CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL BUDGET WORKSHOP
ON THE PROPOSED FY 1998-99 BUDGET
M98-W-34
August 12, 1998
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
Motion to reconvene as the City Council Annual Budget
Workshop on the proposed FY 1998-99 Budget.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1998-2003
Florencio Pena, City Manager, opened the workshop by
informing everyone that the annual budget is the most
important responsibility of the City Council. He further
stated that staff had worked very hard for the last four
months to put this budget together.
The budget is broken into two parts:
1. Capital Improvement Program
2. Operating Budget
Mr. Pena then stated that the FY1998-99 Annual Budget
Workshops would be opened with the city's financial advisor
who would inform Council of the city's debt.
A. Presentation by Estrada & Hinojosa - Noe Hinojosa
1. Overview of the City's Debt Position
The Tax General Obligation Debt Requirement include
all of the debt issued by the city with a pledge or
collateral of property taxes. The city is good for
issuing debt for water, sewer, airport, and other
enterprises with property taxes as collateral but
being self supported or paid by these enterprises.
The City of Laredo has a good investment grade
rating of A by all three rating agencies of Fisch,
Standard and Poors and Moody.
Certificates of Obligation issued in January and
February 1998:
$ 6,415,000 Sewer
16,160,000 General Purpose
1,430,000 Airport
The Property Tax Backed Debt Service for 1998 was
$16,661,866.79, by subtracting the Self Supporting
Debt of $9,329,611.39, a total Net Debt Service of
$7,332,255.20 which is paid exclusively by the levy
of a property tax. In 1999 the Debt Service
Requirement will be $7,683,473.60.
2. Debt Service Fund
TOTAL DEBT OUTSTANDING AS OF 10/01/98
Subsidy Total
Tax Support 70,498,103 8,050,199.85 78,548,303.28
Self Supporting 82,241,897 (8,050,199.85) 74,191,696.72
Total TS & SS 152,740,000 0.00 152,740,000.00
Water Revenue 9,905,000
Sewer Revenue 7,770,000
Revenue Debt 16,985,000 (existing)
Revenue Debt 65,135,000 (proposed)
Total 99,795,000
Total Debt 252,535,000
Motion to have Mrs. Phyllis Colon, Tax-Assessor
Collector, present information on the Appraisal Roll
for FY 1998-99.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Phyllis Colon, Tax-Assessor Collector, informed
Council of the effective tax rate for the year. The
taxable value of all property in the City of Laredo
for 1998 is $4,073,722,461.00 compared to
$3,794,030,215.00 in 1997. The property tax rate
per $100.00 value was 0.5399.30 for both 1997 and
1998. The difference on the tax levy is due to
annexation and growth.
B. Proposed Capital Improvement (CIP) 1999-2003 - Keith
Selman, Planning Director
1. General Construction Projects
2. Street Fund
3. Drainage Fund
4. Capital Improvement Fund
5. Enterprise Fund
Keith Selman, Planning Director, made a presentation on
the proposed capital improvements program.
Motion to direct staff to allocate an approximate
$15,000.00 for the right-of-way acquisition of Calle Del
Norte and West and Calle Del Norte and Springfield
Avenue.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to allocate an additional $50,000.00 to the Speed
Hump Pilot Program to include placing of speed humps on
Buena Vista Avenue behind Nixon High School and Plum
Street between McClelland Street and Meadow Avenue.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to amend and add sidewalks on both sides from
Lyon Street to Clark Boulevard on Malinche Avenue.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to allocate $250,000.00 from CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) surplus for acquisition and
cleaning of Chacon Creek.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Montalvo
Motion to consider initiating the process of a bridge
toll increase to:
Auto from $1.35 to $1.50
Pedestrian from $ .35 to $ .50
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:38 P.M.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages
01 to 04 are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the
City Council Annual Budget Workshop on the Proposed FY 1998-
99 Budget held on the 12th day of August of 1998.
_______________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary
CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL BUDGET WORKSHOP
ON THE PROPOSED FY 1998-99 BUDGET
M98-W-34
AUGUST 13, 1998
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET FY 1998-99
C. FY1998-99 Recommended Budget - Florencio Pena, III, City
Manager
1. Ad Valorem Tax Rate
2. Major Budget Goals & Issues
3. Consolidated Budget Summary
4. Federal Fund Revenues
5. General Fund Expenditures Summary
a. Personnel Pay Plan Proposal
b. Capital Outlay
Florencio Pena, City Manager, opened the second of four
of the annual budget workshops by informing Council of
the 1998 Appraisal Roll information as follows:
1998 APPRAISAL ROLL INFORMATION
TOTAL APPRAISED VALUE $ 4,765,987,974.00
TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE 4,073,722,461.00
NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS 65,168
1998 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
Total 1998 taxable value on the $ 4,073,722,461.00
1998 certified appraisal roll
1998 effective tax rate 0.534631
1998 effective maintenance and 0.334051
operation rate
1998 rollback maintenance and 0.360775
operation rate
Total 1998 debt to be paid with 7,771,564
property taxes and additional
sales tax revenue
1998 debt tax rate 0.188072
1998 rollback tax rate 0.548847
1997 TOTAL TAX RATE ($100) 0.539930
Cm. Bruni stated that he wanted to correct Mayor Flores
on the comment she had made about the City of Laredo
having lost a whole taxing year on UNITEC. He went on
to explain that this had occurred due to UNITEC not
wanting to get annexed because they were receiving city
services without having to pay city taxes. Cm. Bruni
further informed Mayor Flores that this was a selling
tool for the developers when selling these properties.
Mayor Flores accepted Cm. Bruni's explanation.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, then continued with his
presentation and stated that Laredo remains the fastest
growing Metropolitan area city in Texas and second
fastest growing in the United States and informed
Council of the Goals for FY 1998-99.
Goals for FY 1998-99 are:
-Keep pace with rapid growth and the associated demand
for municipal services.
-Improve the quality of life for the citizens of Laredo.
-Guard against a fluctuating economy.
Heberto Ramirez, Budget Officer, gave information on the
Consolidated Budget, Operating Funds, and Capital
Projects Fund.
Motion to provide a rational breakdown of the
administrative cost between the General Fund and Solid
Waste Fund and develop a five (5) year plan to phase in
the sewer sludge to the Solid Waste Fund.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, made his
presentation to Council on the proposed salary plan.
Mayor Flores requested that Mr. Migura have a separate
workshop on the proposed salary plan with several
options. The workshop was scheduled for Wednesday,
September 2, 1998.
D. Fire Department - Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief
1. Fire Prevention and Suppression
2. EMS
3. Hazardous Material
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, made his presentation to
Council.
E. Police Department - Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief
1. Police Operations
2. Civilian Operations
3. Federal Grant Funding
4. Community Oriented Police Program
5. 911 Program
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, made his presentation to
Council.
Motion to initiate a COPS Program in District VI and
District II, this to be done at the time that additional
funds are available and supported by crime statistics.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 10:30 P.M.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages
01 to 04 are true, complete and correct proceedings of the
City Council Annual Budget Workshop on the Proposed FY 1998-
99 Budget held on the 13th day of August of 1998.
______________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary
CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL BUDGET WORKSHOP
ON THE PROPOSED FY 1998-99 BUDGET
M98-W-34
AUGUST 14, 1998
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET FY 1998-99
F. Public Works - Joe Guerra, Public Works Director
1. Public Works Operations
2. Solid Waste and Municipal Landfill
3. Fleet Management Fund
4. Street Recycling and Street Reconstruction
5. New Operations Center (EDA)
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, made his presentation
to Council
G. Parks, Education, and Recreation - John Vidaurri,
Director
1. Parks Operations
2. Recreation Center Operations
3. City Cemetery Operations
John Vidaurri, Director of Parks, Education, amd
Recreation made his presentation to Council.
H. Health Department - Jerry Robinson, Director
1. Health Department Revenues and Expenditures
Jerry Robinson, Health Department Director, made his
presentation to Council.
I. Other General Fund Budgets
1. Laredo Development Foundation
Frank Leach made a presentation to Council for the
Laredo Development Foundation.
Motion to increase Laredo Development Foundation
funding to $185,000 with a one (1) year contract (to
be drafted).
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Animal Protective Society
Isabel Mendez made a presentation to Council for the
Animal Protective Society.
Motion to approve $120,000 as requested for the
Animal Protective Society.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Third Party Funding
Motion to approve $5,000 as requested for the Crime
Stoppers Schools Program.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to table additional requests for Third Party
Funding for Saturday, August 15, 1998.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. All Other General Fund Departments - Upon Request by
City Council
Motion to increase the Computer Specialist in the
City Secretary's office to 30 hours per week.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 10:03 P.M.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages
01 to 03 are true, complete and correct proceedings of the
City Council Annual Budget Workshop on the Proposed FY 1998-
99 Budget held on the 14th day of August of 1998.
______________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary
CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL BUDGET WORKSHOP
ON THE PROPOSED FY 1998-99 BUDGET
M98-W-34
AUGUST 15, 1998
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the
meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III, City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET FY 1998-99
J. Utilities Department - Fernando Roman, Utilities
Director
1. Water Fund revenues and Expenditures
2. Wastewater Fund Revenues and Expenditures
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, made his
presentation to Council.
K. NPDES - Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer
1. NPDES Revenues and Expenditures
Riazul Mia, Environmental Manager with Engineering
made a presentation to Council.
Motion to adjust storm water fees for commercial
accounts.
Accounts from less than 10,000 sq. ft. $ 7.00
Accounts from 10,001 to 40,000 sq. ft. 20.00
Accounts greater than 40,000 sq. ft. 40.00
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
L. Traffic & Bridge - Luis Landin, Traffic & Bridge
Director
1. Bridge Fund Revenues and Expenditures
2. Parking Meter Fund Revenues and Expenditures
Luis Landin, Traffic & Bridge Director made his
presentation to Council.
M. Airport Fund - Jose Luis Flores, Airport Director
1. Airport Fund Revenues and Expenditures
Jose Luis Flores, Airport Director, made his
presentation to Council.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director,
requested that Council consider approving three (3)
temporary positions for the Noise Abatement Program.
Motion to approve three (3) temporary positions for
the Noise Abatement Program.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
N. El Metro - Gilberto Segovia, El Metro Director
1. El Metro Operations
Gilberto Segovia, El Metro Director, made his
presentation to Council.
O. Hotel-Motel, CV & B, and Civic Center -Larry Dovalina,
Assistant City Manager
1. Hotel-Motel Revenues and Expenditures
2. Convention & Visitor's Bureau Revenue and
Expenditures
3. Civic Center Revenues and Expenditures
Larry Dovalina, Assistant City Manager, made his
presentation to Council.
P. Other Funds
1. Health and Benefits Fund
2. Risk Management Fund
3. Minerals Fund
4. Veterans Field Fund
5. Mercado Fund
6. Public Access Fund
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director,
briefly explained the Health and Benefits Plan for
city employees. He further stated that the Pay Plan
will be discussed with Council at a future date.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, informed Council that
a Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday,
September 8, 1998, so it would benefit
administrative services to have a Salary Plan
Workshop before that date. He then stated that the
workshop would be set for Wednesday, September 2,
1998 to discuss a Salary Plan and Budget Recaps.
Motion to allocate $25,000 Capital Outlay from
Hotel/Motel for Access Channel equipment purchase.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to establish a budget line for a reserve for
the purchase of the new Appraisal District Office
for the amount of $89,000 subject to a presentation
and approval of the plans by the City of Laredo.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve the following Third Party Funding
Agencies:
Avance, Inc. $15,000
Children's Int'l Advocacy Center 50,000
Laredo League for Family Fun 10,000
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to increase the amount of request to the
Society of Martha Washington by $5,000 for
production and funding of $3,000 for L.I.F.E. Downs
and that Council finds valid public purpose in order
to have legal authority.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Montalvo
Legal authority exists either under specific
statutory or by a finding of valid public purpose
exception to the Texas Constitution prohibition of
Article III, Sec. 52, for all of the third party
agency requests approved by Council on August 14 and
15, 1998.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 3:32 P.M.
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages
01 to 04 are true, complete and correct proceedings of the
City Council Annual Budget Workshop on the Proposed FY 1998-
99 Budget held on the 15th day of August 1998.
______________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary