09-10-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 not operate at a profit, but collects revenues and levies taxes in an amount that covers the cost of services. Fahey agreed that the City should levy to the levy limit imposed by the State. He noted that, in the past, the City has levied less than its State- imposed levy limit, and was then penalized for those efforts. Fahey also noted that with additional State aid cuts a likelihood in the future, the City should levy to its limit. The City Administrator pointed out Little Canada's efforts in holding its tax rate down and the impact these efforts have had in Little Canada's ranking among other Ramsey County municipalities. The Administrator indicated that the only reason there is an increased proposed in the 2004 levy is because the State has chosen not to follow through on its obligations and has cut $200,000 in aid to Little Canada. He noted that the State is allowing cities to levy back up to 60% of the aid dollars it has cut. Fahey noted the State's position of no new taxes, but in their efforts to resolve their budget crisis, aid was cut to cities, but then cities are being allowed to increase their tax levies by 60% of the State's cuts. Fahey noted that in addition to levying this 60%, the City is also imposing a franchise fee on electrical service. The Administrator asked if the Council had any questions on the General Fund budget. He noted that $17,000 of cuts that occurred in 2003 are being restored in 2004. These include the addition of a fall street sweeping, restoring warming house hours at skating rinks with a time study to occur this winter, conference and school expenses at 2003 levels, and budgeting for six newsletter issues. The City Administrator recommended that a workshop be called for Wednesday, October 8, 2003, at 6 p.m. to continue the Council's review of the proposed 2004 Budget. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2003-9-202 -CALL ING A COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2003 AT 6:00 P.M. TO CONTINUE REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED 2004 I3UDCET The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5) Blesener, Montour, Anderson, LaValle, Fahey. Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted.