07/14/2015 - MinutesCity of Port Orchard
Council Finance Committee
A meeting of the Council Finance Committee was held at City Hall July 14, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman John Clauson, members Rob Putaansuu and Jerry Childs, Mayor Tim
Matthes, Clerk Brandy Rinearson, Treasurer Allan Martin,
Chairman Clauson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Finance Report
The committee learned that sales tax was 1.32% greater than projection for the first six months
of the year. The year to date total of $1,951,857 was $25,814 greater than what was expected
when the budget was approved in December. Although near projection, the amount is still none
the less on the plus side. Real Estate Excise Tax collections are on pace to beat projections with
one large commercial property transfer expected in July that will bring the total for the year near
or at 2015 total projections.
The committee requested a report on reserve balances by Fund. The members were provided a
list of reserved amounts year to date and projected ending balance fiscal year-end 2015.
The 2nd Quarter/half year departments’ budget reports have been distributed to department heads
and were made available to committee members. All departments are with in spending and
budget authority, with only minor deviations which are due to or the result of coding f actual work
and time.
Department of Community Development
Director Nick Bond presented information regarding his department’s first half year activity
volume. Single Family Residential building activity is above projections, with 2 to 3 months of
building season activity ahead. The department is extremely busy, with permitting times
reaching the 6 week time frame. Processing is on a first come first s erve basis which is causing
delays; although, customers may request and pay for expedited services. The building inspector
has been assigned to focus on plan reviews while the city has tapped its contract building
inspector service to keep up with inspections. There has been some staff overtime as well.
Revenue is up in relationship with the increased work load, although permit payment is seen
when the actual permit is drawn upon. Builders have been made aware of the situation and that
the process has slown. There are 4 pending cases in front of the hearing examiner which require
additional staff time.
Mr. Bond proposed a part-time temporary position to meet the demand and presented a draft job
description. The position would be dependent on continued volume but would have an April
“sunset” when the position and need would be revaluated. Mr. Martin suggested the position
could be funded with one-time revenue derived from building fees. Chairman Clausen said that
he was hearing a request for a full time position because volumes may not drop. The committee
discussed the staff time currently assigned to the Comprehensive Plan update that will be
completed later this year and next, and what freed-up time may become available once that is
completed. Mr. Bond felt that 2016 could experience a 10- 20% increase in fee activity.
It was agreed that HR Coordinator Deborah Howard would work with Department of
Community Development to bring a request for the part-time temporary employee position to
Council.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:41.