08.26.2003 Town Council Minutes Work SessionMinutes (approved 91912003)
t Work Session of the Prosper Town Council
601 South Church Street
' Prosper First Baptist Church Children's Building (South Wing)
h . Tuesday, August 26, 2003 - 6:30pm
1. Call to Order/ Rall Call.
Mayor Niswanger called the meeting to order at 6;42 p.m.
Mayor Charles Niswanger and Council Members Ane Casady, Karie Dalton, Michael Perry, and Lisa Dritschler
were present. Council Member Russell Kaker was absent.
The following Town staff was also present: Doug Mousel - Director of Planning/EDC and Interim Town
Secretary/Town Administrator; Kirk McFarlin, Police Chief; and Bill Little, Director of Public Works/Building
Inspections.
2. Discuss the proposed 2003.04 Fiscal Budget
Doug Mousel discussed the format of the budget. Doug Mousel indicated that new fund accounts would be
created to separate impact fees from the General and Water/Sewer Funds. The Street budget was reviewed. Bill
Little indicated that $191,664 would accommodate the Street Department, The Inspections budget was reviewed.
In order to accommodate a temporary clerk and the associated computer, it was suggested that $13,000 be added
to the Inspections budget. Bill Little indicated that the addition of the clerk would improve the efficiency of the
Inspections Department. Doug Mousel discussed he budget for Administration and explained the beginning
balance, the state fines carry over amount, and property tax amounts. Lisa Dritschler mentioned some possible
cuts that could be made from the Police and Fire budgets to balance the General Fund. Michael Perry opposed
the idea stating that he wants to provide Town staff with the tools they need to do their job successfully. Lisa
Dritschler questioned how the budget could be balanced. Lisa Dritschler and Michael Perry engaged in a
discussion about balancing the budget by cutting expenditures or by increasing revenues by increasing permit fees
and/or the tax rate. The Mayor stated that he wanted all Town departments to be able to operate efficiently and
safely, but that some cuts in proposed expenditures would need to be made. The Fire Department budget was
reviewed. Michael Perry asked if warning sirens could be included in a bond. Ane Casady suggested that life
insurance be extended to the Police Department, if it has not been already. The Council discussed revenues from
permit fees. An increase in permit fees was discussed. Bill Little suggested that the permit fees be increased to a
rate consistent with the IBC recommendation and other surrounding communities. The budget for the Planning
Department, the need for a Town Engineer, and a geographic information system were discussed. The proposed
budget cuts and additions were tallied and a deficit was identified. The Council requested that Doug Mousel meet
with the heads of each department to review potential budget cuts. The Council agreed to make final adjustments
to the budget at their August 27, 2003 meeting.
3. Discuss and possibly act to authorize the Mayor to take any and all actions he deems necessary to solicit
and/or interview individuals for the possible appointment and/or employment, on an interim or permanent
basis, to the positions of Town Secretary and/or Town Administrator.
No action 'taken.
4. Adjourn.
Motioned by Lisa Dritschler and seconded by Karie Dalton to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved by a vote of
4-0. Mayor Niswanger adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Attest:
Douglas Mousel, Interim Town Secretary
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