Minutes
Special Meeting
Meeting called to
order:
Members Present: Trustee Lee Kehoe, Trustee Lynda Bowers, Trustee Donald Butler, Fiscal Officer Shirley Bailey.
Mr. Kehoe explained that this meeting was called to review the proposed tax budget for 2009 that is to be presented to Medina County Auditor by July 20th .
Mr. Kehoe asked about the difference in figures from the
Proposed Tax Budget column titled Current 2008 and the Appropriations figure
for
Ms. Bowers asked about the Capital Outlay line. There is a $465,226 number estimated for 2009 for the Fire Department. Ms. Bailey stated that this figure is an estimate. The system takes into account the $750,000 that has been set aside for the department. By putting the $750,000 aside, the UAN system calculates the amount of Capital Outlay at a high rate.
Ms. Bowers asked to elaborate on this subject. On the Budget Review Hearings that are held after the Proposed Tax Budget is received by the County, Ms. Bowers sent each Trustee a verbatim transcript of what was actually said in the meeting. It had been alluded that the Budget Commission is going to pull the funds and stop the collection of the funds for the Township if construction or plans were not presented. It takes a lot of money to build a building and the township is just finishing the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Bowers stated that she has previously asked the board to consider setting aside an amount closer to what the amount to build the building would actually be. That would demonstrate the need. By leaving the $250,000 unmarked for the building purpose, there is a chance that the Budget Commission may look at that and determine it is not needed. The auditor’s office does not have the authority to make this decision on their own. The decision would have to be made with the approval of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office. Ms. Bowers would like to demonstrate the need within this Proposed Tax Budget for 2009. Mr. Kehoe asked Ms. Bowers what her point was. Ms. Bowers replied that she had asked Ms. Bailey in open meeting if $1,000,000 more accurately reflected the amount being held. Ms. Bailey had indicated it did. Ms. Bowers feels this is the number that should be used in the Proposed Tax Budget instead of $750,000. This is a significant difference. Ms. Bowers asked Mr. Thorne if that information would make a difference to him. Mr. Thorne replied that he would want to see some figures to indicate why the amount is being saved and asked if those figures could be obtained from other fire departments that have recently built buildings.
Mr. Kehoe asked what this would do to the Capital Outlay – Other line when this amount is increased. Ms. Bailey replied that the amount would be increased, but all of these amounts are just estimates. Ms. Bailey stated that the amount could be put into other figures within the expenditures. Mr. Kehoe asked how this would indicate to the Commission that this amount is specifically for a building if it is put under a different category. Ms. Bailey replied it would not. Capital Outlay is the place to reflect the amount. Mr. Kehoe stated that the balance for the Capital Outlay would need to be increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000. Ms. Bailey agreed. Mr. Kehoe asked the board if they had any objection to making the discussed change. No objection was noted, so the Capital Outlay amount will be changed to $1,000,000 and the $465,226.32 will be increased by $250,000.00. Mr. Kehoe asked Ms. Bailey if that would be correct. Ms. Bailey replied that she was not sure how the system would handle the increase. Ms. Bowers stated that a figure could be written in on the Proposed Tax Budget for approval. Ms. Bailey stated that she would check with Mary Beth Gunther to see if this was acceptable.
Mr. Kehoe asked what documentation was needed to be presented to the Budget Commission to fulfill the requirements. Ms. Bailey replied only this Proposed Tax Budget. Mr. Kehoe asked if a resolution was needed. Ms. Bailey replied no. Being stated in the minutes is the resolution. Mr. Kehoe asked Ms. Bailey to motion to amend the numbers. Ms. Bowers asked to motion to approve the 2009 Tax Budget the way it was received with the exception of Capital Outlay in the Fire Department be increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000 and the Capital Outlay – Other that is relative to that number either be increased by $250,000 by write-in or in the alternative, whatever number the computer generates that is consistent with that million dollar outlay. Mr. Butler seconded the motion. All voting in favor.
Ms. Nanci Shanley asked if the board would like to use the resolution that she had prepared in regards to the Proposed Tax Budget. Mr. Kehoe replied that according to what he hears, only a motion is needed. Ms. Bailey concurred. Ms. Bowers stated that the motion itself is a resolution, but if it pleases the board, she would prefer to have it in writing. Her reasoning is that it will help with the audit by having the document attached as Exhibit A to a written resolution. The resolution itself would not go to the Auditor’s Office, but would be for our records.
Mr. Kehoe stated that the Proposed Tax Budget Worksheet will be exhibit A. Ms. Bailey will be checking with Mary Beth Gunther to see if she will accept a copy with a written number. Ms. Bowers restated that the motion authorizes Ms. Bailey to make the changes if necessary.
Mr. Kehoe read resolution #24-2008 – a resolution adopting a proposed tax budget for 2009. Ms. Bowers restated her motion was as the resolution states.
Mr. Kehoe stated that at this time he would like the board to move into Executive Session.
Ms. Bowers asked to have the board address a plat that needs
the board’s signatures. The Park
District is taking possession of the Rabe property. This property has dual citizenship; it is in
the city of
Ms. Bowers stated that she assumed Don would have talked with Tom about this plat. Mr. Kehoe stated that no one had spoken to him. Ms. Bowers continued saying that she had heard about this months ago and thought that all of the trustees had been informed. Mr. Butler stated that he was told it had been given to the trustees awhile back and he had known nothing of it. Mr. Thorne added that the city actually controls this. Ms. Bowers recalls that 6 or 7 months ago it was discussed that the park district was looking at this property and would the township had a problem if more park land were added. Mr. Thorne stated that it may not have been rezoned yet, in which case the township’s zoning would apply. Mr. Kehoe and Ms. Bowers signed the mylar and Ms. Bowers stated that she would get it back to Lawyer’s Title in the morning.
Mr. Kehoe motioned to move to Executive Session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official for the investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee under O.R.C. 121.22. Mr. Kehoe would also like to note that all discussions in this executive session will be considered confidential and privileged and will not be discussed with anyone except those in attendance of the executive session. Mr. Butler seconded the motion.
Voting: Mr. Butler – yes, Mr. Kehoe – yes, Ms. Bowers – yes
Executive Session convened at
Mr. Kehoe stated that no business will be considered after the executive session. The meeting will be concluded at the end of the executive session. Ms. Bowers asked if there would be anyone invited to the session. Mr. Kehoe replied the Trustees, Mr. Bill Thorne, and Ms. Nanci Shanley were invited.
Executive Session concluded at
Approved:________________________ ________________________
Lynda Bowers, Trustee
________________________
Donald Butler, Trustee
________________________
Lee Kehoe, Trustee
_________________________________
Shirley Bailey, Fiscal Officer