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Ms. Rossi stated the total amount over the next two years is about $9 million. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern asked when the City would be looking at additional personnel <br />over and above what is predicted for the next two years. She had concerns related to <br />additional staffing needed for Parks, and the Cultural Fire House Arts facility should it <br />open by 2007. <br /> <br /> Mr. Fialho said that would come later. As programs come online and depending <br />on the improvement, he would return to Council as part of the mid-term budget to <br />request additional staff or through possible reorganization to support the services that <br />are coming online in the City. He said this is part of the ongoing two-year review and <br />any adjustments would be made to mid-term budget reviews. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern questioned the retiree medical reserve fund and whether it covers <br />the cost. <br /> <br /> Ms. Rossi responded that an actuarial report was prepared in 2004 and the <br />report indicated that the City was short approximately $10-12 million dollars in terms of <br />fully funding what the City has accrued to date. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern asked where the City would get these funds. <br /> <br /> Ms. Rossi said these funds are part of the operating budget that the City has built <br />in to continue to pay down the obligation and is part of what needs to be reviewed in the <br />long-term in terms of these costs. <br /> <br /> Mr. Fialho reiterated that the City has a long-term liability and over a set period of <br />time, money must be set aside to fund that long-term liability much like PERS is funded. <br />The City was within a couple million dollars of fully funding the medical reserve; <br />however, what has happened and is relayed in this budget message is that medical <br />costs have increased beyond inflation, which has eroded the City's fiscal position as it <br />relates to retiree medical, and the City must address this issue. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern asked if there was a cap on the retiree medical benefits. <br /> <br /> Mr. Fialho said there was no cap at this time. <br /> <br /> Mayor Hosterman acknowledged the $5.1 million temporary recession reserve <br />but wondered if it would behoove the City to think in terms of setting aside additional <br />funds. She wondered if there was an opportunity to take advantage of revenues and <br />talk in terms of placing additional funding aside. <br /> <br /> Ms. Rossi noted that it is important to look at specific funds when talking about <br />increasing reserves because many of these reserves increasing are part of the longer <br />term plans such as funding the City's replacement plans. As staff monitors the <br />economy and State budget impacts, if staff is concerned about something facing the <br />City, staff should recommend the City start increasing its reserves as an alternative. <br /> <br />City Council Workshop <br /> 9 06/08/05 <br /> <br /> <br />