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SR - - FIRST STUDY SESSION PROPOSED BUDGET FY 2017-18 AGENDA ITEM Z 9�•. o a Date: March 28, 2017 eouNiy TO: Honorable Mayor and Members Reviewed/Verified of the City Council City Manager Finance Directo FROM: Rick Otto To Be Presented By: City Manager Will Kolbow 1. SUBJECT First Study Session for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 -18 Budget 2. SUMMARY This is the first study session in support of the preparation of the FY 2017 -18 Budget (FY 18). This study session is intended to provide a status of the current year budget, an initial analysis of the projected General Fund revenues and expenditures for FY 18, the proposed Annual Departmental Work Plans for FY 18, and the draft of the Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan for the period of FY 17 -18 through FY 21 -22. 3. RECOMMENDATION Receive and file the report and provide direction to staff. 4. FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal impact will be determined with final budget adoption. 5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(s) 2. Be a fiscally healthy community: a) Expend fiscal resources responsibly; b) Analyze future fiscal needs and potential revenue opportunities; and c) Provide appropriate reserves. 4. Provide outstanding public service: b) Provide facilities and services to meet customer expectations. ITEM PAGE 03/28/17 0 Printed on Recycled Paper 6. DISCUSSION and BACKGROUND This is the first study session in support of the preparation of the City's FY 18 Budget. This study session is intended to focus on the following items: • Providing a status of the current year budget; • Providing an initial analysis of the projected revenues and expenditures for FY 18; • Presenting the proposed Annual Departmental Work Plans for FY 18, and; • Presenting the draft Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan for the period of FY 17 -18 through FY 21 -22. Introduction This is an exciting time in Orange. In addition to our local economy remaining very strong and the real estate market robust, the City is working on three high - profile projects that will be under construction during the FY 18. The renovations at Yorba Park have already begun and by July of this year we will be seeing the start of construction for the renovations at Shafer Park and the new Metrolink Parking Structure. In total, the three projects reflect a $40.0 million reinvestment into our community and provide enhanced amenities to our residents, businesses and visitors. In spite of this upbeat outlook, unfortunately the City does face a significant fiscal challenge in FY 18 and beyond. While past fiscal challenges were the outcome of economic downturns that resulted in declining revenues, this fiscal challenge is due to rising costs — specifically the City's share of Ca1PERS costs. In FY 18, PERS costs will increase by $2.3 million to $21.2 million which equates to over 2.0% of the General Fund budget. In the fiscal years beyond FY 18, PERS costs continue to escalate dramatically with estimated $3.0 million increases in both FY 19 and FY 20. I have great concern that General Fund revenues will not be able to keep pace to sustain these increases. The PERS issue is clearly the biggest obstacle facing every full- service city in the state. Already, two smaller agencies have defaulted on their obligated PERS payments and I would not be surprised if more follow in the coming years. This and past City Councils have been extremely proactive in responding to the economic challenges that the City has faced. Throughout the years, the City Council has taken decisive actions to manage our operating costs, while preserving service levels. With the adoption of the FY 17 Budget, the City achieved a balanced budget for the fifth year in a row. While this is a noteworthy achievement, it will be increasingly difficult to maintain unless we have prudent spending practices. Therefore, the City must continue to find ways to tighten its belt to avoid painful budget cuts in the future. At this point in the budget process, staff is pleased to project a preliminary General Fund budget for FY 18 that is balanced as well as a conservative spending plan that is responsive to the priorities set by the City Council. ITEM PAGE 03/28/17 O PrInted on Recycled Paper Status of Current Year Budget (FY 17) Review of General Fund Revenues for FY 17 As the economy continues to show improvement, positive signs are reflected in many of our revenue receipts. Total General Fund revenues are projected to be $110.9 million (a 4.3% increase). However, $4.9 million of that are from one -time revenue sources. Our largest General Fund revenue source, Sales Tax, is expected to be $41.6 million, $1.7 million below the budget of $43.3 million. As fuel prices continue to stay low, the related sales tax revenue has not met budget expectations. However, we anticipate the decline in fuel sales will be partially offset by increases in auto sales, building and construction, and in the business and industry sectors. Property Taxes are projected to end the fiscal year at $26.0 million, a $134,000 increase over budget, due to more property tax increment distributed from the County of Orange for the Successor Agency. Licenses and fees are expected to reach $4.5 million, $179,000 (4.1 %) over budget, primarily a result of an increase in building related permits (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.). Use of Money and Property is anticipated to be $221,000 (18.5 %) above budget, the result of higher interest rates generating more interest earnings. Revenue from Other Agencies and Fees for Services are expected to be above budget as well. Finally, Miscellaneous Revenues are estimated to be $5.7 million, $4.9 million higher than the budget of $769,000. The majority of this increase is contributed by receipts from the sale of surplus properties. One transaction in particular is worth noting. At the December 2016 City Council meeting, the City Council approved the sale of surplus property at 3101 West Chapman Avenue to Chapman University. As a result, the City received $6.5 million one -time monies from the transaction. Of that $6.5 million, $3 million was deposited to the Capital Projects Fund (Fund 500), and $3.5 million was deposited to the General Fund (100). It is anticipated that the $3.5 million that is currently in the General Fund will be used as a loan to the Water Fund (600) for the design and construction of a water well on the site. Staff is still working on the details of the loan to the Water Fund. However, it is anticipated that the loan will be presented to the City Council for consideration prior to the end of the fiscal year. Review of General Fund Expenditures and Ending Fund Balance for FY 17 General Fund expenditures are tracking at less than budgeted amounts. As such, the fiscal year is projected to end with expenditure savings of $3.7 million due to diligent managing costs by departments, and salary savings from positions that are not filled. While we have maintained approximately 42 frozen full -time positions during FY 17, we have been generally filling funded positions when they become vacant. Nevertheless, we scrutinize every vacancy and only fill positions necessary to maintain expected service levels and provide for critical succession planning. Overall, departments continue to do an excellent job of maintaining targets on expenditures, and being creative in meeting the City's service delivery goals. With our adjusted budgeted expenditures of $105.4 million, we expect to end the fiscal year with a surplus of $5.6 million in revenues over expenditures mostly due to $4.5 million in sales of City -owned properties and mid- year adjustments. The result is a General Fund ending balance of approximately $8.8 million. ITEM PAGE 03/28/17 *Printed on Recycled Paper Initial Review of the Proposed Budget for FY 18 Estimated General Fund Revenues for FY 18 The economy continues in a slow and steady growth mode. Employment is forecasted to increase, and wages are expected to grow gradually. According to most economists, the overall economic outlook is positive. Locally, Orange County continues to experience economic improvement. According to Chapman University, Orange County will see job growth, especially in the services and construction sectors. Personal income is projected to increase, which leads to more consumer spending. Our initial analysis suggests FY 18 General Fund revenues will be $107.8 million. While this is a $3.1 million (2.8 %) decrease below our estimated revenue for FY 17, after you remove the one -time revenue from FY 17, the projected FY 18 is actually an increase of 1.7 %. The following are the most significant highlights of the General Fund revenue for FY 18: • Sales tax revenue is projected to be $42.4 million, $800,000 (1.9 %) above the FY 17 estimate. Low gas prices continue to have a prolonged impact on sales tax receipts. On the positive side, the recently rebranded Kia dealership, and new stores at the Outlets of Orange are anticipated to bring in additional retail sales. Further, we expect strong performances in auto sales, building and construction activity, and the business -to- business sector. We also expect that revenue from fuel sales will begin to recover. We continue to closely monitor retail sales in Orange, as well as the local economy in general, and anticipate to have more refined sales tax revenue estimates for the April 25 Study Session. • Property tax revenue is estimated to be $27.0 million, an increase of $979,000 (3.8 %). Property tax receipts are expected to grow as homes will be assessed with annual increases in their property taxes. The Proposition 13 increase in assessed values remains at 2% the maximum allowed by law. Further, there has been an uptick in commercial property transactions throughout the City, which will result in positive reassessments. • Property taxes, in lieu of motor vehicle license fees, are estimated to increase $485,000 (3.9 %) to $12.8 million as this is tied to property tax growth. • Hotel /Transient Occupancy Tax receipts are projected at $5.4 million, 2.0% above the FY 17 estimate, based on current trends that point to an increase in travel and tourism. A more detailed analysis of projected revenue will be provided at the next Study Session. Estimated General Fund Expenditures for FY 18 Our initial estimate for General Fund expenditures is $107.6 million. This reflects a 1.3% increase in expenditures over the original adopted FY 17 budget. As is the course in previous years, we will continue to refine our estimates through the budget process. ITEM PAGE _ 03/28/17 Printed on Recycled Paper The following are the most significant issues impacting the General Fund expenditures for FY 18: 1. Status of PERS Retirement Costs: Managing our retirement costs continues to be a high priority. Classic miscellaneous employees (those who were Ca1PERS members on or before December 31, 2012) pay their full 8% contribution, while classic safety employees pay their required 9 %. In FY 18, employees hired under the new California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) formulas will continue to pay 6% and 11% contributions for miscellaneous and safety, respectively, while receiving a reduced level of retirement benefits. The City's proportional share for normal costs related to PEPRA are also lower. The City has 80 miscellaneous PEPRA members (22.3% of active miscellaneous PERS members) and 60 safety PEPRA members (22.3% of active safety PERS members). The employee rates for PEPRA members represent half of the normal cost of the benefit. As such, the City' s PERS rates will be positively affected over time as the number of PEPRA employees increase. PERS Costs Paid by Employee and City — Past and Future Employee City PERS Rates* Fiscal Year Status Paid City Paid Misc. Safety 2013 -14 Actual $4,420,917 $13,185,239 20.1% 30.1% 2014 -15 Actual 4,639,068 15,218,147 22.6% 33.3% 2015 -16 Actual 4,723,785 16,975,110 24.9% 36.3% 2016 -17 Projected 4,835,000 18,924,135 26.7% 39.4% 2017 -18 Prelim Budget , 5,142,000 21,183,000 29.5% 43.2% 2018-19 Forecast 5,142,000 24,079,000 32.5% 46.3% 2019 -20 Forecast 5,142,000 27,292,000 35.9% 50.9% * - For FY 18 and beyond, the PERS rate is an estimated effective rate, as CaIPERS now separates out the normal cost (calculated as a percentage of payroll), and the unfunded liability contribution (expressed as a fixed dollar amount). While the City had been experiencing a steady increase in PERS rates over the last decade, FY 15 was the first year of dramatic increases. It was in FY 15 when PERS began to reassess how cities would pay their unfunded liability. With each new amortized gain or loss, PERS has planned to ramp up the cost over a five -year period, hold the rate steady for twenty years, then ramp down the rates over the last five years. The intent was to soften the impact of large gains and losses since PERS decided to shift from valuing their assets by an actuarial value to a market value. The actuarial value had a softening mechanism built in to its values, whereas market values are tied to the actual value of their assets which can fluctuate quite a bit from year to year. The FY 15 increase in PERS costs was also due to the end of furloughs and new salary increases for most employee groups. In FY 17, due to lower than anticipated rates of return on investments, the PERS Board agreed to lower the discount rate from 7.5% to 7% over the next three years. This further resulted in increased costs to member agencies. ITEM PAGE 03/28/17 *Printed on Recycled Paper Finally, in FY 18, CalPERS again will be changing the way it collects contributions. The normal cost, which is the cost of benefits currently being earned, will continue to be paid as a percentage of payroll. The normal cost rates will be 10.495% and 18.173% for the miscellaneous and safety plans, respectively. The unfunded liability contribution piece, however, will be paid separately, either in a lump sum at the beginning of the fiscal year at a reduced amount or as a monthly fixed amount. Staff intends to take advantage of the savings by paying the lump sum in July 2017. Net of a savings of approximately $460,000, the cost for the unfunded liability will be $12,548,878 (General Fund cost is $10,871,580). These three determinations by PERS has resulted in a net increase in PERS costs for FY 18 of $2.3 million ($1.9 million for the General Fund), and a cumulative $19.7 million increase over the past five years. 2. Contractual Obligations: The departments continue to manage contract agreements as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. However, a few of our contractual obligations are experiencing significant cost increases. In FY 17, increases to City maintained contract agreements with Orange County Animal Control, North Net Fire Training, Metro Cities Fire Authority, technology software licensing, and landscape maintenance of City parks and recreation trails, are resulting in an additional General Fund cost of $408,103. Further, during FY 17 the City initiated contracts with private security firms to provide after hours and special security services for certain City parks, the Metrolink Depot, and the Main Library. This comes at an annual cost of $95,000. 3. Departmental Operating Budgets: Every year during the budget preparation process, the City departments are charged with reviewing their existing operations to determine if there are areas of budgetary savings and operational efficiencies. In addition, departments assess if there are budget increases to request to address rising costs, respond to required mandates, enhance existing service levels, or the need to implement a new program. This is an effort the departments take extremely seriously and with much internal scrutiny. Nevertheless, other than the contractual obligations noted above, departments are holding the line with their budgets without making any significant changes to their budgeted amounts from FY 17. This is getting more difficult each successive year as there are programs and services that need budgetary increases but we are not in a position to do so. These include consultant services for zoning and development code changes, equipment replacements in various department, additional training opportunities, and to address certain maintenance needs. Further, the proposed FY 18 budget does not include the addition of any new full -time positions in spite of the increase services levels being provided by nearly every department. Calls for service are at their highest levels for the Police and Fire Departments, and planning and building applications are also at historic high levels. Our parks and libraries are as busy as ever, while Public Works is managing an increased number capital and infrastructure projects. Although it is a cliche, our City staff is truly "doing more with less!" This is illustrated by the fact that the number of funded Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions has dropped significantly from 796 FTE's in FY 09 to 719 FTE's in FY 17. Nevertheless, we have implemented a "hiring chill" in holding certain positions vacant for an extended period of time as a cost saving measure. ITEM PAGE _ 03/28/17 0 Printed on Recycled Paper 4. Street Sweeping: The proposed FY 18 budget reflects the General Fund assuming the cost of street sweeping services. This item was previously funded by the Sanitation Fund and results in an impact of $510,000 to the General Fund. Going forward, staff will assess other funding options for this service. 5. Internal Service Funds: The first -time utilization of the Cost Tree cost allocation software has allowed staff to more efficiently evaluate the annual funding levels of the Internal Services Funds (ISFs). We project FY 18 allocations of $6.8 million to the Worker's Compensation, Accrued Liability (for retirement costs), Information Technology, and Liability funds. Because the Equipment Maintenance fund is sustaining a sufficient balance to not warrant an appropriation, total allocations to ISFs will be $1.1 million less than FY 17. As in FY 17, most ISFs are budgeted as part of FY 18 operational costs as opposed to being funded by unreserved General Fund balance generated through prior year savings. Of the remaining ISFs not included as part of operational costs, staff is requesting a transfer of $800,000 to the Equipment Replacement Fund (720), $500,000 to the Computer Equipment Replacement Fund (790), $1,000,000 to the Capital Projects Fund (500), and $1,000,000 to the Business Investment Fund (115) from General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance. It is important to note the impact of ongoing labor negotiations is not included in these budget assumptions. As the agreements for all eight labor bargaining groups will expire effective June 30, 2017, labor negotiations have begun in earnest. Except as noted above, this preliminary budget does not reflect any significant increases in the level of service or new programs. At this point in the budget process, revenues for FY 18 are over expenditures by $187,655. As we continue to refine the revenue and expenditure amounts, it is anticipated that the City Council will be able to adopt a balanced FY 18 budget. Preliminary Estimate of the General Fund Balance for FY 18 The beginning fund balance for FY 18 is projected to be $8.8 million and FY 18 revenues and expenditures are expected to balance. The estimated ending unreserved fund balance for the General Fund for FY 18 is $5.1 million following five proposed transfers from the unreserved fund balance: $500,000 to the Computer Equipment Replacement Fund, $800,000 to the Equipment Replacement Fund, $1,000,000 to the Business Investment Fund, $1,000,000 to the Capital Projects Fund, and $500,000 to the Catastrophic Reserve. The following table highlights the Estimated Available General Fund Balance for FY 18: ITEM _ _ 03/28/17 0 Printed on Recycled Paper Estimated Available General Fund Balance Unreserved Fund Balance Available @ 6/30/17 $8,752,977 FY 18 Estimated Revenues $107,823,195 FY 18 Estimated Expenditures (107,635,540) Revenue over Expenditures 187,655 Unreserved Fund Balance Available @ 6/30/18 8,940,632 Transfers Out Transfer to Computer Equipment Replacement (500,000) Transfer to Equipment Replacement Fund (800,000) Transfer to Capital Projects Fund (1,000,000) Transfer to Business Investment Fund (1,000,000) Transfer to Catastrophic Reserve (500,000) Total Transfers Out (3,800,000) Estimate Available Fund Balance @ 6/30/18 5,140,632 General Fund Catastrophic Reserve 20,067,960 Est. Reserved & Unreserved General Fund Balance @ 6/30/18 $25,208,592 Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan To establish consistency and comparability with other cities in the County, we have migrated from a Seven -Year Capital Improvement Plan to a Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan as included in the attachments. As in recent years, we will maintain an increased level of capital improvement activity in Orange. The FY 18 Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies 154 proposed projects. For FY 18 itself, there are 31 newly budgeted projects and 123 projects that are either a continuation of previously approved plans or anticipated to start during the out - years. With these projects, the City Council is investing nearly $23.2 million in the upcoming fiscal year and $83.5 million over the five -year planning horizon. This is a major investment in the City's infrastructure, and represents a significant commitment to our community's future. The following are highlights of the FY 18 Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan projects: • Construction phase of the Metrolink Parking Structure, located at the 100 block of North Lemon Street. ITEM PAGE _ 03/28/17 ()Printed on Recycled Paper • Renovations to Shaffer Park including a new community building and realignment of the baseball diamond. • Renovation of Yorba Park, which includes regrading of the park, installation of a new gas extraction system, and the establishment of an expanded dog park. • Installation of a video surveillance system at Civic Center public counters and breezeway, Orange Public Library and History Center and the Police Department's facility. • Design of the new Fire Station 2 Apparatus Bay, including civil engineering work related to road infrastructure. • Construction of Cemetery Ridge Trail near Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. • Replacement of landscaping at Handy Creek Corridor featuring drought tolerant plant material and a new water irrigation system. • Exterior painting of the Orange Public Library and History Center, El Modena, and Taft Branch Libraries. • Replacement of Radio Frequency Identification sorter at the Orange Public Library and History Center. • Commitment of $3.5 million to the Pavement Management Program and an additional $1.3 million for street maintenance and rehabilitation efforts at various locations throughout the City. • Commitment of $3.5 million towards 11 projects intended to maintain or improve the City's water production and distribution, including $1.5 million for pipeline replacement. As in years past, we anticipate challenges in funding certain infrastructure projects. Gas Tax revenue is projected to increase by 3.4% to $3.0 million over FY 17's budgeted estimate due to the steady increase in gasoline prices. Despite this, the persistent utilization of this fund for the past several years has impacted our ability to properly contribute towards the Pavement Management Program (PMP). As such, no funding towards PMP will be allocated in FY 18 from Gas Tax, which is a significant decrease from FY 17's budget of $700,000 and FY 16's budget of $2.0 million. With the dissolution of ORA, the City has had to find alternative funding sources for Capital reinvestments of City infrastructure projects. As such, the City Council has continued to set -aside monies from the unreserved fund balance of the General Fund in the Capital Projects Fund (500), resulting in an estimated beginning fund balance of $7.4 million for FY 18. While staff endeavors to make every effort to prolong much needed repairs and improvements, reinvestment in our infrastructure is necessary. The following projects are proposed for FY 18 for this fund, totaling $2.4 million: 1. SCE LS -1 Street Lights Acquisition and LED Retrofit ($1,500,000); 2. Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) & Mobile Upgrade ($400,000); 3. Cambridge Storm Drain and Street Improvements ($350,000); 4. Minor Traffic Control Devices ($95,000); 5. Monterey Street Lighting ($70,000); and, 6. Municipal Parking Lot Maintenance ($20,000). ITEM - _ 03/28/17 C Printed on Recycled Paper Facilities Condition Assessment Report In the March 2017 City Council meeting, staff presented the Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) study that evaluated the condition of about 40 city buildings. As part of that study, a prioritization scheme was utilized to determine the condition of the building and systems by designating facility improvements from Priority One to Priority Four. Priority One recommendations will be continually evaluated in FY 18, and will be incorporated in future fiscal years. In FY 17, staff continues to make facility improvements, which includes the Civic Center HVAC Replacement, Main Library Roof Rehabilitation, and Senior Center Ceiling Improvements. Projects that will be in construction in FY 18 includes: (1) removing and replacing outdated electrical distribution panels at Fire Headquarters; (2) replacing a water heater at El Modena Library and a drinking fountain for ADA compliance; (3) replacing rotten fascia, windowsills, and frames at Taft Library, and; (4) sealing the Police Department's glass dome and replacing a leaky water heater. Proposed Annual Work Plans for FY 18 A draft set of departmental mission statements, goals, service objectives, and work plans for the upcoming budget year is provided for your review. The work plans are prepared for each division within each department and specifically identify actions to be completed by a certain date using budgeted funds. The City Manager and each department monitor the progress of the adopted work plans. As such, these work plans provide a mechanism for each department to be held accountable for the delivery of specific programs and services funded in their budget. In keeping with prior years' objectives and feedback, staff has proposed work plans on behalf of the City Council, which include the following highlights: • Provide policy direction that safeguards financial stability while preserving community character and maintaining a positive organizational direction. • Provide the necessary resources to public safety to ensure the community remains among the safest cities in California. • Work closely with the State of California legislative representatives representing Orange to ensure that the needs of Orange residents and business are addressed. • Provide legislative leadership that ensures maximum accomplishment of the City's Mission Statement and goals. • Monitor the construction of the Metrolink Parking Structure which will serve Metrolink patrons and Old Towne commercial district customers. • Facilitate and provide policy direction to develop parking solutions to preserve and enhance the economic viability of Old Towne. • Work with the County of Orange, adjacent cities, care providers, and other stake holders to effectively address the problem of homelessness in our community and region wide. • Facilitate a positive relationship with Chapman University leadership and cultivate community engagement opportunities. • Evaluate options to assist businesses with processing City land use entitlements and other business development activities. ITEM PAGE _ 03/28/17 0 3 nnted on Recycled Paper • Enhance the City's economic base by continuing to attract quality businesses to the City's commercial corridors and industrial areas. • Act as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, responsibly and proactively wind down the activities of the former RDA to minimize the fiscal impacts to the City's general fund. • Continue to look for options to enhance seamless interaction between residents and businesses through the City's website. • Monitor statewide efforts to address the rising costs of maintaining the Ca1PERS retirement system and provide leadership in managing its impacts to the City's financial stability. As a reflection of the economy in Orange, the proposed work plans continue to remain very modest and, for the most part, address core services and programs. Although provided to the City Council as part of this agenda package, staff will not be formally presenting the proposed FY 18 work plans at this study session. Rather, if the City Council has specific questions regarding particular department work plans, please inquire prior to the conclusion of this study session. Conclusion The City Council's prudent policies continue to set the stage for staff to meet the budgetary challenges and demands for FY 18. The City continues to take advantage of the growing economy to maintain services and enhance our infrastructure. While it is important to continue on the path of caution to ensure long -term fiscal health, the City Council works hard to be able to allocate the necessary resources to allow the City to provide the citizens and businesses of the City with the excellent services they have come to expect. Staff still has a few months to refine FY 18 revenue and expenditure amounts. In addition, feedback from the City Council received at this study session will help further refine our projections. The next study session is tentatively planned for April 25, 2017. 7. ATTACHMENTS FY 18 Proposed Annual Work Plans FY 18 Draft Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan ITEM PAGE _ 03/28/17 WPrinted on Recycled Paper