experienced a decrease in its income tax revenue in 2009, staffing levels were evaluated and adjusted. As a result, in a year of significant decline, the City's General Fund balance actually increased. It was not a small increase. It was substantial in regard to both the dollar amount and the percentage. That is a positive reflection of the City's ability to make adjustments as necessary. Hotel /Motel Tax Revenues Included in this quarter's report is information regarding the hotel /motel tax revenues. From 2008 through the first quarter of 2010, a decrease is reflected. For the year 2010, however, hotel /motel tax revenues rebounded to show an increase of approximately 4 %. This upward trend has continued for the first three months of 2011. The City is up 7.9% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010. Finance Committee of the Whole April 11, 2011 Page 3 Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that in this category, it might be helpful to have the previous year's actual revenue, for comparison purposes. Mr. Thurman responded that for the second quarter report, a breakdown similar to that provided for Income Tax revenue would be included. Property Taxes and Service Payments Property tax revenues are down slightly for the first half distribution. Service payments show a decrease due to the "Phase II" area of the McKitrick TIF converting from a "straight" TIF to a "non- school" TIF. Service payments from other TIF districts continue to show substantial growth, with an approximately 21 % increase in revenue. Vice Mayor Salay inquired how the conversion of the McKitrick TIF occurred. Ms. Grigsby responded that originally, there was a straight TIF in Phase I and Phase II, and the City received 100% of the service payments. In 2003, the legislation was modified to provide for additional improvements, primarily the extension of Emerald Parkway from Riverside Drive to Sawmill Road. As part of that agreement with the School District, the City committed that when the Phase I and Phase II improvements were paid off, or the funds were in the City's account to retire the debt issued for those projects, the City would convert the district from a straight TIF to a non school TIF. That occurred in tax year 2010, which is reflected in 2011. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher inquired how many other non school TIFs exist in the City. Ms. Grigsby responded that the Historic District TIF is a straight TIF, and the Perimeter West TIF is a straight TIF. The remainder is all non school TIFs. Mr. Thurman stated, based on the City's budgeted reduction for the year of 4.27% but experiencing an income tax revenue increase of 7.39% during the first quarter of 2011, the City could absorb a reduction of approximately 7.95% over the remaining three quarters of the year and meet current budget projections. The outlook for 2011 is optimistic. Mr. Gerber inquired how many other cities are experiencing surpluses every year, and a General Fund balance with a 65% reserve. Mr. Thurman responded that this is not typical of other cities. It is only through the careful planning that has occurred that Dublin enjoys its financial position. Mr. Gerber stated that the report speaks well of the Finance staff as a whole. Their hard work is greatly appreciated. Mr. Reiner stated that not only municipalities, but all government entities are struggling. Yet, Dublin Finance staff has kept the City in a position of financial solvency. People in the finance world comment favorably about Dublin. Mr. Gerber noted that its strong economic position is the reason the City attracts and retains so many businesses. Finance Committee of the Whole April 11, 2011 Page 4 Ms. Grigsby stated that much of Dublin's financial condition is due to the City's long- term planning efforts and the fact that land was set aside and preserved for commercial development. The City's strong planning focus and adherence to plan has been very beneficial. Many other entities are impacted to a greater degree than Dublin by the changes occurring in the State's budget. The majority of Council's goals for the past 20 years have been focused on economic development, making sure that everything possible is done to ensure a healthy tax base without reliance upon other entities, such as the Federal and State governments. Staff continues to evaluate the impact of the State budget on the City. Based on the current information, it is estimated that in 2010 the impact will have been $130,000 and for 2011, the estimated impact is $390,000. That assumes a 25% reduction in Local Government funding for the first half of the year, and a 50% reduction for the second half of the year. The total Local Government funds that Dublin currently receives are approximately 1.8% of Dublin's General Fund revenue — far less percentage than most other entities. Dublin has a greater ability to adjust to this change than many other entities. She noted that the report also refers to the 2012 -2016 CIP budget process, which is just beginning at staff level. For budgeting purposes, Income Tax Revenues will be considered flat with 2010. That will likely create some significant additional income tax dollars available for capital programming this year. Over a long period of time, the City has used debt financing very judiciously. Many other entities, on the other hand, issue more debt as the means to fund projects. Dublin has been very conservative in term of the amount of debt that is issued. The City has also been able to utilize various revenue sources -- other than income tax -- to retire that debt, including the TIF Districts, water and sewer funds, and in some cases, grants to reduce the amount of debt. In terms of debt capacity, the City has the capacity to issue approximately $50 million of additional debt, and that is a conservative estimate. This does not take into account that the City has approximately $33 million reserved for projects, such as the interchange and Bridge Street Corridor. Even if the City were to spend all of the reserved funds, it would still have the capacity for another $50 million in debt. Therefore, the City has a significant amount of ability to fund additional projects in that area as well. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that this status is critical for Dublin citizens to understand. It is a reflection of a long -term partnership among the leadership of all of the interested parties — the elected bodies, City staff, and the business community — who have worked hard to develop the policies and adhere to them. As a result, the City has achieved a better mix of business tax base. With every goal- setting effort, the primary focus is on economic development and committing more resources to that effort. There is also acknowledgment that the role of Council needs to increase in this area to retain and expand current businesses and attract new businesses. Mr. Reiner stated that in the early years, the City government was interested in balancing those two — revenue drains and sources, commercial versus residential. He Finance Committee of the Whole April 11, 2011 Page 5 is aware of no other local government in the nation that has done something similar. That involved the commitment of many people, Council and Planning and Zoning, to follow that agenda and avoid substandard projects. Mrs. Boring stated that the City empowered itself to do so by adopting certain tools, particularly the Community Plan, so that the City could legally defend its position and retain the land use it desired. During that time, the City ran the necessary models to ensure a balance between the income tax revenues and property tax revenues. Also important was the fact that Council has maintained its goal of reviewing the Community Plan when necessary to maintain that balance. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that is important because the Community Plan updates involved the entire community. The plan became the community's plan, and the citizens support the policies and decisions that the City is making because they were active participants in the creation of the Plan. Other Information Ms. Grigsby stated that the packet also included an update on CIP projects -- Parks and Transportation. Vice Mayor Salay stated that the information indicates that the Brand Road multi -use path, Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction is scheduled for 2011. However, Council is continuing to discuss the design for this project and whether it will move forward. On the other hand, Council has reached an agreement regarding design for the Dublin Road South multi -use path, and minimal right -of -way acquisition is necessary for that project which is now programmed for 2012 and 2013. Is it possible to meet a 2011 construction schedule for the Brand Road multi -use path project, given the status of the design and public input meetings? Ms. Grigsby responded that, based on the current status, she does not anticipate the 2011 construction timeframe will be met for the Brand Road multi -use path. To do so, the final design must be complete and the necessary right -of -way acquired. It is unlikely that construction timeframe can be met. Vice Mayor Salay inquired if the Dublin Road South project would be delayed due to the timing delays of the Brand Road project. Ms. Grigsby responded that should not have an impact on the Dublin Road South project, as the funding has already been allocated for 2012 and 2013. Vice Mayor Slay suggested that there could be an advantage in moving the Dublin Road South project up to 2011 and deferring Brand Road, given the controversy regarding the Brand Road project design, which will result in delays. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff discussions have occurred regarding the right -of -way acquisition needed for the Dublin Road South project because it is minimal. That information will be updated and the Brand Road and Dublin Road South projects will be Finance Committee of the Whole April 11, 2011 Page 6 reevaluated to determine whether or not it makes sense to modify those schedules in the upcoming CIP discussions. Mr. Gerber suggested that information be provided in the next Council update packet. Mr. Reiner stated that he would prefer to have the results of the upcoming public meetings for the Brand Road multi -use path before having this discussion. Ms. Grigsby indicated that the follow -up discussions with the residents concerning the Dublin Road South multi -use path have occurred, and some adjustments have been made to the project design. Staff can provide updated information in regard to that right -of -way acquisition in an upcoming packet. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Clerk of Council