1. Town Hall Meeting
May 1, 2007

2. Tonight’s Meeting Agenda
Recap of last Town Hall Meeting
Progress on initiatives to date
What to expect over the next few months

3. Questions We Will Answer
The Rumor Mill. . .
What is happening with the expense cuts?
What rates may increase?
Will taxes go up?

4. Recap of January Town Hall
2006 Year in Review
Technology emphasis on “bringing Hapeville into the 21st Century” resulted in expense savings
Restructuring in Finance/Admin to increase service levels and productivity
Department grant opportunities to bridge gap-funding
Cross-training and reprioritization allowed Recreation to reduce staffing costs by 50%
Began the work on the Virginia Avenue streetscape project (valued at $1.8M)
Reduced solid waste revenue loss by 50%

5. Recap of January Town Hall
Mayor and Council provided an overall update on City’s finances
Impact of Ford/Delta revenue
Continued increase in cost of providing services
Decline in specific revenue sources
Mayor and Council announced some preliminary plans on handling financial situation
City-wide hiring freeze
Overtime freeze
Exploring slight increases in service fees
Offsetting Economic Development costs with hotel/motel taxes
Realigning retirement plan with today’s economy

6. Progress on Initiatives to Date
Mayor and Council continues to meet to address issues and long-term planning
Preliminary budget figures for FY08 are aligned with long-term vision and needs
Continued dialogue with Ford redevelopment initiative

7. Progress on Initiatives to Date
City-wide hiring freeze
Done. Still in effect through June 1. Services have not declined and will not decline because of the freeze. Department Heads have restructured workload to support City’s need to freeze new hires.
Overtime freeze
Done. Still in effect through June 30. Services have not declined and will not decline because of the freeze. Department Heads have restructured workload to support City’s need to freeze new hires.
Offsetting Economic Development costs with hotel/motel taxes
Done. With the new creation of HATT, the City expects an increase in revenue of $1M to offset tourism and economic development opportunities. The entire department is funded out of the HATT budget.

8. Progress on Initiatives to Date
Retirement Plan for New Hires
Done. The City entered into an agreement with Mass Mutual for our retirement provider. Plans for new hires will change to defined contribution; current employees will have the option to stay in current plan or move into new plan. Current retirees will see NO CHANGE in their retirement. Long-term savings on new plan will take some time but will benefit future administrations.
Exploring Fulton County Tax Digest
Meetings with Fulton County and a work session discussion in March have led to better communication and dialogue with Fulton County. Mike Rast is following up with progress on next year’s assessment.
Exploring increase in service fees
Small increases are proposed in next year’s budget, including solid waste and storm water. Recreation department has increased fees for non-residents sports programs and after-school care. Plans are to move enterprise funds to self-funding mechanism.

9. What You Can Expect Millage increase in September
Estimated between 3-4 mills
Continued support of administration to trim expenses
Current FY08 budget includes FY07 reductions
More efficient form of government to ensure accountability and long-term growth
Hiring of City Manager
Restructuring departments to respond to community needs

10. And the “Rumor Mill”….
No employees or retirees have lost health or retirement benefits
We are NOT closing Fire Station 2
Assessment in the Police Department was part of the consultancy in January; not a GBI investigation

11. Questions?