Council hopes to set specific targets for needed funds

Elliott talks targets for needed funds/ICN Photo

"I'd rather, when we go to take action, we're in the mode ready, aim, fire -- rather than ready, fire, aim," Councilman Earl Elliott said, adding that the council may only get one chance to set the targets.

The topic of pooled funds came up again at the beginning of the regular session of the Terre Haute City Council meeting at City Hall tonight.

A challenge the council faces is between revenue increases and expenditure cuts, at a time when the mayor has been outspoken against public safety cuts.

President Todd Nation read aloud a letter regarding pooled cash and recovery options, written by Councilman Earl Elliott , of the Finance Committee, on Feb. 8. He also referred to an attached spreadsheet.

In addressing the issue of needing to replenish  a "wide range" of $10 million to $22.5 million the city needs and identifying a recovery period in a range of three to five years, it appears the council needs more information on public safety budgeting and manpower issues.

"As council members, do we all thoroughly understand all the issues that cause public safety budgets to be what they are? I know I don't," Nation recited.

Elliott suggests a public safety consultant study be performed, and even refers to additionally asking that council members  look at one completed several years ago. 

The letter cites the 2014 U.S. Census income levels for the city at $33, 317, a reason many households seem to struggle with the concept of proposed revenue options of implementing a trash fee or storm water fee in attempt to appease the city's financial challenges.

Nation asked Mayor Duke Bennett about possibly pinpointing the range of $10 to $22.5 million needed, and for more clarity.

Bennett said federal billing numbers drive local number for sewage billing for improvements. He said the year-end report considers 82 individual funds, and with short notice he couldn't answer exactly. He said the bottom line will have a positive cash balance.

Elliott responded that when it comes time to take action, the council needs more information.

"I'd rather, when we go to take action, we're in the mode ready, aim, fire -- rather than ready, fire, aim," Elliott said, adding that the council may only get one chance to set the targets.

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• During public comment, Russell Ferrell, of Trans-Care ambulance services says he has a proposal for the city to save money --- about $1 million on billing and collection processes.

He says it will cost nothing to the city  and that the city has overlooked the expertise his company can offer as collections processes and networks go.

Councilman Neil Garrison said he'd like the council to discuss it further. Nation replied the council can include the discussion in a special finance session to be held March 3, an hour before the Sunshine meeting.

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•  Controller Leslie Ellis informed the council that the city needs to consider upgrading the current 11- year- old software system, with an expected cost of around $800, 000. Mayor Duke Bennett said the newer software would cover all billing capabilities, including sewage billing.
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In other business, the council:

• Approved n appropriation of $7,110 from EDIT fund towards demolition of unsafe buildings.
• Approved rezoning of property located north of New Margaret Drive
• Approved rezoning of several properties located near Union Hospital, including:  The 1400 block of North Fourth Street; 500 block of Seventh Avenue; 400 and 500 block of Sixth Avenue; and 1400 block of North Sixth Street.
• Approved vacating portions alleys in relation to the proposed rezoning of the properties near Union Hospital, Including: Two north-south public alleys and an east-west public alley commonly located between Seventh Avenue to the north, Sixth Avenue to the south, Fourth Street to the west and Sixth Street tothe east.
• Approved special ordinance to amend City Council rules.
• Tabled rezoning of property located at 2814 Hulman St.

See related story from this month's Sunshine meeting