HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 09-20 FCM Financial Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
20 September 2010
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM by Mr. Newman.
Members Present: Commissioners Newman, Landis, Plunkett, Agbossou and Schueller and
Council Member Ryan. Staff present were City Manger Boganey and Director of Fiscal &
Support Services Jordet.
2. Agenda
Mr. Landis moved adoption of the Agenda. Mr. Agbossou seconded the motion. With all
voting in favor, the Agenda was adopted
3. Introductions and Materials
Ms. Plunkett and Mr. Agbossou were introduced as the most recent Commission appointees.
4. City Financial.Condition
Mr. Jordet briefly reviewed the status of the 2010 budget as of 30 August 2010.
5. 2011 Budget Status
Mr. Jordet reviewed the City Council actions on preliminary budget and preliminary tax levy
adoption. He also reviewed the remaining joint work session schedule and topics for
completion of the 2011 budget process.
6. Discussion of City Billing and Collections Practices
The City Council has asked that the Financial Commission review the collection of utility
accounts in order to discover whether there is a way to reduce the number and amount of
delinquent utility bills that must be assessed. Questions about the process included what
the current process is (explained by Mr. Jordet, what other cities do (suggestion that staff
check with the"comparison cities', what results do cities who bill on a monthly basis rather
than a quarterly basis get, what is the cost to the City for collections outside the regular
payment process, and what percentage of the utilities that are assessed are actually
collected? Several potential actions were discussed, including monthly billing, monthly
payment plans, credit card payments, ACH payments, an early pay discount, raising the
penalties for late payment, raising the fees for assessment of utility bills.There were other
questions about the demographics of the owners of properties that are assessed for non-
payment of utility bills. Staff will pursue responses to these questions and develop a report
to be delivered to the Financial Commission during the first quarter of 2011.
8. Adjournment
With no other business to transact, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.
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