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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.