BUDGET WORKSHOP
APRIL 21, 2010
The workshop was called to order by President Rusas at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Councilmembers Present
President Theresa Rusas; Councilmembers Elizabeth Heer, Kevin Ziegler, Mike Glagola, Jerry Aubry, Jennifer Frankford, James Kovach
Township Boardmembers Present
Supervisor Don Green, Clerk Holly Brandt, Treasurer Cindy Dagenhardt, Trustees Dale Wiltse, Brien Worrell, William Mazzara and Randy Busick (7:05 p.m.)
Others Present
Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager, Becky Jacques, Treasurer/Financial Director; Chief Wayne Walli, Police Department; Ann Barnette, DDA Director
Police Department
Becky Jacques covered the tax revenue and went over the Fund Balance Projection as outlined on page 49 of the Narrative. The budget was based on the acceptance of the .8 mills in August and General Motors receiving only 40 percent reduction in tax payment. The contingency line item was revenue collected the first year that would be expended over the following six years.
Chief Walli was present to answer questions. He noted that costs have been reduced where possible, especially in department overtime. There are costs that the department has no control over, such as vehicle maintenance, phone contracts and utilities. The part-time records clerk position has also been eliminated.
Township Board members questioned the following issues:
- Whether Police Dept. Administrative personnel were taking the same cuts as the rest of the Police Dept.
- Was the building ladder a necessary expense.
- Could the phone system be used longer with salvaged parts.
- Which car would be replaced; can’t length of service for vehicles be extended.
- Could Administrative fees be reduced.
Chief Walli explained the need for the phone system update. The system has already been obsolete for the past three years, and the County has indicated they will no longer support the older system. Council did not feel comfortable using salvaged parts to keep the 911 system working. Walli stated there is grant money available for this update.
The request for car replacement was reduced to only one vehicle for this fiscal year. Chief Walli did not know at this time which car, if any, would need to be replaced.
Council agreed to remove the request for the building ladder from Capital Outlay ($10,000). It was noted that the Administrative personnel had not received raises for the last several years.
The Administrative fees cover costs for services Village employees do for the Police Dept., i.e. payroll, accounts payable, Manager’s time, and share in property maintenance.
Council and Township agreed to meet again to continue budget discussion.
Huron Valley Youth Assistance
Jessica Cronenwett provided Council with 2009 statistics and updated them on the 2010 projects to date. She stated a majority of their cases are referred by the schools and there has been a significant increase in the past year. HVYA is in need of more volunteer mentors. Ms. Cronenwett thanked Council for their support in the past through sponsorship and CDBG monies.
Mr. Shufflebarger stated the budget was reduced to $1,000 this year, and there would likely be another cut next year.
Huron Valley Council for the Arts
Lea Ohmer reviewed HVCA’s programs for Council. She stated they are receiving less funding from the State. Their main sources of funding come from private funding, fund raisers and grants. She thanked Council for their last ten years of sponsorship.
Mr. Shufflebarger stated their budget was also reduced to $1,000 this year, and there would probably be more cuts next year.
Downtown Development Authority
Ann Barnette, DDA Director, and Dale Feigley, DDA Chair, were present to discuss budget.
Ms. Barnette stated there was a reduction in revenue of six percent, which totals approximately $55,000. The total budget shows a reduction of $89,400 in expenses.
The main projects to be accomplished this year are the Motley lights project and providing a link from the bike path to downtown. The DDA is also working on placing bike racks throughout the downtown area.
Brownfield Authority
No changes.
Landfill
It is still unknown if the landfill will need to be capped or whether the Village will have to contribute to this cost.
Community Development Block Grant
Mr. Shufflebarger stated the sidewalk line item will probably go toward making the handicap sidewalk ramps ADA compliant. Haven and Ride with Pride are included in this years’ budget.
Transfers to Other Funds
Transfers are to the Retiree Health Care Fund and Major and Local streets.
General Fund Debt
The Capital Improvement bonds interest was based on five percent.
Retiree Health Care Fund
MERS trust fund for future retirees.
Beautification Commission
The B.C. had requested money for a second Village sign at the north entrance. This request was cut from the budget.
Forfeiture
Ms. Jacques stated this was an unknown amount each year. She was not sure at this time whether the DEA money that may be collected would go into this fund.
Deborah S. Frazer, Clerk
Village of Milford | 
