Council met on March 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm to discuss the financial position of the City. The General Fund had revenues of approximately $731,000.00 but expenditures of almost $820,000.00, leaving a negative balance close to $88,000.00.

Council was advised that this was normal for this early in the year. Last year’s figures were about the same.

Income tax revenues are about 5.3% above last year. Other tax receipts are about 3% higher but local government funding has dropped 8%. A windfall estate tax revenue helped brighten the picture some what as did the savings garnered by the lower gas prices.

With budget cuts made by Council earlier and the unexpected revenue increases, coupled with judicial spending in the future, the City has a good chance to have a balanced budget at the end of the year. Council is still looking at ways to save money, with hopes of increasing the Capital Improvement Fund to be able to move on some projects the City needs done.

Also discussed was a COLA of 2% for employees not covered by a bargaining unit. Mr. Kessler was concerned about the way it would be applied and did not think the time was right to implement a raise of any kind. After some discussion, Council entered chambers for the regularly scheduled meeting.
Council Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Hale at 7:30 PM. After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made to amend the agenda with the removal of a resolution. The motion was approved, as was the motion to accept the amended agenda.
Mayor Evan gave a proclamation making March American Red Cross Month in Tipp City.

A motion was made by Mr. Kessler to bring an ordinance concerning the pay schedule of Chapter 37 employees off the table. The ordinance had been tabled at the previous council meeting. The motion was approved. Mr. Lovett removed his sponsorship of the ordinance. The ordinance died for lack of a sponsor.

A resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit applications for stimulus monies for two projects was approved. Mrs. Blakey asked about the need for the quickness to apply and Council was told that all applications for stimulus money were time sensitive. Mr. Lovett expressed concern about the way the government was burdening future citizens with the cost but also knew that if Tipp City did not apply, someone else would get the money.

Three ordinances were presented for their first readings. The first ordinance established the new fees for the Aquatic Center. The second ordinance would remove electric utility charge from the General Rules and regulation and allow them to become part of the utility fee schedule. The third ordinance would amend the schedule of fees to include the increased electric fees.

A motion to accept the recommendations of the Tax Incentive Revue Council passed 6-0. Mrs. Blakey was the dissenting vote. A motion to hire part time and part time seasonal employees was presented. There were 25% less than last year requested. The motion passed 6-1. Mr. Kessler cast the dissenting vote.

A citizen expressed concern about a traffic pattern change on Bel Air Drive. The repositioning of two stop signs was causing a safety issue at that location. He was advised that the City Manager would look into it and get back to him. Mr. Lovett thanked the EMS team for their professional service this past week-end.

There being no further business to come before Council, the regular meeting ended and Council entered into Executive Session.