HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda BORB 082417AGENDA
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
BUDGET OVERSIGHT REVIEW BOARD
Thursday August 24, 2017 8:30 AM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL:
Regular Members
Mark Feldmesser Chair
Dennis Beran Vice-Chair
Mark Schulte Regular Member
Andrew Comiter Regular Member
David Middleton Regular Member
IV. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, MODIFICATIONS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
a. Minutes of August 10, 2017
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
1. Discuss Budget Oversight Review Board Report To Council
VII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. COMMENTS BY PUBLIC
X. COMMENTS BY THE BOARD
XI. ADJOURNMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: CITY COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
FROM: BUDGET OVERSIGHT REVIEW BOARD
RE: 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER [*], 2017
______________________________________________________________________________
This 2017 Annual Report (this “Annual Report”) is submitted in accordance with Section
7(d) of the Ordinance 2016-032 (the “County Ordinance”). Included in this Annual Report are
certain recommendations of the Budget Oversight Review Board (the “BORB”), as well as the
BORB’s review of the following items: (i) review of the expenditure of the one-cent sales surtax
(the “Tax”) funds; and (ii) review of the proposed operating and capital improvement budget and
how it relates to the spending plan for compliance with the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ financial
policies.
BACKGROUND
On May 17, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County adopted the
County Ordinance, which implemented the Tax. A copy of the County Ordinance is attached
hereto as Exhibit A. The County Ordinance also established certain requirements for citizen
oversight of the expenditure of surtax funds; these requirements are set forth in Section 7 of the
ordinance.
On November 8, 2016, Palm Beach County voters approved a ballot issue to enact a One-
Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax to pay for acquisition or improvements to public infrastructure.
This additional tax, which went into effect on January 1, 2017, will be in place for up to ten (10)
years, and is projected to raise approximately $527.6 million ($45.8 million annually) for
infrastructure investment, repairs, renovations, or improvements, and is to be shared among the
thirty-nine (39) Palm Beach County municipalities.
On February 9, 2017, the City Council of Palm Beach Gardens (the “Council”) adopted
Ordinance 5, 2017 (the “City Ordinance”), which dissolved the Budget Oversight Committee and
established the BORB. A copy of the City Ordinance is attached hereto as Exhibit B. The Council
tasked the BORB to (i) continue the budget oversight function, and (ii) satisfy the requirements
set forth in the County Ordinance regarding citizen review of the Tax expenditures.
PURPOSE OF THE BORB
As referenced above, the City Ordinance sets forth the purpose of the BORB, which is to
provide citizen input for the budget process, as well as to act as an advisory and reporting body
regarding the expenditure of the Tax funds.
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 2
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BORB
Section 2-127 of the City Ordinance sets forth the powers and duties of the BORB:
1. Review the expenditure of the Tax funds;
2. Review the proposed operating and capital improvement budget as prepared by
staff;
3. Request information from staff in order to analyze the proposed operating and
capital improvements budget;
4. Review the recommended spending plan for compliance with current adopted
financial policies, i.e., fund balance levels, debt service coverage, etc.; and
5. Make a recommendation to Council during the budget adoption process regarding
the proposed operating and capital improvements budget, as submitted.
REVIEW OF THE EXPENDITURE OF THE ONE-CENT SALES SURTAX FUNDS
The BORB’s responsibility to review the Tax expenditures and the requirements associated
therewith are set forth in Section 7 of the County Ordinance. The specific subsections pertinent to
this duty are:
1. The Committee shall serve as advisory and reporting bodies to the creating entities.
Each creating entity shall establish specific duties and membership requirements governing
Committee operating and participation. See Section 7(b) of the County Ordinance.
2. Each Committee shall have the responsibility to review the expenditure of surtax
proceeds by the entity which created it. See Section 7(c) of the County Ordinance.
3. The Committees shall meet monthly, or as otherwise needed to fulfill their duties
and responsibilities. Each Committee shall provide an annual report to the governing board of the
entity which created it. See Section 7(d) of the County Ordinance.
It’s important to note that the BORB does not have the authority to recommend inclusion or
exclusion of specific projects; these are policy decisions that are determined by the Council. The
Board’s primary function is to review expenditures to determine if sales surtax funds are being
spent appropriately for the approved projects, and to provide an annual report to the Council.
212.055 Discretionary sales surtaxes; legislative intent; authorization and use of proceeds.
Florida Statutes Section 212.055 (“Fla. Stat. 212.055”) provides that the Tax proceeds must be
restricted to finance, plan, and construct infrastructure and to acquire land for public recreation or
conservation or protection of natural resources. A copy of Fla. Stat. 212.055 is attached hereto as
Exhibit C. Section 2(d)(1) of Fla. Stat. 212.055 sets forth the definition of “infrastructure” as
“[a]ny fixed capital expenditure or fixed capital outlay associated with the construction,
reconstruction, or improvement of public facilities that have a life expectancy of 5 or more years,
any related land acquisition, land improvement, design, and engineering costs, and all other
professional and related costs required to bring the public facilities into service.” Furthermore, the
proceeds and any interest may not be used for the operational expenses of infrastructure.
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 3
Accordingly, the City of Palm Beach Gardens (the “City”) is obligated to use the Tax proceeds in
a manner consistent with Fla. Stat. 212.055.
Resolution 12, 2017. On January 5, 2017, the Council passed Resolution 12, 2017 (“Resolution
12”), which adopted a formal policy and plan for the expenditure of the One-Cent Infrastructure
Sales Surtax. A copy of Resolution 12 is attached hereto as Exhibit DC. The formal policy and
plan included: (i) capital improvement projects to be funded with Tax proceeds; (ii) establishment
of the BORB; (iii) approval of the issuance of a Not-to-Exceed $30 million Capital Improvement
Revenue Bond, Series 2017, to facilitate and expedite the construction of the projects (the
“Bond”); and (iv) amending the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget to reflect anticipated Tax proceeds and
the proposed spending and financing plan (collectively, the “Plan”).
The City’sCity of Palm Beach Gardens’ estimated annual and ten-year allocations of Tax
proceeds are illustrated in the following table:
City of Palm Beach Gardens Distribution Percentage 1.3216% (of $228 Million)
1 Year 10 Years (without revenue
increases)
10 Years (3% revenue
increase)
$3,012,492 $30,124,923 $35,570,894
The Plan was formulated to address current and projected shortages of office, meeting, and
storage space; current and future parks and recreation needs; and long-term maintenance needs
associated with the expansion of City facilities on land to be dedicated to the City from Avenir.
Resolution 14, 2017. On February 9, 2017, the Council passed Resolution 14, 2017 (“Resolution
14”; collectively, with Resolution 12, the “Authorizing Resolutions”), which selected a lender
based on a request for quotations (“RFQ”) in connection with the Bond. A copy of Resolution 14
is attached hereto as Exhibit ED. The Council selected PNC Bank, National Association to
purchase the Bonds, which provided the overall borrowing cost and terms most favorable to Palm
Beach Gardens. The parameters of the Bond issuance were as follows: The parameters of the
Bond issuance were as follows: (i) the original aggregate principal amount of the Bond shall not
exceed $30,000,000; (ii) the true interest cost rate per annum for the Bond shall not exceed 3.50%,
subject to the event of taxability or default; (iii) the maximum annual debt service of the Bond
shall not exceed $3,500,000; (iv) the final maturity date of the Bond shall not be later than
December 31, 2026; (v) the purchase price of the Bond shall not be less than 100% of the original
aggregate principal amount thereof; (vi) the maturity or redemption schedule for the Bond shall
provide for principal payments in such amounts that will result in roughly equal annual debt service
payments; (vii) the Bond may be subject to optional redemption or prepayment, if at all, in such
manner and at such times as set forth in the offer that produces the overall borrowing costs and
terms most favorable to the City.
Ordinance 10, 2017. On March 2, 2017, the Council passed Ordinance 10, 2017 (“Ordinance
10”), which amended the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget by establishing the new One-Cent Infrastructure
Sales Surtax Capital Improvement Fund (the “Fund”); recorded the proceeds and costs of issuance
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 4
of the Bond; established the initial capital improvement budget (the “Capital Improvement
Budget”) for infrastructure projects funded with the Bond; and recorded the estimated revenue
generated by the One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax for the period from January 1, 2017, through
September 30, 2017. A copy of Ordinance 10 is attached hereto as Exhibit FE. Ordinance 10
further amended the budget to establish the initial Capital Improvement Budget for the
infrastructure projects to be funded with the One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax proceeds in the
amount of $29,935,000, representing the net amount deposited into the Fund after deducting the
costs of the Bond issuance.
Ordinance 10 also increased the revenue estimates initially set forth in Resolution 12 as
follows:
City of Palm Beach Gardens Distribution Percentage 1.3216% (of $236 Million)
1 Year 10 Years (without
revenue increases)
Monthly Revenue Estimated Revenue for
Budget Period
$3,123,250 $31,232,500 $260,000 $2,340,000
Further, the Council amended the revenues and expenditures associated with the One-Cent
Infrastructure Sales Surtax:
One-Cent Sales Surtax Capital Improvement Fund
Increase (Decrease)
Revenue (Sources)
Loan Proceeds 312.383.1000 30,000,000
Sales, Use and Fuel Taxes 312.312.6000 2,340,000
Expenditures (Uses)
Cost of Issuance 312.0900.519.9900 65,000
CIP 312.0900.519.6900 29,935,000
Designated Reserves 312.0900.519.9924 2,340,000
The list of projects to be funded with the proceeds of the One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax
proceeds under the Capital Improvement Budget are as follows:
Land Improvement Projects
Land Acquisition and Soccer Field Development: Acquire land;
construct soccer fields and parking being relocated from Gardens Park
at City Hall Complex.
$ 11,200,000
Baseball Complex Expansion: Replace existing soccer fields with
baseball fields so that the new park will house all soccer events. This
will allow expansion of baseball events at Gardens Park without
conflicting with soccer events.
$ 2,500,000
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 5
City Hall Renovations/Expansion: Interior and exterior renovations
to address existing and projected shortages of office, meeting and
storage space, and to accommodate the relocation of Fire
Administration to City Hall.
$ 7,020,000
PD Renovations: Interior and exterior renovations to allow for
expansion of crime scene lab and detective bureau; relocate existing
physical training equipment to area of Fire Station 1 that currently
houses Fire Administration.
$ 2,098,305
FSl Renovations: Interior renovation after relocation of Fire
Administration to City Hall to allow for movement of physical
training equipment from Police Station and City clinic from Fire
Station 3, creating a City wellness center for employees.
$ 100,000
Operations Center: Construct a new facility that would house and
consolidate all public facilities, parks, and fleet maintenance functions
in one location. This will allow the City to sell the existing fleet
maintenance property at Burns Road and Ironwood Road, placing this
parcel back onto the tax rolls.
$ 6,697,230
Tennis Center: Construct a new clubhouse at the existing tennis
facility.
$ 3,500,000
Sub-total $ 33,115,535
Less: Proceeds From Sale of Public Works Property at Burns Road
and Ironwood Road
$ (3,500,000)
Total $ 29,615,535
BORB Analysis.
In fulfilling our responsibilities under the County Ordinance and the City Ordinance, the
BORB requested further detail on the status of revenues generated by the One-Cent Infrastructure
Sales Tax. As of July 31, 2017, the City of Palm Beach Gardens has received the following
revenues from the One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax:
Account Number
Adjusted
Estimate
Revenues
Year-to-Date
Revenues
Balance
Prct Rcvd
312.312.6000 SALES, USE AND
FUEL TAXES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3/2/2017 budadi BA 506 $2,340,000.00
Line Description: EXHIBIT
1- ONE-CENT SALES
SURT
3/27/2017 gl cr CR 30630 $259,262.69
Line Description : HALF
CENT SALES TAX DISC
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 6
3/31/2017 geniml GJ 9087 $267,956.97
Line Description: ONE
CENT DISC
5/9/2017 gl cr CR 30694 $59,109.46
Line Description: HALF
CENT SALES TAX DISC
5/25/2017 gl cr CR 30697 $297,118.41
Line Description: HALF
CENT SALES TAX DISC
6/27/2017 gl cr CR 30721 $262,665.61
Line Description: HALF
CENT SALES TAX DISC
312.312.6000 SALES, USE AND
FUEL TAXES
$2,340,000.00 $1,146,113.14 $1,146,113.14 $1,193,886.86 48.98%
Total ONE-CENT SALES
SURTAX CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
$2,340,000.00
$1,146,113.14
$1,146,113.14
$1,193,886.86
48.98%
Grand Total 2,340,000.00 1,146,113.14 1,146,113.14 1,193,886.86 48.98
It’s important to note that revenue receipts are likely to exceed the expectations set forth in the
Authorizing Resolutions.
Additionally, the BORB has been kept apprised of the current Fund expenditures and how
such expenditures impact the Capital Improvement Budget. As of June 30, 2017, the current Fund
expenditures as it relates to the Capital Improvement Budget are set forth on the following chart:
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 7
Project Project Title Original
Budget
GL Budget 2017
Expenditures
Encumbrances Balance
rec0214 New Soccer
Complex –
District Park
$11,200,000.0
0
$11,200,000.00 - $176,500.00 $11,023,500.00
rec0215 Baseball
Complex
Expansion
$2,500,000.00 $2,500,000.00 - - $2,500,000.00
pub0216 City Hall
expansion
$7,020,000.00 $7,020,000.00 $4,548.67 $470,000.00 $6,545,451.33
pub0217 FS 1
Expansion
$100,000.00 $100,000.00 $3,018.67 $40,000.00 $56,981.33
pol0218 PD
Expansion
$2,098,305.00 $2,098,305.00 $4,548.66 $164,000.00 $1,929,756.34
pub0220 New
Operations
Center
$6,697,230.00 $6,697,230.00 $54,090.00 $12,340.00 $6,630,800.00
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Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 8
As of even date, a majority of the expenditures relate to the initial phases of the projects, which
include surveys, geotechnical analysis testing, and design services. While the City of Palm Beach
Gardens is in the early stages of the projects, expenses are moving in accordance with the Capital
Improvement Budget.
[BORB OPINIONS AND DISCUSSION- To be discussed at August 10, 2017 BORB Meeting]
REVIEW OF THE FY 2018 PROPOSED OPERATING & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
BUDGET
The FY 2018 Operating & Capital Improvements Budget (the “Budget”) is balanced,
continues high-quality services to the residents of the City, and maintains a strong General Fund
Unassigned Reserve (the “General Fund Reserve”) balance of $23.1 million, which is 27% of
General Fund operating expenditures, and is in compliance with the City’s policy of at least 17%
of operating expenditures. General Fund operating and capital expenditures increased from
$81,731,608 in FY 2017 to $86,185,061 in FY 2018 ($4,453,453, or 5.45%). The City anticipates
a total expected growth of 6.2%, which represents an increase in projected population by 4.1%
(estimated increase in population from 2016 to 2018 is 2,128); plus CPI for last year of 2.1%.
Proposed Millage Rate. The proposed FY 2018 millage rate is based upon the Certified Property
Valuation received from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser in the amount of
$10,888,382,605. This valuation number includes new construction of $248,926,067, and
represents an increase of 7.84% from last year’s valuation. This is the sixth consecutive year that
Contingency $319,465.00 $319,465.00
312.0900.519.6900 Total $29,935,000 $29,615,535.00 $66,206.00 $862,840.00 $29,005,954.00
Project Project Title Original
Budget
GL Budget 2017
Expenditures
Encumbrances Balance
rec0214 New Soccer
Complex –
District Park
$11,200,000.0
0
$11,200,000.00 - $176,500.00 $11,023,500.00
rec0215 Baseball
Complex
Expansion
$2,500,000.00 $2,500,000.00 - - $2,500,000.00
pub0216 City Hall
expansion
$7,020,000.00 $7,020,000.00 $4,548.67 $470,000.00 $6,545,451.33
pub0217 FS 1
Expansion
$100,000.00 $100,000.00 $3,018.67 $40,000.00 $56,981.33
pol0218 PD
Expansion
$2,098,305.00 $2,098,305.00 $4,548.66 $164,000.00 $1,929,756.34
pub0220 New
Operations
Center
$6,697,230.00 $6,697,230.00 $54,090.00 $12,340.00 $6,630,800.00
Contingency $319,465.00 $319,465.00
312.0900.519.6900 Total $29,935,000 $29,615,535.00 $66,206.00 $862,840.00 $29,005,954.00
Formatted: Position: Horizontal: 1.13", Relative to:
Page, Vertical: 6.88", Relative to: Page
Formatted: Position: Horizontal: 1.13", Relative to:
Page, Vertical: 6.88", Relative to: Page
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 9
the City’s property valuation has increased. Using the final property valuation number, the
proposed total millage rate is 5.6678, which is down slightly from last year’s total rate of 5.6781.
The proposed operating rate is 5.55, the same as last year, and the proposed debt service millage
rate is .1178 mills, which is down from last year’s rate of .1281. The proposed operating rate of
5.55 represents a 5.37% increase over the roll-back rate of 5.2671 mills.
The BORB notes that although FY 2018 new construction (of approximately
$250,000,000) will likely generate $1,300,000 of new revenue, this increase does not cover the
increase in the Fire Pension costs of $900,000 and Health Claims of $600,000.
New Development. The City has several significant development projects currently underway or
recently approved, including the following:
Alton Parcel C: Town Center Retail consists of 192,778 square feet of retail and
commercial uses on 28.23 acres of land. This project was approved via Resolution
65, 2016 on November 16, 2016.
Alton Parcel G: consists of 469 single family dwelling units of the Alton DRI/PCD.
This project was approved via Resolution 18, 2017 on February 9, 2017.
United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”): Another major project under
construction is the 224,066 square foot Center for Intelligent Buildings for UTC
subsidiary Carrier Corporation. This project represents a $100 million capital
investment by UTC, and will create 380 new jobs, while retaining 70 existing jobs
in the community
Avenir: The City recently approved the Avenir mixed-use development project on
the western fringes of the City. This project will consist of 3,250 homes, 2 million
square feet of office space, 400,000 square feet of retail space, and 300 hotel rooms.
What makes this project so unique is that 2,407 of the total 4,763 acres will be set
aside to create a conservation area and nature preserve.
Annexations. In addition to the many development projects approved or under construction, there
have been three recent annexations - one private parcel and two residential parcels - in the western
area of the City adjacent to the Avenir mixed-use development project and the City’s municipal
golf course. These annexation areas consist of the Balsamo Property, Osprey isles and Carleton
Oaks.
On November 16, 2016, the City passed Ordinance 10, 2016 approving the voluntary
annexation of 96.8 acres known as the Balsamo Property. This parcel borders the western edge of
the City’s Sandhill Crane Municipal Golf Course. On February 9, 2017, the City passed Ordinance
13, 2016 and Resolution 76, 2016 approving the rezoning of the parcel and the PUD Master Plan.
The project will consist of 97 single family units, 2.43 acres of recreation area and 14.3 acres
dedicated to the City for golf recreation purposes. The development will be called Ancient Tree.
On February 2, 201,7 the City passed Ordinance 4, 2017 proposing to annex approximately 284.02
acres of property on the eastern boundary of the City’s Sandhill Crane Municipal Golf Course.
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 10
This parcel includes the existing residential developments known as Osprey Isles and Carleton
Oaks. In addition to these single family residences, the annexation area also includes the Star of
David Cemetery and West Palm Beach Fire Station #8. Referendum language was sent to the
Supervisor of Elections on February 3, 2017, and a majority of voters approved the annexation of
this area on March 14, 2017.
The BORB understands that the initial years after the expansion (coupled with the new
development) will likely cause an additional financial burden on the City; however, the increased
revenues from new development will eventually create a net benefit and hopefully reduce the
burden on ad valorem taxes.
Storm Water Repair and Renovation Program. Staff began the process of developing a Storm
Water Repair and Renovation Program in FY 2015. Staff identified areas of deterioration in
several storm water pipes and anticipated that more deterioration would occur as the system ages.
A consultant was hired in FY 2015 to conduct a complete mapping and inspection of the City’s
storm water system and prepare a report to prioritize and calculate estimated costs of needed
renovations and repairs to the system. The report identified approximately $1,500,000 of
renovations that needed immediate attention; accordingly, the FY 2016 budget included this
amount in the General Fund Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the replacement of pipes and
structures. In addition, the report recommended a ten 10 year maintenance program to pump down
the system, clean, and video all structures for inspection. The estimated cost is approximately
$500,000 annually to complete the 10 year maintenance program, with the first year’s allocation
beginning in FY 2017. In addition to repairs to the storm water system, staff identified needed
maintenance to the City’s system of canals, which collect the water runoff from the storm water
system. To prevent the system from requiring similar substantial refurbishment, staff formulated
an annual canal dredging and maintenance plan. The first year of this program was implemented
in FY 2017.
The proposed FY 2018 Budget continues the second year of this Storm Water Repair and
Renovation Program, and includes $500,000 in the Storm Water Division’s Repair & Maintenance
expenditure account. Additionally, the FY 2018 Budget contains an allocation of $250,000 in the
Storm Water Division’s Repair & Maintenance expenditure account to continue the maintenance
of the City’s system of canals for collecting the water runoff from the storm water system.
Personnel Cost Factors. Personnel costs comprise the majority (approximately 66%) of the
City’s General Fund total expenditures, excluding transfers and reserves. Therefore, the factors
that influence personnel costs are by far the most significant drivers of the entire budget. The
Budget contains 515 full-time positions, which is an increase of 19 from the FY 2017 total of 496.
A summary of the requested new positions is as follows:
Eight (8) police officers to provide coverage for new western growth, including
recent annexations;
Two (2) Fire Code Compliance Officers, due to substantial increases in annual
inspections, re-inspections, fire plan reviews and new construction inspections;
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 11
Three (3) Maintenance Tech I positions and one (1) Lead Maintenance Tech IV
position due to the new District Park Facility. These positions will be filled in the
fourth quarter of FY 2018, in advance of the opening of the facility;
One (1) Administrative Specialist III to provide support to the Deputy City
Manager;
Reclassification of two (2) existing part-time employees to full-time to keep up
with increased workloads: one (1) Fire Administrative Manager and one (1) HR
Support Specialist, and;
One (1) Youth Enrichment Center Superintendent and one (1) Supervisor, both of
which will be funded with Special Revenue Fund revenues, not Ad Valorem Taxes.
As noted above, the Budget reflects an increase of $916,487 for Fire Pension costs from
the previous year. The actuarial valuation indicated a contribution equal to 51.88% of covered
payroll, up from the previous year’s percentage of 40.31%. The increase reflects unfavorable
experience and changes to the Plan’s actuarial assumptions. Per discussion with the Plan’s actuary,
who does not prepare a fixed dollar contribution, the payment to the Plan has been estimated by
multiplying the City’s contribution percentage by the projected covered payroll. Also noted above,
was the projected increase in claims costs associated with the Self-Insured Medical Insurance
Fund. This fund is used to accumulate resources to pay for claims, premiums and the cost of
operating the onsite employee healthcare clinic. Funding for FY 2018 has been increased in line
with projections prepared by the City’s actuary, considering the increasing claims trend of the
Plan. With this change to the funding formula, the projected end of year balance in the Fund is
approximately $5.8 million, which is approximately equal to one year’s total claims.
Reserves. The proposed FY 2018 Budget as presented recommends the use of approximately
$567,000 of General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserves, which will be used to augment funding
for one-time capital projects. After this one-time expenditure, Unassigned Reserves and Budget
Stabilization Reserves are projected at $23.1 million and $2 million, respectively. The Unassigned
Reserve balance of $23.1 million represents 27% of total expenditures, and is in compliance with
Council’s policy of maintaining a minimum reserve balance of 17% of expenditures.
The City’s financial forecast is based on approval of additional Homestead Exemption of
$25,000 in November of 2018; staff believes that there is a strong likelihood that the additional
Homestead Exemption will pass. Tax reduction to 5.50, absent an increase in later years, would
reduce Stabilization Reserve to zero and Unassigned Reserve to $21 million from $23 million by
2022. Accordingly, an overall millage rate reduction to 5.50 would likely cause the City to face
an operating deficit in 2022 of, all other things being equal, approximately $1,400,000.
BORB REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The BORB has held public meetings on a monthly basis (twice in August) in order to fulfill
the duties and responsibilities set forth in the City Ordinance, which is to provide citizen input for
both the budget process and the expenditure of the Tax proceeds allocated to the City.
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 12
Furthermore, the BORB has reviewed the following issues in accordance with Section 2-127 of
the City Ordinance:
1. Expenditure of Tax Funds: The BORB has reviewed the current expenditures of
the Tax funds. The BORB has found that the City is in compliance with the following pieces
of legislation: (a) County Ordinance; (b) City Ordinance; (c) Fla. Stat. 212.055; (d) Resolution
12; (e) Resolution 14; and (f) Ordinance 10. The BORB also finds that the City is acting
responsibly and in the best interests of the residents with respect to the expenditures of the Tax
funds.
2. Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget as Prepared by Staff and
Analysis: The BORB has reviewed the Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets and finds
that the Staff has done an excellent job of balancing the increased burdens of an expending
population and three annexations and the benefits of a growing tax base. This Annual Report
identified key expenditures that shaped the FY 2018 Budget and the Staff has done a
tremendous job of ensuring that the residents’ needs are met while maintaining sufficient
reserves moving forward. Generally, the BORB is pleased that the City is maintaining the
Operating Millage Rate of 5.55 and avoiding an overall tax increase.
The BORB would also like to note that the City has done an excellent job of
maintaining transparency during the budgeting process. We would like to point out the article
“Budget Blueprint” in the Summer 2017 edition of Signature City: City of Palm Beach
Gardens. This Article was very clear and concise, and provided an excellent road-map to the
City budgeting process.
3. Spending Plan for Compliance with Current Adopted Financials Policies. The City
has taken affirmative steps to avoid a tax increase for the FY 2018 Budget. For example, FY
2018 Budget proposes to transfer $600,000 from the budget stabilization fund to balance the
General Fund balance in order to avoid a tax increase. Moreover, the City overall property tax
rate has been reduced since 2011, and is projected to continue to decline as the general
obligation debt is paid off. The projected debt service millage is projected to be eliminated by
FY 2020.
The residents have a strong preference for paying for services from Ad Valorem taxes,
as opposed to user-based fees. Accordingly, the City continues to not assess or change many
taxes and fees that are commonly charged by most other local governments in Palm Beach
County and the State of Florida. For example, the City does not charge residents for curbside
garbage or trash collection; the City pays the contractual fees for collection and recycling
services from ad valorem revenues. Furthermore, as per the Council’s standing policy, there
are no utility service taxes, storm water assessments or fire assessment fees or charges levied
by the City.
Recommendation. The BORB has found that the City has expended Tax funds in accordance
with Florida Statutes, the County Ordinance, City Ordinance, and related Resolutions.
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 13
Furthermore, the Staff has been efficient and thorough with respect to incurring such expenditures.
In summary, the BORB’s review of the Budget confirms that (i) the City is financially strong and
has policies in place to maintain the current financial stability; and (ii) City Staff has been
transparently throughout the budgetary process with its residents and citizens. The openness and
transparency of the budgetary process is welcomed by the members of this Committee and by the
residents of the City.
The BORB recommends an annual/monthly review of actual Tax revenues versus
projected Tax revenues to assist the City in the budgeting process. Currently, the actual Tax
revenues have exceeded the projected Tax revenues; if this trend continues, the BORB
recommends that the City explore opportunities to pay for additional projections out of the Tax
funds rather than from the annual Budget (which fit the Tax parameters). The BORB believes that
it is in the citizens’ best interest to either reduce the effective millage or keep the millage static
while maintaining the current service levels; if the variance between the excess Tax revenues over
the projected Tax revenues continues to grow, the City may have an opportunity to meet this goal.
The BORB believes that this exercise will be essential to maximize the City’s efficiency in the
budgeting process moving forward. That being said, the BORB agrees that the City should take
substantial action to avoid an operating deficit in the future. The BORB also recognizes that the
City is in the initial phase of expending Tax funds for the various projects. The BORB understands
the strong likelihood that the amount of expenditures will significantly increase during FY 2018,
as physical construction of the projects will commence.
Finally, the BORB would like to thank Finance Administrator Allan Owens, Deputy
Finance Administrator Mary Anderson-Pickle and their staff for the assistance throughout this
process. The BORB would like to thank these individuals for being extremely generous with their
time and promptly responding to our questions.
This Annual Report is respectfully submitted to the Council and Residents of the City in
accordance with Section 7(d) of the County Ordinance.
_____________________________ ______________________
Mark S. Feldmesser, Chair Date
_____________________________ ______________________
Dennis Beran, Vice-Chair Date
_____________________________ ______________________
Mark Schulte, Regular Member Date
_____________________________ ______________________
Budget Oversight Review Board
City of Palm Beach Gardens
2017 Annual Report
Page 14
David Middleton, Regular Member Date
_____________________________ ______________________
Andrew R. Comiter, Regular Member Date
Draft to be circulated. Formatted: List Paragraph
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
REQUEST TO ADDRESS CITY BOARD OR COMMITTEE
PLEASE PRINT
Members of the public may address the Board or Committee during the "Comments by the Public" portion of
the agenda and during "Comments by the Public". This request to address to the Board or Committee must be
delivered to City Clerk staff member prior to the commencement of the meeting. The time limit for each
speaker is limited up to three (3) minutes depending on the amount of comment cards submitted.