1995 ADJ MIN JUN 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- shows an increase over last year's budget. City Clerk/Cemetery Manager Ramos explained that the salary account shows the vacant position still funded. She further explained that although it is not planned to fill the position at the present time, should the Cemetery's revenue picture improve and the position is not reflected as being funded in the budget, she would not be able to request filling the position. City Clerk/Cemetery Manager Ramos informed the Council that a new salesperson had been contracted with and that the Cemetery was aggressively marketing the Cemetery through the new salesperson and the Redevelopment Agency, in order to increase its annual revenue. Moved by Councilmember Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, to tentatively approve the Cemetery Budget. Motion carried. Mayor Fulp voting "no". Councilmember Bennett abstained. Electric Electric Utility Director Clarke presented the budget saying he would highlight a couple of items. Director Clarke said revenues have been estimated at $28.5 million, with expenditures in the Operating Budget of $22.3 million. He said the difference between the two lies in the Capital Improvement Program, which is subject to change pending the sales of the Electric Utility Revenue Bonds for the construction of the substation on the west side. Director Clarke stated the budget is balanced and that there is some surplus as well as contingency. He said the Department is funding a pending litigation in the amount of $250,000. Director Clarke said in addition, there are two positions that were requested that are not shown in the salaries portion of the budget. One of the positions was an additional meter reader, to implement the monthly billing system; this was approved by the City Council in Phase II of the Fiscal Health Plan at a salary of $32,000. The other request was for a distribution engineer to be hired after the January 1, 1996; this would be an additional $25,000. Director Clarke said the budget for the Electric Department was slightly less than last year due to a revision in the purchased power and to a reduction from 13% to 10% in calculating transfers to the General Fund. Councilmember Beltran asked for more information on the engineer position requested. Director Clarke said the Electric Utility is experiencing substantial growth on the system, in particular, the west side of the City which will require additional distribution. This would be for the hospital and the Portland Cement and it is the revamping of the system that will require the additional person. The department only has one engineer and he is already taxed to maximum. Director Clarke said he would like to see the current engineer have more time to do advance planning and the new hire be involved in the day to day operations. 3 Jut! 0 C� 1995