11/25/1996 - Work Study - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
November 25, 1996
Council of the City of Port Orchard, Washington, called to order for a Study Session by
Mayor Leslie Weatherill at 8:20 PM at City Hall, 216 Prospect Street.
Council members present: Clauson, Wyatt, Morrison, Geiger, Powers, Van Zee and Grable.
Staff present: City Treasurer Tompkins, Police Chief Mathews, City Engineer Curles, Fire
Chief Snow, Municipal Court Judge Mittet, Municipal Court Administrator Durgin, City Clerk
Parks and City Attorneys Ryan and Hanson.
Mayor Weatherill stated the purpose of this Study Session is to review and discuss the
proposed City of Port Orchard 1997 Budget and turned meeting over to Councilman Geiger,
Finance Committee Chair.
Councilman Geiger and City Treasurer Tompkins led discussion on proposed budget items as
listed on Attachment "A". Items discussed in detail are as follows:
Hotel -Motel Tax Distribution - Finance Committee recommendation is to distribute anticipated
1997 revenues to Fathoms 0' Fun-$4,600; Chamber of Commerce-$6,000; Visitor and Convention
Bureau (50% of Revenue) $11,250 with approximately $7,250 reserved for future projects.
Ms. Tompkins reported during the 1994-1995 Audit review, the State Auditor recommended
cities should develop contracts with Hotel/Motel Tax revenues recipients identifying use
of such funds as being directly related to advertising to attracting out of town (overnight)
guests.
Bob Gallegos, 240 Tremont West, questioned the State Auditors request regarding contracts
with Hotel/Motel Tax recipients. He feels the auditors are being vague on acceptable uses
of Hotel Motel Tax revenue and would like to get concrete answers on what can be done with
the funds.
Judd Turner, Fathoms 0' Fun General Director, challenged the auditor's use of the word
"advertising", noting the statutes use the word "promotion" and stated he perceives a big
difference between the definition of "advertising" and "promotion".
Councilman Van Zee clarified it is not the City's intent to make it difficult to use the
tax dollars for Fathoms 0' Fun or other organizations, only to comply with state statutes.
Councilman Clauson supported Councilman Van Zee's statement that the Council's purpose is
to decide on the allocation of tax revenue dollars, not to designate specific purposes.
The proposed contracts would clarify and designate uses which would comply with state
requirements.
Paula Pack, local businesswoman, suggested City Treasurer meet with three entities who are
recipients to explain Auditor's recommendation.
Assistant to City Engineer The City Hall construction loan requires the City must have
an inspector to oversee the construction process. The Finance Committee recommends that
the City create an Assistant to City Engineer position. This employee would serve as City
Hall construction inspector and also assist the City Engineer to ease his extremely heavy
workload.
Councilman Clauson addressed two supplemental budget requests which did not receive funding
recommendation by the Finance Committee.
(1) Municipal Court- additional funding for jury trials. In 1996 the Municipal
court experienced an increase in jury trials, however, it is not known if this trend
will continue.
(2) Mayor Weatherill's request for a salary adjustment of an $2,000. After lengthy
discussion on the increasing time demands to effectively perform the duties of this
position, Council members concurred on funding this budget request.
City Treasurer Tompkins reminded those present the Public Hearing on the proposed 1997 City
of Port Orchard Budget is scheduled for Monday, December 2, 1996 at 7:30 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M.
Patricia Parks, City Clerk
4eslie J. Weatherill, Mayor