HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/27/1977 (2)p a q
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 27, 1977
RECONVENED AUGUST 1, 1977
5:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Jason Luby
Mayor Pro Tem Eduardo E. de Ases
Council Members:
David Diaz
Ruth Gill
Bob Gulley
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
Edward Sample
�/CLc t t"
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend
City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock
City Secretary Bill G. Read
Mayor Jason Luby called the reconvened meeting of July 27, 1977 to order
in the Council Chamber of City Ball.
City Secretary Read stated that a quorum of required Charter Officers was
present to conduct a legally constituted meeting.
City Manager Townsend stated that the Regular Council Meeting of July 27
had been recessed and was reconvened for further consideration of5the budget adop-
tion for 1977-78 fiscal year. Be informed the Council that members of the staff
had worked long hours to review the proposed budget in relation to the decrease
in the tax rate in the amount of 104 which resulted in a revised tax revenue of
$1.44 per $100 valuation. -
City Manager Townsend further stated that the tax assessor had performed
a later processing of all accounts and the anticipated taxable property had been
increased by $15 million. Mr. Townsend presented the Council the following recom-
mendation for the 1977-78 budget revisions:
It is recommended that three cents of the ten cent reduction in the tax rate
be reduced from Debt Service and that the balance of the reduction come frau
the General Fund.
The Tax Office has advised that the final processing of all accounts
creased the estimated value by $15 million.
Original Tax Revenue at $1.54
Revised Tax Revenue at $1.44
Gross Reduction
Less Increase from Additional Value Not Allocated to
Debt Service ($15,000,000 x 1.44/100 x 59.85%)
Less 34 Reduction for Debt Service
($1,265,000,000 x 34/$100, less delinquencies)
Net Reduction of General Fund
Plus Addition of Art Museum Request
Plus Addition of Art Community Center Request
Total Reduction of General Fund
has in -
$19,107,000
17,902,000
$ 1,205,000
128,000
$ 1,077,000
v 360,000
$ '717,000
6,800
2,500
$ 726,300
I f
-dilutes ;i.ii
'Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
_ Page 2
In order to balance the budget, the recommended deletions from the General Fund
are summarized as follows:
Reduction
General Government $100,185
Police 64,600
Fire 82,968
Traffic Engineering 9,970
Inspections and Operations 108,912
Engineering 11,210
Street 97,618
Health 35,898
Library 36,033
Park and Recreation 68,541
Museums 5,600
Transfers to Other Funds:
Maintenance Services 15,201
Data Processing 23,000
Transit 28,248
Insurance 13,000
Reduction in Cost -of -Living Impact 25,800
$726,784
These deletions include $382,196 for personnel cost, $101,920 for capital outlay,
and $242,668 for materials, supplies and related costs.
City Manager Townsend presented the following breakdown of the recommended
budget revisions with related explanation and comments:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1. City Council
Delete the replacement typewriter ($800); reduce
printing and advertising ($1,000); reduce minor
office equipment ($200).
2. City Manager
Delete the replacement typewriter ($800); reduce
telephone and telegraph ($100); reduce operational
travel ($100).
3. Budget and Evaluation
Delete one replacement typewriter ($800); reduce
temporary clerical assistance ($100); reduce
rentals ($100); and reduce travel ($200).
4. Information Services
Limit employee newsletter to six editions•($1,500);
reduce pictures and photographic work ($500); and
delete air conditioner/heater for dark room ($250).
5. Municipal Court
Assume data processing conversion will be completed
by 2/1/78; therefore delete one Clerk I, grade 8,
affective 8/1/77 ($7,235); and two Clerk II, grade
10, affective 2/1/78 ($7,800); also delete carpet
and painting in Judges office ($1,500).
$ 2,000
1,000
1,200
2,250
16,535
•
Mi. .s
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 3
In regard to Item 5, Municipal Court, Council Member Diaz inquired if the
employees' positions proposed to be deleted are presently -filled.
City Manager Townsend stated that these positions are presently filled,
but every effort will be made to place the employees in other positions within
the City, hopefully at the same salary grade.
6. Director of Finance
Reduce membership and training travel ($1,000); and
provide an Administrative Assistant (Grade 27) in
place of an Investment Analyst (Grade 28) ($700).
7. Internal Audit
Delete card storage cabinet ($300).
8. Accounting
Reduce equipment maintenance ($250).
9. Federal Grant Accounting
Reduce travel ($50).
10. Collection Section
Delete one replacement calculator ($350); delete
two replacement file cabinets ($850).
1,700
300
250
50
1,200_
11. Tax
Cancel plans to install and rent a supplemental
security system ($700); delete two replacement
calculators ($650). 1,350
12. Legal
Reduce operational travel ($1,000) and delete file
cabinets and insulation for mag card typewriter ($700).-- 1,700
13. Elections
. • Hold bond and'annexation elections on the same day,
November 8, 1977 ($18,550). 18,550
14. Planning and Urban Development
Delete Planning Technician II, grade 22, ($13,100);
delete Senior Clerk -Stenographer, grade 14, ($9,050);
delete reprinting of Zoning Maps ($7,000); reduce -
travel allocation ($1,600); delete printing calculator
($350). 31,100
15. Housing Improvement
Delete Senior Clerk -Typist, grade 12; ($8,500); defer
replacement of one car ($3,300). 11,800
16. Personnel
Reduce printing and advertising ($1,000); and reduce
office supplies ($2,000). 3,000
17. City Hall
Delete one Custodial Worker, grade 7, ($6,200). 6,200 •
Total General Government $100,185
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 4
In regard to Item 13 under General Government, Mayor Luby stated his strong
opposition to conducting a bond election and annexation election on the same day.
City Manager Townsend pointed out that this would represent a.savings to
the City of approximately $18,550.
POLICE
1. Administration
Delete Police Legal Advisor, grade 31, ($21,850);
delete Senior Clerk -Typist, grade 12, ($8,800);
delete replacement of legal Advisor car ($3,300);
delete purchase of legal periodicals ($400);
- qualify every police officer on pistol range
every two months rather than once every month
($2,000).
•
2. Patrol
$ 36,350
Delete two patrolmen by reducing police personnel
at the jail ($25,900); delete one sniper rifle ($450). 26,350
3. Building Maintenance and Operation
Reduce level of telephone service ($1,000). 1,000
4. Community Services
Delete 3 motion picture films for public
presentation ($900).
Totai Police
900
•
64,600
In regard to the deletion of the two patrolmen in the Police' Department
budget, Council Member Diaz inquired if this would necessitate termination of
employees presently employed.
City Manager_ Townsend stated that this will not represent terminations
but would just affect prospective personnel in the next class to be conducted.
FIRE
1. Administration and Training
Delete one Captain ($16,883) $ 16,883
2. Communications
Delete one Captain ($16,685) 16,685
3. Nueces County Rural Fire Prevention District #1 (Annavilie)
Terminate City payment ($3,000). 3,000
4. Flour Bluff Station
Terminate City contract ($35,783); cancel related
insurance for volunteers, liability, and vehicle
(physical damage) ($1,042).
36,825
5. Fire Prevention .
Reduce allocation for cutting fire breaks ($2,000) 2,000
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 5
6. Fire Stations
Reduce quantity of fire hose to be purchased:
2,150' of li" ($2,575); 1,500' of 3" ($4,500). 7,075
7. Apperatua and Sham
Reduce maintenance materials ($500). 500
Total Fire
82.968
In regard to Items 3 ayd 4 of the Fire budget, City Manager Townsend stated
that these volunteer fire departments exist under State law. He pointed out that
these are separate governmental entities, and it is assumed that the Annaville dis—
trict will have a substantial increase from the County.
In regard to the Flour Bluff Volunteer Fire Department, City Manager
Townsend pointed out that the City's Flour Bluff Station is only four blocks away,
and if Flour. Bluff residents wish to retain the Volunteer Station, it would be
necessary to levy a tax. Mr. Townsend also stated that the Volunteer Fire Depart—
ment basically fights brush fires.
Mayor Luby stated that he feels that the Flour Bluff Volunteer Fire Department
has been quite an asset to the City in assisting in combating brush fires and
recommended that funds for these two volunteer stations should not be eliminated
from the budget.
City Manager Townsend stated that funds for both were in the original
budget, but something had to be deleted.
TRAFFIC ENGIREERIFG
1. Office and Surveys
Delete one file cabinet ($200) $ 200
2. Traffic Signals
Delete base radio and two portables ($4,545)
and a workbench and stool ($375)
3. Street Lighting
Turn off 507. of the lights at the Padre Island
Drive and Highway 44 intersection ($3,000) and
delete new lights proposed for Everhart Road
(6 near Saratoga), Starlite Road south of
Leopard (3 new and 6 replacement), and 10
individual locations ($1,300).
4,920
4,300
4. Planning and Design
Delete a drafting table ($350) and -reduce fuel ($200). 550
Total Traffic Engineering 9,970
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 6
INSPECTIONS AND OPERATIONS
1. Sanitation Office
Delete one-third of Maintenance Services Center
Custodial Worker ($2,344).
2. Collection, Brush Collection and Refuse Disposal
Delete equipment for pilot paper salvage program
($11,000); provide no garbage collection service
on any of the city's six holidays (overtime
salaries - $23,168; fuel - $1,200)
3. Refuse Disposal
Delete the used compactor scheduled for purchase
($58,950)
4. Building Inspection
Delete two lateral file cabinets ($400).
5. Auditorium •
Delete 24-hour custodial/watchman capacity by
deleting two custodians* ($8,300); delete
pick-up truck ($4,000) and fuel ($150), and
substitute a car allowance (add $600).
*two positions for six months.
$ 2,344 '
35,368
58,950
400 _
11,850 •
Total.Inspections and Operations 108.912,
City Manager Townsend explained that Item 2 would eliminate the usual garbage
pickup on holidays, thus eliminating the overtime paid for sanitations crews who have
to work on the holidays.
Mayor Luby objected to the deletion of the 24-hour custodial/watchman pro-
posed to be eliminated in Item 5, Auditorium, indicating that he feels that the build-
ing should be protected.
$NGpING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Property and Land Acquisition
Delete one Land Acquisition Agent II, grade 25 ($13,710);
but provide property management materials and supplies
inadvertently omitted ($2,500). $ 11,210
Total Engineering and Physical Development
STREET
1. Office and Yard
Reduce overtime ($2,000); and delete one-third
of expenditures for janitorial service ($2,344)
$ 4,344 '
2. Concrete Maintenance and Utility Cut Repairs
Reduce materials ($2,000) 2,000
11,210
Minutes ,
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 7
STREET (continued)
3. Drainage
Delete one nine -man crew and related operating
expenses; 1 Equipment Operator III, grade 21,
($11,744); 1 Street Foreman, grade 15, ($9,741);
1 Equipment Operator, grade 11, ($8,037); 4 Truck
Drivers, grade 9, ($29,306); 2 Crewmen, grade 7,
($14,021); materials, supplies, and maintenance
($18,425).
Total Street
$ 91,274
9,618
In regard to Item 3 under Street, City Manager Townsend explained that the
elimination of the drainage crew would reduce the level of service for cleaning
ditches. -
Council Member Lozano made the observation that the drainage problems will be
worse rather than improved, and City Manager Townsend indicated that this would be
correct. -
Council Member Gill inquired if the employees of this crew would be dismissed,
and City Manager Townsend stated that most of the employees affected would be trans-
ferred to other positions, but a few of them might have to take a decrease in salary.
Mayor Luby stated that he did not feel that the drainage crew should be elim-
inated.
jiEALTu AND WELFARI
1. Nursin
Delete additional Public Health Nurse II ($14,788);
and Community Service Aide ($7,160). $ 21,948
2. Environmental Health
Reduce car allowance allocation ($1,200) 1,200
3. Laboratory 150
Reduce travel ($150).
4. Mental Health
Reduce city' participation in MHMR program to
1976-77 level.
5, veterinary Services •
Reduce allocation for use of veterinarian ($1,000)
6. Health Office $uilding
Delete one Custodial Worker, grade 7, ($6,600)
Total Health and Welfare
5,000
1,000
6.600
35,898
.antes .
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 8
MAIM
1. La Retama
Delete Senior Library Aide, grade 10, ($7,447); delete
one Librarian II, grade 25, ($14,500); reduce office
supplies ($1,500)
$ 23,447
2. Parkdale
Delete part-time (1 -time) Library Aide, grade 4,
($1,986); delete proposed interior painting
($2,500); reduce books ($5,000). 9,486
3. Greenwood
Delete non-public area painting ($2,600); reduce
office supplies ($500). 3,100
Total Library
PARR AND RECREATION
1. Office of Director
Reduce level of office repairs ($1,500); reduce
rentals by cutting number of paging units and,reducing
use•of copying machine.($1,000).
2. Park Maintenance
Delete Weed Control Foreman, grade 15, ($10,685);
delete Weed Control Equipment Operator, grade 11,
($8,450); delete Weed Control Gardner I, grade 10,
($7,196); as a result of Weed Control deletions,
retiring a 1/2 -ton pickup and reducing use of a
tractor mower and a trash truck ($4,500).
$ 2,500
30,831
3. Recreation Centers
Reduce Overtime 910
4. Aquatics
Close all pools on Mondays which will reduce personnel
costa of Pool Managers, grade 9, ($3,645); lifeguards,
grade 6, ($14,320); and cashiers, grade 5, ($3,135);
there will also be a reduction in power costs ($5,600);
utility costs ($3,000), and recreational supplies
($300); Reduction of overtime ($1,300).
5. Oso Golf Course
Reduce level of maintenance materials ($1,000);
vehicle maintenance ($1,500); contractual maintenance
($500).
31,300
3.000
36.033
Total Park and Recreation 68.541
In reference to Item 4 under Park and Recreation, City Manager Townsend stated
that closing the pools on Monday would result in quite a savings, and this is the
practice in a number of cities.
Mayor Luby stated that he is opposed to closing the pools one day a week,
indicating that he feels it would be unfair to the children.
Council Member Diaz suggested that the hours the pools are now open be shor-
tened to effectuate the savings.
Minute..
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 9
City Manager Townsend stated that it had been determined that the pools are
used less on Mondays than any day of the week; therefore, this was the recommendation
of the Park Department.
1. Corpus Christi Museum
Reduce allocation for new exhibits ($2,500); reduce
level of building and equipment maintenance ($2,000);
reduce car allowance ($100); reduce printing and
advertising ($1,000) $ 5,600
Total Museum 5,600
TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNS
1. Maintenance Services
Delete 1 Custodial Worker, grade 7, ($7,132 less
$4,688 allocated to Sanitation and Street)($2,444);
revise price on pick-up ($467); delete one vehicle
and related operational cost ($4,600); delete one
Garage Serviceman 1, grade 9, ($7,690).
2. Transit
Reduce Saturday service on the Arboleda and Agnes
Ruth routes; delete service to Village on the Green;
and provide service only during peak hours on Beach,
Leopard, Shannon-Gardendale and Lynwood -Los Encinos
routes ($33,696)
Reduce radio and vehicle maintenance ($7,000); reduce
rentals and telephone ($1,000); reduce fuel cost •
($10,000); and reduce overtime ($4,800)
Total
Less 50% Federal Share (UNTA)
Net reduction in General Fund Transfer
3. Data Processing,
Retain one Programmer/Analyst on CETA and one on
a Traffic grant ($23,000)
4. Insurance
Reduction in group life and health ($8,000) and in
workman's compensa'ion ($5,000) premiums as a result '
of the reduction in force.
OTHER
Reduction in the impact of the 6.7% cost -of -living
adjustment as a result of the reduction in force.
$ 33,696
22.800
$ 56,496
28,248
15,201
28,248
23,000
13,000
25,800
TOTAL $726,784
_nutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 10
City Manager Townsend presented the following summary of decrease in person-
nel included in'the staff's recommendation in the revised budget:
Cost
Activity/Department Positions Reduction
Maintenance Services
Fire
Transit
Auditorium
Municpal Court
Custodial Worker(1)
$ '7,132
Service Station Attendant 7,690
Captain, Administration and Training 16,883
Captain, Communications 16,685
2 Operators $13,800 x .5 = 6,900
2 Custodial-Watchmen(2) 8,300
Clerk I(3) 15,035
2 Clerk II's(3) -
Planning and Urban
Development Senior Clerk Stenographer 9,050
Planning Technician II 13,100
Housing Improvement Senior Clerk Typist 8,500 -
City Hall Custodial Worker • 6,200•
Police Legal Advisor ' 21,850
Senior Clerk Typist 8,800
2 Patrolmen _25,900
Engineering,
land Acquisition Agent II 13,710
Health Public Health Nurse II _ 21,948
Nurse Aide
Custodial Worker - 660n
Library Senior Library Aide 7,447
Librarian II 14,500
Part-time Junior Library Aide 1,986
Park and Recreation Equipment Operator 8,450
7 Lifeguards
1 Pool Manager 21,100
1 Cashier
Weed Control Foreman 10,685
Gardener 1 - 7,196
Director of Finance Provide Administrative Assistant,
Grade 27, in lieu of an Investment
Analyst, Grade 28 700
Data Processing Retain a Programmer/Analyst on CETA
and one on a traffic grant 23,000
, Mit
Regu�.ar Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 11
Activity/Department
Street -Drainage
Cost
Positions Reduction
Equipment Operator III $ 11,744
Street Foreman - . 9,741
Equipment Operator - 8,037
4 Truck.Drivers 29,306
2 Crewmen 14,021
TOTAL $382.196
(1) $2,344 is allocated to the Sanitation Office and $2,344 is allocated to
• Street.Office and Yard. .
(2) Two positions for six months.
(3) Assuming their conversion to data processing is completed.by February 1, 1978.
City Manager Townsend stated that the following Alternate Budget Revision
had been prepared for the Council's consideration: -
1. Substitute one Executive Secretary, grade 18, and one -
Senior Clerk -Stenographer II, grade 16, for two Assistant
City Secretaries, grade 32.
•
2. Close Municipal Court at 6:00 p.m.
Reducing the hours Municipal Court stays open by two
hours a day would result in the deletion of the night
supervisor, Principal Court Collector, one Judge, and
one Warrant Officer serving as Court Bailiff and some
reduction in operational costs. However, this re-
duction in hours could affect collections adversely
resulting in an increased workload for the warrant -
serving section. -
3. Request school district to support 507. of cost of school
safety patrol.
Such support will result in a savings in 'salaries
($78,102) and related operating costs ($2,140). This
request will require negotiations with the school
district.
4. Increase estimated revenues based on the assumption that the
annexation election is held in November and passes. Increased
revenue from sales tax, utility franchise payments, licenses,
and permits, not including property tax or Hotel -Motel tax,
is approximately $5,000 per month.
5. Reduce Industrial Development to last year's level by de- •
creasing advertising'and travel.
6. Deletion of proposed public official liability insurance
7. Eliminate the Beach, Leopard-Calallen, Schanen-Gardendale
and Lynwood -Los Encinos bus routes.
Eliminating the remaining services to these areas would
impact costs as follows:
Savings
Lost Revenue
Less 507. federal share
'Dotal Reduction of General
Fund Transfer
$52,000
27,800
$24,200
12,100
12,100
$ 18,000
41,700
80,242
40,000
7,000
27,750
12,100
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 12
8. Close Violet Road Pool $ 9,300
Closing Violet Road Pool will result in 3 fewer lifeguards
($5,000) and a decrease of ($4,300) and related.operating expenditures.
During the 1976-77 fiscal year the pool was visited by
2,242 adults and 4,436 children. With the closing of the
Violet Road Pool, it is assumed most of the pool's visitors
will use the West Guth Pool which is approximately 11 miles
from the Violet Road Pool.
9. Delete one Street Sweeper and related costs
Reducing the street sweeping cycle to cover the city every
30 to 40 days instead of the current 21 to 30 days would
result in the deletion of one street sweeper crew con-
sisting of one Equipment Operator, grade 11, and a reduction
in related operational costs.
10. Reduce debt service another $.01, reducing.bond sale capacity
by almost $2,000,000
•
11. Continue to maintain the existing City Hall air conditioning,
rather than replace. $65,000 less $10,000 more maintenance).
12. Reduce Street Rework program goal by 1/3 (85,000 -square yards) •
A reduction in the level of. street maintenance by reducing
the annual street rework program goal of 250,000 square
yards to 165,000 would result in the deletion of one 6 -
man crew consisting of one Equipment Operator IV, grade 24,
one Equipment Operator III, grade 21, and four Equipment
Operator, grade 11, positions and a reduction in expenditures _
for materials and operation and maintenance of vehicles.
13. Close all recreation centers on Monday
By closing centers on one day, staff can be reduced by one
Recreation Coordinator II, grade 18, ($11,106) and one
Recreation Coordinator I, grade 16, ($7,232). The City
will also recognize electrical savings ($5,500), utility
savings ($1,000) and -savings in recreational supplies
($800). Recreation classes will be rescheduled on other
days so the effect on anticipated revenues will be negligible.
14. .Terminate Community Enrichment Support to Outside Groups
• Discontinue'city support of the symphony ($12,000) and •
Japanese Art Museum ($5,000).
15. Turn off 100 street lights on Collector Thoroughfare .8,900
16. Defer salary increase $53,800 per pay period.
17. Annual cost of deleting one Patrol car from operation $ 91,900
By subtracting one Patrol car from police operations, 8
patrolmen would be deleted ($85,000) fuel and lubricant
costs would be reduced ($2,800) as would vehicle repairs.
($2,600) and other various operating costs ($1,500). The
impact of the reduction will be slower response time to
crimes which will result in a general decline in security.
20,000
120,000
55,000
120,000
25,638
17,000:
18. Amending the compensation plan to delete the floating holiday
would have a total impact of $80,000 of which $40,000 would
be reflected in the General Fiend.
40,000
f
MI
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 13
19. Reduce library book purchases by $15,000.
At an average cost of $12.50 per volume, a $15,000 reduction
in book purchases would result in approximately 1,200 volumes.
20. Delete one in-service ambulance
Six Emergency Medical Technicians $81,121
Chemical and Household Supplies 43
Clothing 872
Fuel and Lubricants . 2,200
Minor Tools and Equipment 100
Maintenance Materials 57
Vehicle Repairs 2,860
Building and Equipment Maintenance 171
Total Reduction -$87,424
City General Fund Contribution
Reduction (50% of total) $43,712
The deletion of one in-service ambulance will result in increased ' -
response time.
21. Close Fire Station #6
Three Captains, three Firefighter II's,
and six Firefighters $172,989
Chemical and Household Supplies 833
Clothing 1,822
Fuel and Lubricants 600
Minor Tools and Equipment 250
Office Supplies 100
Maintenance Materials 375
Light, Heat and Power 2,890
Utilities, City 1,665
•
Vehicle Repairs 1,110
Building and Equipment Maintenance 1,750
Total Reduction $184,384
The closing of Fire Station #6 would result in an increased area to be
served by each of the remaining eleven stations. In addition, it would
result in a reduced ability for stations to back-up other stations
whose personnel are involved in firefighting.
43,712
184,384
City Manager Townsend summarized by stating that the recommended budget
revisions include the elimination of approximately 40 positions.
Mayor Pro Tem de Ases stated that he assumed that the Staff would like to
have a budget adopted today but inquired if it would be possible for the budget to
be amended later by the Council.
City Manager Townsend informed him that this would be possible as long as
the substitutions are in the same fund.
Mayor Pro Tem de Ases indicated that he approves of Item 3 of the alternate
budget revisions, which recommends that the school district be requested to support
50% of the cost of school safety patrol, and recommended that this matter be pursued.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 14
Mayor Luby inquired about the reference to "new source of income" and asked
for an explanation of this.
City Manager Townsend stated that the Director of Finance would be required
to certify that such income received by the City is greater than that which was
anticipated. Mr. Townsend mentioned that examples of unanticipated income are the
increased Airport income from the lease with Southwest Airlines and the gas lease
which was approved on July 27.
Council Member Lozano stated that he was opposed to the elimination of one
patrol car from the Police Department.
City Manager Townsend stated that there are no alternatives in Police and
Fire Departments except the elimination of employees. He stated that the staff
felt that rather than operating with three-man crews, it would be preferable to
eliminate an entire crew in the Fire Department. .
Mayor Pro Tem de Ases pointed out that the largest item in the budget deals -
with the cost -of -living increase. He stated that he does not want to delay appro-
val of this budget by going into a long discussion, but he indicated that he would
like to discuss the possibility of setting the salary increases for City employees
on a sliding scale in order to grant larger increases to lower income employees and
less to employees with higher incomes.
Mayor Luby questioned Item 1 of the alternate budget revisions and stated
that if this would affect the Mayor's Office, in regard to elimination of the
Assistant City. Secretary's position, then he would be opposed to this item.
City Manager Townsend explained that the alternates are not listed in any
kind of order of priority and assured Mayor Luby that these are presented as options
to be considered by the Council. He stated that the only reason these two positions -
were listed as alternates is because they are presently vacant positions.
Council Member Gill stated that she approved of the Item 11 on the alternate
budget revision list, which recommends the continuation of maintenance to the
existing City Hall air conditioning rather than replacement. Council Member Gill
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 15
questioned Item 6 of the alternate budget revision list, regarding the deletion of
the proposed public official liability insurance.
City Manager Townsend explained that this item was included in the budget
but no recommendation has been made for the adoption of such liability insurance.
Mr. Townsend further stated that this item had been included in the original budget
in the event the Council decides to approve a recommendation for the insurance.
Mayor Luby expressed his opposition to deleting this item, emphasizing that
public official liability insurance is becoming more and more necessary.
Council Member Gill questioned the 6.7 cost -of -living increase proposed for
all City employees, mentioning that she had inquired about the possibility of a
salary increase on a eliding scale so that employees earning a smaller salary would .
receive a larger.lncrease than those employees in a higher income bracket. She
reminded City Manager Townsend that she had suggested this before but was told that
it would not be feasible because it would detract from the salary structure. -
City Manager Townsend assured her that he had not intended to give her the
impression that the compensation plan cannot be changed by the Council.
Motion by de Asea that the Staff recommendations for the revision of the
1977-78 Budget, as outlined on Page 1 of the City Manager's memorandum addressed
to the Council, (listed on Page 1 and 2 of the minutes) be approved; seconded by
Sample.
Council Member Gill inquired if it would be possible for the Council to
substitute some of the alternatives discussed at a later date, even if this budget
is approved. City Manager Townsend assured her that it would be possible.
Mayor Luby called for the vote on Mayor Pro Tem de Ases' motion. The
motion was approved by the following vote: de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano
and Sample voting "Aye"; Luby voting "No".
City Manager Townsend presented the ordinances setting the tax rate to be
levied and approving the budget for 1977-78.
Mayor Luby declined to suspend the Charter Rule and declare emergencies
on the two ordinances.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 16
Discussion followed in regard to the effect on the City if the budget is
not adopted prior to August 1, 1977. -
City Attorney Aycock stated that the City Charter is not clear on this in
that it specifies that the City Council shall remain in session until the budget is
adopted, but it also states that if the budget is not adopted prior to the August 1
date, the City must operate under the old budget for the entire year. Mr. Aycock
stated that the only way this ambiguity will be eliminated is through a test case
in court.
Mayor Luby inquired as to the number of people in the audience who were
there in regard to the budget. Two people responded by raising their hands. Mayor
Luby stated that he preferred to have the ordinances on three readings in order to
provide an opportunity for more citizens to express their opinions on the budget.
Council Member Diaz asked if it would not be assumed that the budget had
been adopted if the Council approves it on the first reading.
'Mayor Luby stated that his interpretation of the City Charter indicates
that the,old budget shall remain in effect only until the new budget is adopted.
Council Member Sample stated that he feels that the City should not have
to go to court on every issue that comes up. -
City Secretary Read polled the Council, and the following ordinances were
approved on first reading by the following vote:
FIRST READING:
PRESCRIBING THE TAXES TO BE LEVIED, ASSESSED AND COLLECTED BY THE CITY OF CORPUS
CHRISTI, TEXAS, FOR THE YEAR 1977 AND FOR EACH SUCCEEDING YEAR THEREAFTER UNTIL
OTHERWISE PROVIDED AND ORDAINED AND SUCH OTHER YEARS AS THE SAME MAY BE APPLICABLE;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading
by the following vote: de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye";
Luby voting "No". -.
FIRST READING:
APPROVING CITY.OF CORPUS CHRISTI BUDGET FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
AUGUST 1, 1977, AND ENDING JULY 31, 1978, ACCORDING TO THE CITY CHARTER FOR PURPOSE
OF FILING ADOPTED BUDGET WITH STATE COMPTROLLER AND COUNTY CLERK UNDER TEXAS BUDGET
LAW, BEING SUBJECT OF APPROPRIATION HEREUNDER OF MONIES FOR SAID BUDGET; PROVIDING
SAVINGS.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading
by the following vote: de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye";
Luby voting "No".
MJCROFILME,
SEP 03 i980
4.0
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 27, 1977
(Reconvened August 1, 1977)
Page 17
There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by
Gulley, seconded by Diaz, and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting of
July 27, 1977 was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. August 1, 1977.