Minutes from the Tuesday September 3, 2024 Finance Committee Meeting

[City Clerk]

Minutes from the Tuesday September 3, 2024 Finance Committee Meeting Present –Alderwoman Christia Simmons, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Finance Manager Christie Connor and City Clerk Susan Colden. There were no public comments. Alderwoman Simmons started with reviewing the expenditures for the capital outlay, ARPA, 1% Sales tax and CWEF funds. There may be funds available for repair of the storage tanks. Next, Alderwoman Simmons reviewed the May 30, 2024 P & L with a budget to actual comparison. Regarding the Auditor findings on the Millage. We submitted the required resolutions, advertisements, agendas and notice of public hearings and the Legislative Auditor found that the City did not use broadcast media, the agenda did not contain enough detail and the required ad was not run early enough. Therefore, the roll-forward was not accepted and the millage will reflect the adjusted rate. The City can repeat the roll-forward next year. The Mayor said he received a call from the attorney for the Judge Rogers Estate. They would like to donate the building to the City. There was discussion that the building is in very poor condition structurally and it would be impossible to secure it, there is a tree growing out the rear facing the park. The Mayor told the group that we did not want take possession without a plan. There was a discussion about blighted properties. The Mayor addressed security concerns for City Hall in light of the problems last week. Alderwoman Moore presented information regarding the Aldermen’s and Mayor’s salary. She said that her survey of area communities showed that our pay for the Aldermen was the lowest. She thought that the pay should be raised to reflect the efforts required and encourage more people to have interest to serve. Alderwoman Moore proposed $200 a month raise for the board and Mayor. Alderwoman Simmons said the timing of this may be bad. There was a brief discussion about the rate study. The Mayor suggested she speak to people in Alderwoman’s Moore’s Ward, to get input. The Mayor doesn’t feel it is a good time for the Mayor or Aldermen raise. Susan Colden briefly reviewed the utility status report with 1,915 customers and the billings and receivables are in line. The Sales tax is 8.88% higher than this time last year with the City receiving $100,340.09. The May 31, 2024 reconciled bank balances were revied as well as the cash flow Analysis. It was noted that $115,000 was transferred from 1% to General fund in August. The August A/P payables were reviewed. With no other business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.
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Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:




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Susan Colden City Clerk