Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Senior Classroom of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Dee Allen, Accountant; and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Sheldon Goldberg; and Thomas White, News Review.

Mr. McLaughlin began by summarizing the process staff goes through to prepare the proposed budget. He noted that county or state action could occur that would positively or negatively affect the budget. He provided an overview of the proposed budget which included six key points: structural problem, expectations vs. choices, impact of assessment, fund balance, the budget is not “doom and gloom,” and the City Manager’s recommendations are not the only right answers.

Mr. McLaughlin noted that there was a $100,000 reserve appropriation budgeted that Council could use to restore cuts made in the budget, implement new programs, or reduce the tax increase.

Mr. Williams provided an overview of revenues. He reviewed a two-page list which provided revenue highlights. He also provided a line item summary of all expenditures.

Mr. Putens asked staff to provide information on the cost of benefits for non-classified personnel.

Mr. McLaughlin discussed the budget proposal to create a Retirement Health Savings Plan. Council asked that this proposal be presented to them as soon as possible.

Ms. Mach asked about the commitment made to employees regarding leave buy-back. Mr. McLaughlin explained the history of the program and presented a chart showing its usage.

Mr. McLaughlin discussed accomplishments and issues and services under General Government. Council reviewed each section of the General Government budget.

Council discussed GATE and directed staff to notify GATE that the proposed amount budgeted, while an increase from FY 2004, was less than the established formula.

The meeting ended at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David E. Moran

Assistant to the City Manager

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248