TOWN OF GARLAND BUDGET PLANNING SESSION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THURSDAY,APRIL21, 2022 6:30PM  The Budget Planning Session of the Board of Commissioners for the Town of Garland was held on  Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm.  The following members of the Board of Commissioners were present:  Carolyn R. Melvin Andy. Johnson Ralph Smith. Jr. Barbara A. Peterson  Also present: Town Clerk/Finance Officer Pamela Cashwell. Commissioner Jo A. Strickland was absent. Mayor Pro Tem Melvin called the budget planning session to order at 6:30 pm and thanked everyone  ADMINISTRATIVE  for attending the budget planning session tonight.  QUORUM  Mayor Pro Tem Melvin and Clerk Cashwell established there was a quorum present.  BUDGET PLANNING discussions.  Mayor Pro Tem Melvin recognized' dTown Clerk/Finance OfficerPamela Cashwellto! begin budget planning Clerk Cashwell reviewed a draft proposed budget for the General Fund, Water/Sewer Fund, and the Powell Bill Fund. Board members discussed various line items and made: suggested changes in each fund. They were all pleased to be able to budget for police protection and funds for the fire department while Mayor Austin Brown arrived at 7:30 pm. Board members discussed the proposed fee schedule for 2022- 2023 and made suggested changes. Board members discussed several ways to decease the cost of sanitation services currently being provided to avoid increasing the customer's rate fees. All services are costing more at this time due to increased supply chain issues, increased fuel costs and increased customer services expenses. Mayor Brown agreed to contact our representative with GFL to discuss Mayor Brown reported the last time a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) was given to staff was in July 2016and was 3%. He: stated he would like board members to consider giving one for F/Y 2022-2023. Board members asked Clerk Cashwell to compute the cost of a 1.5% and 2% COLA for them to consider.  maintaining all other services.  ideas board members have to avoid increasing service rates for customers.  1    ADJOURNMENT  Budget Planning Session adjourned at 8:15 pm.  Pancla Cashwelk Pamela Cashwell, Town Clerk/Finance Officer  Austin Brown, Mayor  7  2