HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session Budget Meeting 10-21-2005 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, October 21, 2005
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TOWN BOARD BUDGET STUDY
SESSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting
held at Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 21st day of October,
2005.
Committee: Mayor Baudek, Trustees Doylen, Homeier, Jeffrey-Clark,
Levine, Newsom and Pinkham
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Repola, Finance Officer McFarland,
Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2006 BUDGET PRESENTATION – RELATED FUNDS, ENTERPRISE FUNDS, AND
OTHER FUNDS.
Dir. McFarland handed out updated budget sheets that included all changes to date
within the General Fund.
Museum Special Revenue Fund: Dir. Kilsdonk noted O&M increases are due to
three major projects for 2006 – exhibit improvements, lighting system and
security system. An oral history program will be funded in 2006 with an NEH
grant and the mayor’s contingency. Sales continue to grow in the new bookstore
since the remodel and the addition of credit card sales. Coordinating with the
CVB to merchandise products in the new Visitor Center. Hydro plant programs
and tours continue to grow.
Senior Center Special Revenue Fund: Dir. Mitchell reviewed the fund, potential
County funding, and the lack of grant money (United Way). Personnel expenses
include $2,000 for the addition of a van driver, which will be reimbursed by the
users of the service.
CVB: Administrator Repola stated $90,000 would be transferred from the
General Fund to cover a short fall in this account for 2005.
Communications. 2006 budget reflects a 2% decrease from the 2005
budget. Mgr. Marsh reviewed major changes in the budget: print budget,
personnel costs, and market research. Phone answering line item will be
renamed to phone answering service (800 number).
Visitor Center. Mgr. Marsh reviewed the budget line items. The 2005
budget included the Lure piece and postage and the development of a
referral system that will not be repeated for 2006. A *** will be added to
the data processing software/equipment line item. The Visitor Center
purchases merchandise to be sold on site and includes branded material,
calendars, postcards, magazines and items from the nature association.
Retail sales of $25,000 will be added to the revenue line item for 2006. A
new 2006 fee structure will be proposed for the collection of fees from
businesses located outside town limits and are reflected in the revenue for
this fund. A discussion followed on the tools used to determine the
effectiveness of the marketing program. For every marketing dollar spent
$3 are spent in Estes Park.
Group Sales & Marketing. $4,000 has been transferred from the 2005
budget to the 2006 budget under Materials/supplies/postage for a group
brochure that was delayed a year. Miscellaneous revenues include
Town Board Budget Study Session – October 21, 2005 – Page 2
website fees and marketing fees for the citywide conventions. 2006
marketing program will focus on family reunions and wedding shows.
Special Events. Discussion was heard on:
Entertainment: 2005 budget increased with the Town providing
more funding than expected for the fireworks display on July 4th.
The American Legion will again sponsor the event in 2006.
Rooftop Rodeo: Committee has asked to increase the purse money
for 3 of the events in 2006, which would increase stock fees. The
increased fees would be recouped by increasing the ticket prices.
Shoulder Season: Discussion was heard on funding shoulder
season activities.
Scottish Fest: Staff will contact Dr. Durward to obtain sales tax
collected during the event.
Heritage Festival: $2,000 will be added to the budget.
Mayor Baudek announced a 10-minute recess at 9:55 a.m., and the meeting was
reconvened at 10:05 a.m.
Conference Center: In 1989, the Town entered into a 50 year lease
agreement with the Holiday Inn in which the Holiday Inn pays the Town
$21,000 for property tax. Staff will review this agreement to determine
how the revenue is tied to property tax and if it is a fixed amount for the life
of the lease. O&M includes the maintenance of all public areas and
includes replacement of carpet for the facility in 2006. Town pays for
utilities, insurance and property taxes for the center.
Transportation: Administrator Repola discussed the potential shuttle system
downtown for 2006. The RMNPS has played an integral role in coordinating the
effort. Funds will be placed in a special revenue or enterprise fund in the amount
of $125,000 for this pilot program.
Business Development: O&M includes $10,000 for the Northern Colorado
Economic Council (NCEC), a 5-year program to coordinate economic
development in our region. Estes Park joined the NCEC in 2005 to promote job
creation in Larimer County and market our region locally and nationally. The
Northern Colorado economy has been an indicator of Estes Park’s economic
health in the past.
Light & Power Fund: Dir. Linnane updated the Board on issues from the
previous study session (1) Cost to purchase brush grinder $30,000. Staff
recommends leasing the first year at $4,000 with lease payment applied to
purchase price. There would be an additional $1,000 in maintenance cost per
year. (2) Hybrid cars cost approximately $28,000 for a sedan, which is $10,000
more than the town currently pays. Dir. Linnane reviewed the fund, noting the
following budget highlights:
Electric Rate Increase of 2.5% included for 2006.
Mary’s Lake Substation Master Plan - $75,000.
Tree trimming project - $70,000.
Training budget increased.
Fund balance 10% increase from 2005.
Transfer to General Fund decreased from 9.5% to 9%.
Water Fund: Dir. Linnane reviewed budget comments, and highlights included:
Water line replacement projects - $150,000.
MIOX Technology System (liquid chlorine) to be produced instead of
chlorine gas currently in use.
2005 Fund Balance ahead of estimates for 2006.
Water supplies have continued to increase.
Park Entrance Estates: This fund consists of construction related
improvements and debit service. Bonds mature in 3 years with an assessment
on those properties.
Town Board Budget Study Session – October 21, 2005 – Page 3
Administrator Repola stated Community Service grants would be the first agenda item
at the next meeting.
The next Budget Study Session is scheduled October 28th, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 11:37 a.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk