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TUESDAY, MAY 4. 1999 <br /> <br /> at 6.25% except for Sheriff's deputies at 13.6%. He then noted that a 2.95% salary increase was provided for <br /> <br /> in departments under the City Manager under one line item in the budget, and that each of the Enterprise <br /> <br /> Funds had a line item in their budget with the same level of increase. <br /> <br /> Council next considered the budget of the Circuit Court Clerk. It was noted that the same salary <br /> increase of 6.25% for other Constitutional officer's operations was provided in this office. Additional <br /> discussion took place concerning space needs, automation of records, audit practices and costs, and net local <br /> costs for operations. It was noted that net local costs for this office had gone down. <br /> <br /> Council next considered the budget of the Finance Department, as presented by Mr. Bartlett. Items <br />discussed included reorganization of functions involving Human Resources functions, increased travel and <br />training costs related to budget and accounting training, and an overall decrease in this budget area of 18.5%. <br /> <br /> Council next considered the budget for the Police Department. Police Chief David Edwards <br /> <br />presented this budget, and noted items such as new mobile data terminals for patroI officers, software <br />implementation challenges related to this technology, a new mobile precinct vehicle, the purchase of two <br />motorcycles, budget funds for the mounted police operations, challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified <br />personnel, and related compensation issues. Council Member Roop stated his belief that the current pay plan <br />was not effective for providing adequate stability and retention in law enforcement positions. Council <br />Member Haskell asked how the new House Bill 599 funds from the State would be used, and Mr. Reynolds <br />stated that there was no mandate that it be earmarked strictly for law enforcement purposes, and that it would <br />be placed in General Fund revenues. Mr. Reynolds noted that special consideration was being given to how <br />to best address the issues of personnel in the Police Department by he and the Human Resources staff. <br />Discussion then centered on the communications needs of the Police Department, and Council Member Roop <br />asked if the new mobile data terminals would eliminate the need for radios. He was told they would not, but <br />would greatly enhance secure communications capability. Vice-Mayor Teague asked that the City Manager <br />arrange for a demonstration of the new mobile data terminals in the near future, which Mr. Reynolds agreed <br /> <br /> Council Member Haskell asked about the $90,000 cost for overtime for police officers, and was told <br /> <br /> <br />