PH MInutes 2011-02-24PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011
CALL TO ORDER: The Prattville City Council met in public hearing on Thursday, February
24, 2011 in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Councilman Fank was recorded as being
absent.
Council President Miller announced that Mayor Gillespie is at home sick and Councilman
Fank is traveling from North Alabama and is on his way to the meeting. He opened the floor
to anyone who chose to speak regarding the 2010-2011 budget at the podium. President
Miller requested that individuals try to limit their time at the podium to 5 minutes.
Lonnie Fran, 258 Teri Lane, Prattville, AL stated that he had begun attending council
meetings in order to educate himself in order to ask questions regarding the City’s financial
status. He questioned how much time had been spent in previous budget preparations and
hopes that the council has clear goals in mind with this year’s budget.
Dave Burns, 150 Shady Oak Lane, Prattville, AL stated his opposition to a sales tax increase.
Mike Ray, 640 Mimosa Road, Prattville, AL expressed his concern with the adoption of the
proposed budget will only put the city further in a hole and asked that the Council be decisive
and realistic. He stated that while he didn’t like a sales tax increase, he would support it.
Councilman Fank arrived at 6:27.
Steven Brooks, business owner, 167 W. Main Street, Prattville, AL asked the Council to
reconsider the sales tax increase at a lower rate of ¼ or ½%. He further requested that the
City continue to provide beautification to the Historic District to continue to bring tourists
from across the country.
Doris Browder, 746 Smith Avenue, Prattville, AL expressed her concern that the Council is
not following our founder, Daniel Pratt’s, intentions for this city and encouraged the Council
to look at other options to increase revenues.
Debra Meliska, 710 Running Brook Circle, Prattville, AL urged the council to cut salaries,
benefits, attorney’s fees, City vehicles and SUV’s, and employees who have served their 25
years.
Jerry Cimis, 141 N. Chestnut Street, Prattville, AL compared the city’s budget to a carotid
artery that was hemorrhaging, and asked that the budget be based on realistic numbers and
sound assumptions but still be flexible and consistent with goals and strategic plans.
Don Whittington, 1457 Upper Kingston, Prattville, AL expressed his opinion that the City’s
first priority should be cutting costs and questioned the need for the Department of Leisure
Services.
Steve Hollon, 545 Upper Kingston, Prattville, AL asked that the budget be based on actual
numbers and that the budget be reviewed and tweaked on a quarterly basis.
Ms. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace Street, Prattville, AL questioned who gave the Council
wrong information in which the previous budget was based.
Patricia Cummings, 1208 Kenwood Court, Prattville, AL asked if the proposed sales tax
increase isn’t approved, how it may impact the City’s revenues. She stated that it is her
opinion that the programs sponsored by the Department of Leisure Services and Way Off
Broadway should financially sustain themselves.
Dennis Mullins, 111 Danya Drive, Prattville, AL expressed his shock regarding the possibility
of the Council not adopting a budget. He stated that while he doesn’t like the idea of raising
taxes, he encouraged the Council to utilize those funds to decrease the debt of the City.
Charlie Graham, 126 Holly Court, Prattville, AL suggested that the Council change the rules
on the employee’s pension plan and reduction in salaries and benefits. He expressed his
disgust that the City is asking for bailout from its citizens.
Sue Rector, 316 Summer Hill Road, Prattville, AL expressed her concern that citizens won’t
shop locally if there is a sales tax increase and her dissatisfaction in another sewer rate
increase.
Stan Fairchild, 1263 Huie Street, Prattville, AL expressed his anger in not receiving a property
assessment in three years and the vacant storefronts at High Point.
Paula Griffith Barlow, 3020 Englenook Road, Millbrook, AL reminded those present that not
only citizens are being affected by these changes, but employees and Councilman are being
affected equally. She stated that it is her opinion that citizens don’t come to Prattville solely
for the benefit of the lower tax rate, but for the safe atmosphere.
Debra Meliska, 710 Running Brook Circle, Prattville, AL asked if the people that gave
incorrect information for the previous budget had lost their jobs.
Council President Miller thanked everyone who attended and spoke regarding the proposed
budget.
Councilman Fank expressed his appreciation and respect to the City employees. He further
asked that citizens refrain from being condescending to employees.
Councilman Argo stressed that his earlier statement regarding the budget was that there is no
law or rule stating that we are required to adopt a budget. However, it is his belief that a
budget is needed, but to move forward more slowly and be sure that every option for cost
saving has been addressed.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Fank made a motion
to adjourn and Councilman Boles seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
APPROVED:
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Stephanie J. Southerland
Interim City Clerk
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Thomas M. Miller, President
Prattville City Council