09-09-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 impact of these changes. She noted that staff has indicated some options for either expense reductions or revenue increases that will help reduce the impact on the levy. The Director noted the chart in the September 4th report which shows the dollars needed to be cut to achieve a lesser increase in the levy. The Director then reviewed projected General Fund revenues noting that most categories are relatively flat with the exception of property taxes. With regard to General Fund expenses, the Director noted that they are up an estimated 4.1% for 2016. Some of these increased expenses include Election costs, Administration costs due to staffing changes, increased health insurance costs, and increased network support costs. Attorney costs are increasing by a projected 4.9%, Sheriff's Department expenses are projected to increase by 3.77%. Street costs are projected to increase by 12.25% due to sealcoating and street striping as well as health insurance. Costs for the new Public Works Garage are projected to increase by 78% or $11,680 due to higher utility costs associated with a larger building as well as cleaning costs. The budget also includes projected salary increases of 2.5%, which will be discussed in more detail at a future meeting. The Director also noted the increases associated with staffing changes that the Council discussed at a previous workshop meeting. The Director then reviewed a list of options that could be used to lower the levy which include an additional transfer of $10,000 from CATV to the General Fund, a fund transfer from Refuse/Recycling of $15,000 to offset administrative costs, an increase in park shelter rental fees including establishing a higher non-resident rental rate, the use of more LGA dollars in the General Fund, and setting a lower number for certification of the preliminary budget with staff to continue evaluating the budget for additional opportunities prior to final adoption. There was some discussion relative to 2016 Election expenses with staff noting that that during a Presidential election year, additional election judges are needed to staff precincts. It was also pointed out that with "no excuse needed" absentee voting, the County is projecting a significant increase in the number of absentee ballots, thus increasing the City's expenses. The Director pointed out that the City will have a capital cost of approximately $25,000 in 2016 for the purchase of new election equipment. It was also noted that there will be increased on-going maintenance costs associated with this new equipment. The Council discussed the $.75 per month recycling fee that the City collected for time involved in coordinating service for refuse and 6