HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-1971 MinutesMINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING (BUDGET) CALL TO ORDER: DECEMBER 1, 1971 Meeting called to order at 8:00 P.M. by the Honorable G.E. Carter,.Mayor.. ROLL CALL: By Clerk's Representative. Councilmen present were: G.E. Carter, M.R. Denney and Sam Hunt. _Councilmen Katie Barton, George Stork and Robert Greenlee were absent from the meeting. Also present were: M.B. Winegar, City Manager; D. Wayne Campbell, City Attorney; Harry Kinzer, Director of Finance; Dick Erickson, Director of Parks/Recreation and Harriet Putnam, Librarian. PUBLIC HEARING: MAYOR CARTER DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN FOR DISCUSSION ON 1972 CITY OF PASCO BUDGET: It was reported that the Hearing had been duly published and posted. Mayor Carter acknowledged letters of support for Library Budget from Lex Schnettler, Superintendent of Schools, Pasco Youth Commission, Don Clark, Jim McGhee and 16 students (collectively) from Emerson School. Lt. Ken Williams of the Pasco Fire Department was concerned over the proposed layoff of one firefighter, with subsequent replacement by three members of Emergency Employment Act as,,tempbrary ambulance drivers. He cited mortality rate for firemen across the nation and urged the Council to reconsider cutback of one firefighter as it would hinder effectiveness of present Department. As a solution to the problem, Mr. Williams suggested elimination of rental fee for Chief's sedan, Seagraves truck, '45 truck and Rescue Truck in the total amount of $4,800. Further, that annual insurance premiums for firemen be paid from Old Fire Pension Fund instead of General Fund, Larry Fogg asked if the layoff would cost more in insurance premiums due to fire rating, etc. The City Manager replied that we were now at 5 rating, and there was a possibility the insurance rates would change. Ed Culwell urged continued support for Police and Fire protection as many a life had been saved by getting to the Hospital on time. He expressed concern, at his age, that it would be impossible to accumulate a lifetime of items if he were burned out. Phyllis Nachtmann, representing Pasco Youth Commission, was opposed to cutting hours at the library, and if anything, they would like to see the hours extended to better accomodate students in Pasco. Howard Baker, Chairman of Library Board, was sympathetic to City's financial -woes; however, he stated the Library was going further behind each year. He stated that were not asking for more money, just the same amount as they were alloted in 1970 in the approximate amount of $6,300. He suggested that another look be taken at Parks and Recreation Budget as a means of obtaining the money. Councilman Denney replied that our census figure was lower than the City had anticipated and it had reduced State supported funds by$85,000. While costs and expenses had mounted, our revenue had decreased and it was creating problems nation wide. Mayor Carter asked Mr. Baker if they had considered joining Mid -Columbia Library in an attempt to solve financial problems. Mr. Baker replied that a meeting was being set up and invited Mr. Winegar to sit in on it. Ninya Voorhees, charter member of Pasco Library, urged the Council not to lower values of present library as our City's foundation lies in our children; therefore, it is necessary to keep up with the times. Hal Hockett, retired businessman of Pasco, was a strong advocate of library budget due to the fact that he had much idle time being a retiree, and found much relaxation and knowledge at our library. 322 MINUTES PASCO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING (BUDGET) HEARING - Continued: DECEMBER 1, 1971 Charles Barr, C.A.C., questioned $2,500 item to carpet pro shop at the Golf Course. He felt if the present carpet was hazardous to welfare of clients, then it should be removed and this money spent to a better advantage. Further, it was his opinion that the Golf Course should be able to pay its own way. Councilman Denney replied that we raised golf fees several years ago and the receipts went down. He reminded Mr. Barr that we were now in competition with several fine golf courses in the area and we could not raise the fees anymore in order to be competitive. Collectively, the councilmen thanked delegation in attendance for their views and stated that they were going to take another look at the budget in an effort to rearrange some items for the betterment of all departments operating on limited funds. Following three calls for further comments, the Mayor declared Public Hearing closed. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M. .A� �-2� V - 11 G.E. CARTER, MAYOR ATTEST: EX -OFFICIO MY ICLERK PASSED and APPROVED this ay of , /,,� 1971. LERK'S REPRESENTATIVE 1 1 1