09-23-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 rational is to prevent the utility funds from subsidizing General Fund operations, thereby leading to higher utility rates. The Administrator again noted that items 1, 2, 4, and 5 are easy changes to implement. However, the rest of the list will warrant more discussion. Montour noted that as it stands the preliminary budget projects a 6.25% net levy increase, and a more acceptable increase needs to be achieved. He pointed out that the purpose of this evening meeting is to set the preliminary 2016 Budget with additional work to be done in the future to lower that number. Keis pointed out the City's past practice to keep levy increases relatively stable with the goal being a 3% increase or less. Keis indicated that there will be a lot of discussion as the City moves forward in its budget process. He indicated that he was comfortable with a preliminary levy increase of 4% with the goal being 3% or less for the final budget. Fischer agreed, and pointed out that implementing items 1, 2, 4, and 5 result in a drop of about 1.5%. Fischer stated that he would support a 4% increase for the preliminary budget, and felt that a goal of a 3% increase or less was achievable for the final budget. Torkelson asked about the Truth In Taxation notices mailed by the County, and whether or not property owners understood that the preliminary budget increase may actually be lower when the final budget is adopted. Keis described the notice which also includes levy increases estimated by the County and School Districts. Montour indicated that when he first moved to Little Canada and began receiving these notices, he assumed that the preliminary increase projected was what the final tax increase would be. Montour noted that the notices that property owners receive contain contact information for the City, County, and School Districts, and encouraged property owners to express any concerns they might have to the appropriate agency. The City Administrator reported that the upcoming newsletter will contain an article describing the budget process. He noted that the Council will adopt the final 2016 Budget in December. The Administrator also pointed out that in addition to the levy increase, property value changes also impact the amount of property taxes that an owner will pay. The Parks & Recreation Director asked that the Council give careful consideration to the Parks & Recreation Department staffing changes that are identified in the September 18th report. The Director noted that while he is a short -timer with the City, he felt it important to retain the current staffing levels in order to maintain youth programs and promote 7