HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCM-08-28-78 MI~uT£S 0~ TN
CITY COBNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
August 28, 1978
The special meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7 PM by
Mayor Pickett, who presided. All members and Clerk-Treasurer were present.
Purpose of the meeting was to act upon 1979 budget ordinance and 1979 tax
levy ordinance.
Mayor Pickett stated before we got underway he would like to m~ke a statement and
read statement as attached to minutes.
Councilman Swift moved to adopt Ordinance ~D-183 establishi~ a tax rate of $1.~5,
Councilwoman Reiman seconded it.
Councilman G~rretson stated he thought at the time of the salary increases they
had mentioned items that could be pruned from the budget without going over our
$1.5~ or jeopardizing our operating budget. He ~tated he didn't feel anyone voted
on the pay raises with the thought they were goi~ to exceed the $1.~ rate, and
they merely as a technical matter went along with the $1.6~ rate as a measure
knowing we could prune it back. He stated he didn't apologize at all for the
raises because he felt the people deserved it and we had the money to do it and
to say the money is not there is inaccurate. The budget is padded and everyone
agrees it should be cut back.
Mayor Pickett stated he didn't think there was a~y dissension on trying to hold
the line on this.
Clerk-Treasurer stated the rate ordinance was the only thing binding tonight. The
budget ordinance can be cut after the State Board of Tax Commissioners hearing
and felt sure it would be near $~,000.
Mayor Pickett stated he had talked with the State Tax Board ~oday and they
indicated we had until Sept. 8th to change the ordinances.
Clerk-Treasurer stated the budget could always be reduced but could not be
increased.
Councilman Coots stated it would not serve a good purpose to cut the budget until
we know for sure what our assessed valuation will be.
Mayor Pickett stated on the $1.~ ordinance it was not necessary for him to sign it
tonight. There is a period of time that he has to sign it.
Councilman G~rretson asked what happened in l0 days if he didn't sign it.
Councilman Swift stated it was state law the Council had to act on the budget ~:.~:
ordinances tonight but he didn't know what would happen if the Mayor of a City
didn't go alo~with the ordinsnce on the deadline date what wotuld happen.
Mayor Pickett stated he felt it would be like anything else. If there was a veto
the Council could override it with a 2/3 majority vote.
P~ge 2
8/ 8/'78
Clerk-Treasurer stated everyone knew what was being presented tonight and now
at the last minute there is talk of not passing it. She stated this was
presented to the Co~ucil in July and there has been ample time to complete it.
Co~mcilwom~n Doane moved to suspend the rules for Ordinance #D-183, Councilman
Garretson seconded it ~nd it passed unanimously. Motion to adopt passed
unanimously.
Councilman G~rretson moved to adopt Ordinance #D-182 for individual department
budgets, Councilman Coots seconded it. Councilman Garretson moved to suspend
the rules, Councilwoman Reiman seconded it and it passed unanimously. Motion
to adopt passed unanimously.
Councilman Coots stated everyone should have received the letter from him
indicating he had found where McDonald's had agreed to establish separate
entrance and exit. Mayor Pickett stated he had not had a chance to get out
there yet.
Councilman Coots stated he h~d hot been able to locate ~ covenant or commitment that
was made to preserve the trees discussed at last Council meeting. Mayor Pickett
stated it seemed to him there was some discussion about the trees when
Tom Barnes put in the little shoppio~ center in Keystone Square.
Councilman Coots stated the ~E Committee would meet September 6th.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Approved:
~l~rt B. P~kett, Ma~or "/
Peggy Lou~ Sn~ith ' - '
Clerk-Treasurer
ALBERT B. PICKETT, MAYOR
AuguSt 28, 1978
CITY OF
CARMEL
40 EAST MAIN STREET
CARMEL, INOIANA 46032
BUDGET MESSAGE TO COUNCIL
The budget for 1979 as advertised has increased over the budget for
1978 to a level where it will in all probability require an increase
in rate of nine cents from the current rate of $ 1.55 to $ 1.64.
The major contribution to the high level of this proposed budget is
the excessive increase in salaries. The Council is well aware that
I did not approve of tkese increases, but did propose a 7% increase
across the board with some adjustments in certain salaries that were
underpaid for particular classifications. Similar adjustments in
salary were made in 1977 for officer grades in both POIice and Fire
Departments. The proposed 7% increase for salaries was adequate,
fair and within the estimated available funds. I propose that the
Council not approve the budget at the advertised rate, but recommend
that the Budget Committee meet with me and my staff and find meanS
of bringing this budget back in line with the $ 1.55 rate.
To do otherwise would set a precedent and this would be the first of
many steps in escalating the cost of government operations in the
City of Carmel. The message out of california with the enactment of
Proposition 13, which is spreading nationwide is very clear, "Economize
in government operations."
The assessed evaluation in Carmel in recent years has been increasing
approximately six million dollars annually. It is my opinion that we
should be able to stay within this increase, with the present rate,
and provide the necessary services, will you join me in working for
economy in government for the City of Carmel.
Albert B. Pickett
Mayor
City of Carmel