The workshop was called to order by President Pro-Tem Rusas at 7:07 p.m. and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Councilmembers President Pro-Tem Theresa Rusas; Councilmembers Elizabeth Heer, Richard Kostin, Mike Glagola
Others Present Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager, Becky Jacques, Treasurer/Financial Director; Barb Rollin, Highland Senior Center; Robert Calley, DPS Director; Tom Mackenzie, WWTP
Senior Citizens Transportation/Ride with Pride
Barb Rollin was present to discuss the Ride with Pride budget. Barb stated the requests to use Ride with Pride have doubled from 2007 to 2008. She stated they are trying to come up with ways to raise money to help fund this program, since current funding is limited.
It is being considered to form a Transportation Authority for western Oakland County. An Authority would be able to apply for grants. The Community Mental Health Program would also contribute a substantial amount to the Authority because of their use of the transportation provided. An Authority would widen the area for transporting and would be open to anyone, not just handicapped and seniors.
Water/Wastewater
Becky Jacques stated the last water rate increase was in 2006. She is proposing an increase of 6.3 percent this year, and is recommending this being visited every three years. Ms. Jacques also stated tap fees are essentially gone, and an increase in the wastewater rate of 9.2% is also recommended. This total increase would average approx. $50 per year for a family of four.
Tom MacKenzie discussed wastewater costs with Council. Increases were noted in chemicals used. He stated they were looking into different types of chemical treatments. Building maintenance costs included replacing lights or installing motion sensors, which would bring energy savings.
Capital Outlay costs included roof repairs, replacement of a compressor, rebuilding secondary clarifiers, SCADA system improvements (which control the machines) and property acquisition.
The remainder of the budget session included discussion on the following departments: Civic Center, DPS, Street Lighting, Refuse Collection, Fleet Maintenance, Parks and Recreation, Major and Local Road funds.
Bob Calley stated he was looking at ways to cut budget items. Areas he was working on included engineering costs for bridge/dam inspections, chloriding and installing induction lighting. They were also selling used equipment (i.e. generator) on e-bay to generate revenue. The inmate services were also being cut from the budget.
The refuse/compost contract was discussed. Mr. Shufflebarger stated there was proposed Legislation that would allow compost to go to regular dumps, eliminating compost fees. Ms. Jacques reiterated that the second and third year projections of the budget shows we will not be able to cover the cost of the contract, stating a special assessment or fee on the water bill could be set to help with future cost deficiencies.
Mr. Calley stated the capital outlay item in Fleet Maintenance was to purchase a power washer.
Ms. Jacques stated almost a full mill is currently transferred from the General Fund, to maintain major and local streets. Mr. Calley stated the street line painting would be from normal contractor later in July. Contract Services budget listed in Major Street was to cover bills from Oakland County. He stated Oakland County does not give advance notice when they do work in the Village, and therefore it is hard to budget for this item. Snow and ice removal is another budget that is difficult to forecast. | 
