FINANCE DEPARTMENT

M E M O R A N D U M

 

To:                  Honorable Mayor and City Commission

 

From:              Richard D. Sala, City Manager

 

By:                  Brian K. Raducci, Finance Director

 

Date:               June 19, 2007

 

Subject:           Second Reading – Mid-Year Budget Review (3/31/07) & Budget Amendment

 

Update – This evening, the Commission is being asked to consider and approve on 2nd reading the attached ordinance which will amend the FY 2007 budget.  You will recall that this item was presented (at the workshop) and passed unanimously on first reading at the May 29, 2007 Commission meeting.

 

 

Attached, you will find FY 2007 financial summaries of the following City funds – General Fund, Fire/Rescue Special Revenue Fund, Utilities Fund, Firehouse Station 34 Construction Fund, Scholarship Trust Fund and the North Lauderdale Academy High School Agency Fund.

 

These budget summaries reflect the City’s financial operations and are intended to provide the current status of each fund as of March 31, 2007 – as well as our year-end projections.

 

The Finance Department’s preparation and review of financial summaries indicate that the City’s current budget plan is generally being achieved and that year-to-date operations are in reasonable financial condition.  However, we anticipate a need for the following budget amendments:

 

  1. General Fund – $813,334 (inclusive of the transfer from the Scholarship Trust Fund and the North Lauderdale Academy High School Agency Fund)
  2. Firehouse Station 34 Construction Fund – $3,150,000 (as discussed during the November 15, 2006 Workshop)

 

The details that necessitate these budget amendments are explained in each Fund’s respective Financial Summary.

 

 

General Fund Financial Summary (Fund #001)

 

After considering the City’s position at March 31, 2007 and our year-end projections, the Administration is projecting a conservative $1,115,500 carryover surplus from current year operations.  This surplus comes from a combination of our projected net revenue and expenditure projections.  This projected surplus is conservative – and will be considered in the preparation of the proposed FY 2008 Budget.  Although the net effect of changes in anticipated revenues and expenditures results in a $1,115,500 carryover surplus, we will need to complete a net budget amendment in the City Attorney, City Clerk, Human Resources, Public Works and Community Development Departments as follows:

 

ü      City Attorney – $35,000

ü      City Clerk – $60,000

ü      Human Resources – $35,000

ü      Public Works – $35,000

ü      Community Development – $175,000

 

Please see details below in the expenditures analysis.

 

Revenue Analysis:  The City is projecting a favorable revenue variance of approximately $1,219,000.  The majority of this amount is due to the following:

 

(A) – Locally Levied Taxes – $210,000 Favorable Variance

 

These revenue sources are anticipated to yield a net favorable variance due to the following reasons:

 

1.      A ($150,000) unfavorable variance in ad valorem taxes due to potential value adjustments.

 

2.      A $150,000 favorable variance in FPL Franchise Fees due to an increase in electricity rates that took place during FY 2006.

 

3.      A $75,000 favorable variance in Garbage Franchise Fees due to increased garbage rates.

 

4.      A $100,000 favorable variance in Communication Services Tax received from the State.  Prior to FY 2006, the City had been experiencing a reduction in Communication Services Tax and as such, this revenue source was conservatively budgeted.

 

The remaining $35,000 favorable variance is due to minor favorable variances in other locally levied tax categories.

 

(B) – Licenses and Permits – $235,500 Favorable Variance

 

1.      A $250,000 favorable variance in building permits for fencing and roof repairs (among other minor repairs) due to damages caused by Hurricane Wilma.  In addition, new permits have been issued for the Mediterranean, San Remo and Hickory Place Developments.

 

The remaining ($14,500) unfavorable variance is due to minor favorable/unfavorable variances in other licenses and permits categories.


(C) – Intergovernmental Revenue – $285,000 Favorable Variance

 

These revenue sources are anticipated to yield a net favorable variance due to the following reasons:

 

1.      A $145,000 favorable variance in State Shared Revenues.  This revenue source is based on funding received at the State level which is then allocated to the various cities according to their respective population figures.

 

2.      A $150,000 favorable variance in Half Cent Sales Tax due to increased purchases made state-wide during FY 2007.  This revenue source is based on an allocation received by the State on the amount of sales tax collected during the fiscal year.

 

The remaining ($10,000) unfavorable variance is due to minor favorable/unfavorable variances in other intergovernmental categories.

 

(D) – Miscellaneous Revenue – $413,000 Favorable Variance

 

1.      A $165,000 favorable variance in interest income on the City’s investment portfolio due to an increase in interest rates in comparison to that of the prior year.

 

2.      A $200,000 favorable variance in impact fees from San Remo which were not considered or anticipated in the FY 2007 budget.

 

The remaining net $48,000 favorable variance is due to minor favorable variances in other miscellaneous revenue categories.

 

The remaining aggregate $75,500 net favorable variance is a combination of small favorable variances in the charges for services and fines and forfeitures categories.

 

Expenditures Analysis:  The City is projecting a net unfavorable expenditure variance of approximately ($103,500).  The majority of this amount results from the net effect of the following:

 

(E) – City Commission – $21,000 Favorable Variance

A $21,000 favorable variance is anticipated due mainly to anticipated savings in lobbying costs.

 

(F) – City Attorney – ($35,000) Unfavorable Variance

A ($35,000) unfavorable variance is anticipated due mainly to costs associated with collective bargaining negotiations and legal fees associated with the sale or lease of the former School Facility.

 

(G) – City Clerk – ($60,000) Unfavorable Variance

A ($60,000) unfavorable variance due mainly to payouts related to a retiring employee.

 


(H) – Human Resources – ($35,000) Unfavorable Variance

A ($35,000) unfavorable variance is anticipated due mainly to costs associated with hiring temporary assistance due to the Munis Computer Conversion and higher-than-anticipated unemployment compensation payments.

 

(I) – Finance – $69,500 Favorable Variance

A $69,500 favorable variance is anticipated due to savings created by temporary vacancies that the Department experienced in FY 2007.

 

(J) – Public Works – ($35,000) Unfavorable Variance

A ($35,000) unfavorable variance is anticipated due mainly to costs incurred with maintaining the former School Facility (e.g., utilities).  These costs are eventually expected to cease and be recouped through the anticipated sale or lease of the facility.

 

(K) – Parks and Recreations – $75,000 Favorable Variance

A $75,000 favorable variance is anticipated due mainly to personnel vacancies in various Parks and Recreation Divisions throughout FY 2007.

 

(L) – Community Development – ($175,000) Unfavorable Variance

A ($175,000) unfavorable variance is anticipated due mainly to:

1.      A 30% increase in the Broward County Inspector contract which was not anticipated or budgeted in the FY 2007 Budget.

2.      Higher-than-expected fees for additional inspection services (CSA).  This is due mainly to more than expected required inspections for FY 2007. This increase is consistent with the increase in building permits issued in FY 2007.

 

(M) – Police Department – $17,000 Favorable Variance

A $17,000 favorable variance is anticipated due mainly to projected year-end vacancy credits for FY 2007.

 

(N) – Non-Departmental – $52,000 Favorable Variance

A $52,000 favorable variance is anticipated due mainly to savings in various contingency accounts for FY 2007.

 

The remaining aggregate $2,000 net favorable variance is a combination of small favorable variances in the City Manager’s budget.

 

 

Fire/Rescue Special Revenue Fund Financial Summary (Fund #115)

 

The City had budgeted use of fund balance in the Fire/Rescue Fund of $150,000.  By year-end, revenues and expenditures are projected to result in a net use of fund balance of only $135,000, resulting in a net $15,000 favorable variance.

 

(O) – Revenue Analysis:  The City is projecting a net ($55,000) unfavorable variance in total revenues mainly due to the following: The City anticipates receiving approximately $20,000 more than what was budgeted in interim special assessments.  This is due mainly to the fact that the City issued more than what was anticipated for Certificate of Occupancies (CO’s) during FY 2007.  However, this increase is offset by a lower than expected EMS transportation revenue of $75,000 due to a decrease EMS transports.

 

(P) – Expenditure Analysis:  The City is projecting a net $70,000 favorable variance in total expenditures mainly due to vacancies that the Department has experienced throughout FY 2007.

 

 

Utilities Enterprise Fund Financial Summary (Fund #401)

 

The City had budgeted use of fund balance in the Utilities Fund of $501,153.  By year-end, revenues and expenditures are projected to result in a net use of fund balance of only $243,153, thus leading to a $258,000 favorable variance.

 

Revenue Analysis:  The City is projecting a net $225,500 favorable variance in total revenues mainly due to the following:

 

(Q)     A $54,000 favorable variance in water and sewer impact fees received for new developments (e.g., Mediterania).

 

(R)     A $31,500 favorable variance in charges for services resulting from miscellaneous charges (e.g., turn-off’s, late fees, etc.) that are all anticipated to exceed the budget by year-end.

 

(S)     A $140,000 favorable variance in interest income due to higher-than-anticipated interest rates for the City’s cash and investment portfolio.

 

Expense Analysis:  The City is projecting a net $32,500 favorable variance in total expenditures due to the following:

 

(T)     Water Plant:  Effective February 2007, the City outsourced the Water Plant to US Water Works.  The contract amount was not factored into the original budget.  Additionally, the City had incurred some up front costs from October-December that were not covered under the contract.  As such, this division is anticipated to have a ($49,500) unfavorable variance.  In future years, the City will recognize a savings in this Division.

 

(U)     Water Distribution:  The City anticipates a $96,000 favorable variance in this Division due mainly to vacancies for FY 2007, lower vehicle usage and fuel costs.

 

(V)          Sewer Operations:  The City anticipates a $41,000 favorable variance in this Division due mainly to lower-than-anticipated fees from Broward County for sewage processing.

 

(W)    Non-Departmental: The Non-Departmental Division anticipates a ($55,000) unfavorable variance due mainly to unexpected costs associated with Hurricane Wilma for repairs to Lift Station 18.

 

 

Firehouse Station 34 Construction Fund Financial Summary (Fund #304)

 

Due to circumstances beyond the control of the City, mainly construction delays caused primarily by Hurricane Wilma in FY 2006 and the relocation of the project site, additional design and construction plans are needed and higher than budgeted costs are expected to complete the project in a timely manner.  As discussed during the November 15, 2006 Workshop, the City will need to obtain additional funding sources of $3,150,000 in order to complete the construction of Firehouse Station 34.

 

In order to accomplish this, the City Administration, in collaboration with the City Attorney, Finance Director and Financial Advisor are recommending that the Commission authorize them to pursue funding options (but not limited to) the following sources (e.g., debt proceeds, internal loans and or transfers, interest income, use of fund balance etc.) that best meets the City’s fiscal needs and is most financially prudent in the opinion of the City Administration, in collaboration with the City Attorney, Finance Director and Financial Advisor.

 

 

Scholarship Trust Fund (Fund #182)

 

Financial Summary

The Scholarship Trust Fund was established in FY 2002 in order to provide scholarships for the North Lauderdale Academy High School students.  On April 10, 2006, the City Commission approved the closure of the School effective June 30, 2006.  As a result, the City will no longer be able to provide scholarships for the North Lauderdale Academy High School students.

 

As of September 30, 2006, the Scholarship Trust Fund had total cash and investments of $471,043.  The City Administration recommends dissolving the Trust and transferring these funds to the General Fund where they will be utilized towards potential future debt service costs associated with the former School Facility.

 

Please note that any previously approved Scholarships that have not been completely disbursed (approximately $10,000) will continue to be paid for from these funds.

 

In addition, the annual recycling fees of approximately $75,000 that previously went into the Scholarship Trust Fund will now be deposited directly into the General Fund with an effective date of October 1, 2006.


North Lauderdale Academy High School Agency Fund (Fund #605)

 

Financial Summary

The North Lauderdale High School Agency Fund was established in order to account for fundraising funds for school activities.  As of September 30, 2006, this fund had total cash and investments of $2,291.  The City Administration recommends transferring these funds to the General Fund where they will be utilized towards potential future debt service costs associated with the former School Facility.

 

 

Other Funds Financial Summary

 

We have also reviewed and analyzed the current activities for the City’s other smaller funds.  At this time, they are all currently performing at or exceeding the budget (favorably) and require no further action.

 

We will continue to monitor the expenditures of these funds along with the City’s other operating funds and we will come back to the Commissioner with any future changes.

 

 

Recommendation

The Administration recommends Commission consideration and approval of the attached ordinance amending ordinance no. 06-09-1176 by which the City Commission did adopt the budget of the City of North Lauderdale for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, to provide for the recognition of the receipt of increased revenues in the total amount of $3,963,334; designating the sources of the increased revenues; designating the authorized expenditure for the increased revenues as provided herein.


ORDINANCE NO. ______________

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 06-09-1176 BY WHICH THE CITY COMMISSION DID ADOPT THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE FOR THE 2006/2007 FISCAL YEAR, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECOGNITION OF THE RECEIPT OF INCREASED REVENUES IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $3,963,334; DESIGNATING THE SOURCES OF THE INCREASED REVENUES; DESIGNATING THE AUTHORIZED EXPENDITURE FOR THE INCREASED REVENUES AS PROVIDED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

            WHEREAS, the City Commission for the City of North Lauderdale adopted the 2006/2007 Fiscal Year Budget for the City of North Lauderdale through the adoption of Ordinance 06-09-1176 on September 21, 2006; and,

 

            WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to amend Ordinance 06-09-1176 to reflect the receipt of additional revenues for the 2006/2007 Fiscal Year Budget; and,

 

            WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to amend Ordinance 06-09-1176 to reflect the designation of the expenditure of the additional revenues for the 2006/2007 Fiscal Year Budget; and,

 

            WHEREAS, the City Commission finds it to be in the best interest of the residents and citizens of the City of North Lauderdale to amend the Fiscal Year 2006/2007 budget as provided herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA:

 

Section 1:         That the foregoing “Whereas” clauses are adopted as if fully set forth herein.

 

Section 2:         That Ordinance, 06-09-1176 as amended, which Ordinance did adopt the General Fund and Operating Budget of the City of North Lauderdale for the 2006/2007 fiscal year budget, and the budget adopted thereby be and the same is hereby amended to cause and reflect the increase of a net total of $3,963,334 of revenues and appropriations to said Operating Budget as set forth as follows.

 

Section 3:         That the City Administration, in collaboration with the City Attorney, Finance Director and Financial Advisor reserve the right and option to pursue funding options (but not limited to) the following sources (e.g., debt proceeds, internal loans and or transfers, interest income, use of fund balance from any fund etc.) that best meets the City’s fiscal needs and is most financially prudent in the opinion of the City Administration, in collaboration with the City Attorney, Finance Director and Financial Advisor.

 


Section 4:         That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances, Resolutions or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

 

Section 5:         Should any section or any provision of this Ordinance or portion hereof, any paragraph, sentence, or work be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the remainder of this Ordinance.

 

Section 6:         That this Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

 

PASSED on first reading by the City Commission of the City of North Lauderdale this 29th day of May 2007.

 

PASSED and ADOPTED on second reading by the City Commission of the City of North Lauderdale this ____ day of ____ 2007.

 

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

 

 

CITY ATTORNEY SAMUEL GOREN

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                        MAYOR JACK BRADY

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                        VICE MAYOR RICH MOYLE

ATTEST:

 

                                                                               

CITY CLERK