HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Correspondence-Budget 2011 Estimating Conference Recommendation�� ~ ~
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C17Y MANAGER
August 51.2O1D
The Honorable Mayor, Members ofthe City Commission
and City Manager
35OOPan American Drive
Miami, FL33133
RE: Budget 2011 Estimating Conference Recommendation
RO, BOX 3307DE3
250-5400
-541
In accordance with the City of Miami Financial Integrity Ordinance (Ordinance), the City
conducted g Budget Estimating Conference on August 19. 2010 to review the
assumptions used in developing the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Operating Budget. As
required by the Ordinance, e Budget Estimating Cornnnh1ee (Committee) was formed
and consisted ofone principal staff member each from the Citv's Finance Department
and Office of Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Perfomnanoe, and included a rnininnunn
of two outside professionals with public financial and accounting experience. The
members of this year's conference include the following:
James S. Cassel, Chainnan—Cosae| Sa|oeter&Co. Investment Banking
Sylvester Luhja' President and CEO — Sylvester Lukia &Amsoc|mtes. LLC
Diana Gonnez, Dinyctor— Finance Department, City of Miami
yNirtho [Jziedzic. Interim Director — Management and Budget. City of Miami
Additional non -required attendees include:
Larry M. Spring, CFO— City of Miami
Pete Chirnud, Treosunar— Finance Department, City of K8ionli
Tom Gabrie|, FirefiQhter— Fire -Rescue Department, City of Miami
Lorry Jessup, Economic Conou|tant—Jeaaup Economic Consulting
Below please find m summary of the comments and recommendations made by the
committee. It is important then there is vigilance in cutting costs where possible and that
the residents understand that there will be reduction in services.
The Committee expressed that the City may benefit from the enhancement of
revenues that are specific to the population that commutes to the City rather than
astructure that focuses most ofits efforts unthe residents ofthe city.
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The Committee recommends that a F|na Fee be implemented at $2O0per single
family home.
The Committee expressed that parking fee rates and marina fee rates should be
raised to be closer to market levels.
The Committee expressed a general concern regarding the Cbv'sobligations as
they relate to Parrot Jungle.
� The Committee recommends the Convention Development Tax begenerated by
the City so that it can be managed by the City rather than through the County.
The Committee recommends that the City renegotiate Upping fees with the
County to a rate that is commensurate to half of the current rate paid.
The Conlnnd1ee recommends that the Off Street Parking operation should be
managed asanin-house function.
The Committee expressed o general concern regarding the adjustment of current
work ru|es, to include examples:
a Use or lose it policy on sick and vacation time
a Decrease ofvacation benefit
� Apply anearly retirement window toall employees and that pay es
well as benefits for new employees be substantially reduced to be
more in line with the private sector
a Decrease oreliminate all car and cell allowances
is Eliminate expense allowances for elected officials
The Committee recommends that the budget constraints be approached in a
more equitable manner, Under the current contract structure the employees
vvov|d carry 00% of the financial remedy. The Committee is interested in a more
equitable solution that includes fee and tax increases toshift the burden tn5O%.
The Committee appreciates the opportunity to participate in this very important process.
It is hoped that the comments and recommendations indicated above will help the City of
Miami achieve and maintain its financial and strategic goals. The Committee would like
to commend the City's budge{ staff and particular its Director for their hard vvork, sound
budget assumptions and the strategic approach utilized in the budget process.
The Budget Estimating Committee
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item 8H.1mn 09'14'10
Priscilla A.Thompson
City Clerk