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1994.07.19_FAB_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING - MINUTES July 19, 1994 9:30 A.M. Chairman S. Myron Browner called the Regular Meeting to order in Commission Chambers at 9:30 A.M. Deputy Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. The Chairman, Vice Chairman Victor P. Hadeed and Members John R. DeMarco and Werner Wm. Rothenberg were present. Member Thomas J. Reid was absent. Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano and Finance Director Michael Seaman were also in attendance. Commissioner David Augenstein was in the audience. MINUTES Upon MOTION by MR. HADEED/MR. ROTHENBERG, the Minutes of the July 12 Regular Meeting were unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS/CORRESPONDENCE None. NEW BUSINESS (1) Conclude Review of 1994/1995 Fiscal Year Budget (2) Transmit recommendations to Town Commission Before starting discussions, Chairman Browner expressed his views regarding an increase in millage for the coming fiscal year as a means to accrue funds to meet possible demands in satisfying the recent judgment against the Town. He stated that he was against such action for several reasons: In his view, the Town has other resource options to pursue if need be, i.e., existing reserve fund or, perhaps, an interest -only bank loan given the Town's excellent longstanding financial performance. The Chairman also noted he was given to understand that any kind of increase in municipal taxes would create a real hardship for a certain segment of the Town's population, i.e., elderly on fixed incomes. In the course of his remarks, he also said he did not consider the judgment a "just debt," noting that none of the current Town Commission members, the Town Manager or those serving on various Town boards had anything to do with incurring it. The Chairman further noted that since settlement was still being negotiated, the timing for a millage increase might not be right, as it was also possible the Town might yet enjoy a favorable outcome, Financial Advisory Board Regular Meeting - Minutes July 19, 1994 Page 2 of 3 Town Manager Mariano's response included that while the FAB was privy to yearly budget figures and was responsible for reviewing same and making recommendations to the Town Commission, it was important to note that the Board members were not privy to the actions taken by the Town Commission or the Town Manager as regards the judgment, or the information that they may have about it. She also stressed that as Town Manager, it would be her fiduciary responsibility to strongly object to the use of the entire reserve fund to satisfy any part of the judgment, noting it was imperative that the majority of that fund remain intact for use in the event of disaster (hurricane, etc.). However, she did indicate it was possible a portion of the reserve fund would have to be used in regard to the judgment, in addition to funds realized from a millage increase. She also noted the heavy expense of financing a bond issue, should the Town decide to do so, and referred the members to the comparative cost sheet that Mr. Seaman had prepared in this regard. (Attached to and made part of these Minutes). Recommending that the members give full consideration to increasing the millage rate, which she deemed a necessity, Ms. Mariano further noted that since there will be no increase in county taxes this year, she felt the timing for the increase was right, making the transition for the Town's residents somewhat easier. (Comparison Millage Rate Sheet also attached to and made part of these Minutes). . Substantial discussion then took place regarding the efficiency of monies realized through increased millage being used exclusively for judgment expenses, rather than as a way to increase reserves in general. In conclusion, it was agreed that while the monies would be shown as a separate line item and put into a "legal contingency fund," they could be transferred out if it was decided that other uses were warranted. Continuing discussion of the total budget, it was noted that amended figures had been provided to reflect additional expenditures regarding the Town Manager's recently approved contract, as well as the promotion of one police officer. It was also noted that notification had been received from the City of Delray Beach that fire/rescue costs would be less than anticipated. Regarding revenues, the members were advised that final figures were not yet available. Vice Chairman Hadeed questioned the cash balance of $18,667 shown as brought forward on page 5 of "Revenues and Balances" [sub -object 38911, saying he thought it had been previously agreed that the Town would work with a balanced budget, not a deficit budget. After some discussion, it was agreed that the contingency would be reduced by this amount to create a truly balanced budget. Concluding review and discussion, appropriate MOTIONS were made as . follows: MR. HADEED/MR. ROTHENBERG: THAT MERIT RAISES BE BASED ON 5% MAXIMUM (Unanimous favorable vote). Financial Advisory Board • Regular Meeting - Minutes July 19, 1994 Page 3 of 3 MR. DE MARCO/MR. HADEED: THAT THE MILLAGE BE INCREASED .6338 TO A TOTAL OF 4 MILS. (Messrs. Hadeed, DeMarco and Rothenberg: AYE; Mr. Browner: NAY). MR. HADEED/MR. DE MARCO: THAT THE BUDGET BE AMENDED AND ACCEPTED WITH INCREASES AS NOTED. (Unanimous favorable vote) . [These recommendations will be transmitted to the Town Commission for their consideration.] There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned upon MOTION by MR. DE MARCO/ MR. ROTHENBERG at 10:25 A.M. dmt APPROVE: A" yr owner, Chairman VActor P. Hadeed, Vice Chairman u ATTEST:'- i DATE: /e''� U J hn R. DibMarco i Werner Wm. Rothen erg ''.:. JUL 9 19�4 SkA (S Millions) Underwriting** 67,500 (1.35%) 120,000 (1.20%) 165,000 (1.10%) Bond Counsel 25,000 27,500 30,000 Underwriter's Counsel 15,000 17,500 20,000 Rating -Agency 7,500 10,000 12,500 Printing 3,500 3,500 3,500 Trustee 2,500 ---- 3,000 3,500 121,000 (2.42%) ------------------ 181,500 (1.82%) ----------- ------- 234,500 (1.56%) . * Approximate ** includes broker sales credits, expenses and management fee. ' JUL 19 19% TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MILLAGE CALCULATIONS F/Y 1994/95 ROLLED -BACK RATE ESTIMATED TAXABLE VALUE 668,095,005 668,095,005 668,095,005 668,095,005 MILLAGE-GENERAL OPERATING 2.9650 3.4000 3.5000 3.7082 MILLAGE-DEBT SERVICE 0.2918 --------------------------------------------------------- 0.2918 0.2918 0.2918 TOTAL MILLAGE 3.2568 3.6918 3.7918 4.0000 TAXES LEVIED - OPERATING 1,980,902 2,271,523 2,338,333 2,477,430 TAXES LEVIED - DEBT SERVICE 194,950 --------------------------------------------------------- 194,950 194,950 194,950 TOTAL TAXES LEVIED 2,175,852 2,466,473 2,533,283 2,672,380 95% AD VALOREM TAXES 2,067,059 2,343,149 2,406,619 2,538,761 ESTIMATED DELINQUENT TAXES 200 200 200 200 OTHER REVENUES 1,151,962 1,151,962 1,151,962 1,151,962 TOTAL REVENUES --------------------------------------------------------- 3,219,221 3,495,311 3,558,781 3,690,923 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES 3,223,344 3,223,344 3,223,344 3,223,344 CONTINGENCY 100,000 --------------------------------------------------------- 100,000 100,000 100,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXP & CONT. 3,323,344 3,323,344 3,323,344 3,323,344 REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES (104,123) 171,967 235,437 367,579 CURRENT MILLAGE RATE 93/94 OPERATING 3.0580 DEBT SERVICE .3082 TOTAL 3.3662 CURRENT TAXABLE VALUE $643,839,112 0