09-08-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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II Request for Council Action Continued September 4,1997Proposed 1998 Budget and Tax Levy - Resolutions 3.) The costs of fire service provided to Orono by the four fire departments have been increasing well beyond the general inflation rate. The proposed budget includes a 7.45% increase in fire service costs. B. Other General Fund Expenditure Increases 1. ) Planning intern: $14,000. The need for the planning intern is caused by a very high level of planning and zoning activity. This activity is producing additional revenue which will be used to fund the position. 2. ) Two position reclassifications have resulted in increased pay to reflect increased responsibilities (Deputy Clerk/MIS Assistant and Senior Planning Coordinator). 3. ) 3% general pay adjustment. Although this increase is higher than the current consumer price index, it is part of the second year of a two year agreement with the police officers. 4. ) Police longevity pay step increases. Five police officers will all receive step increases in the longevity pay schedule in 1998. Each step increase is a 2% increase in pay. The total cost of these increases is $5,000. 5. ) Police sergeant position. This position, which will be added in 1997, will add $6,000 to the police budget in 1998. 6. ) Increase of $10,000 in part time police officer pay. The need for additional part time officer hours to fill in on miscellaneous shifts has increased for two reasons. One, as officers increase in age and longevity, they accrue and use more vacation time. Because the department needs to maintain minimum staffing levels, these shifts have to be filled. It is most cost effective to fill them with part time officers. Two, as the area grows, the level of general activity increases. This keeps the shift officers busier and less able to provide requested services such as speed enforcement The part time officers are also used for these types of activity. 7. ) Elections related expenditures will increase $8,600 due to 1998 being an election year. New Program Options The Council has determined that the budget will include $20,000 for new programs, such as those listed below. The Council has not determined which specific programs will be funded.