09-12-01 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 2002. The Administrator noted that these numbers have just been released by the County and are very preliminary at this point. Anderson asked the percentage of spending increase that is being proposed from 200] to 2002. The City Administrator pointed out that the General Fund budget is proposed to increase by 5.1 % for 2002. This rate of increase tracks with rates in previous years. The Administrator reviewed his memo dated September ] 2'~' that outlines some impacts to the 2002 Budget. He pointed out that Sheriff's costs, which make up the biggest share of the City's budget, are proposed to increase by 5.49%, or $38,025. 'Phis increase is the result of increased call activity in the City as well as the addition of another investigator position. The Administrator also noted an anticipated decrease in fine revenue of $6,500. The Administrator further anticipated increased energy costs will amount to $14,115 in the General Fund dw'ing 2002. The Administrator recommended that the City's contribution toward employee health insurance be increased from $409 to $458 per month which is the average of all metro a~~eajurisdictions contributions towa~~d employee benefit plans for health and dental insurance. ]3e also recanmended that the opt-out payment to employees who have other sources of health insurance be frozen at $204.50. l/stimated cost to the General Fund is $9,1.86. The Administrator recommended adding Derel< Anderson to full-time status, thereby making him eligible for health insurance. The estimated cost to the General Fund would be $5,300. The Administrator explained that Anderson currently works part-time for both the Public Works and Parks & Rec Departments. Lte earns different rates of pay for each department. 1'he proposal would be to continue this practice; however, Anderson would work 20 hours per wee]< for each department. Scalze suggested that perhaps the new full-time position should be advertised. Fahey pointed out that in some cases the City has advertised positions that changed from part-time to full-time. However, in other cases the incumbent employee was changed to full-time status without advertising. Fahey suggested that if Anderson's supervisors are satisfied with his performance, he felt it appropriate to change the position to full-time status without advertising. Fahey also pointed out the uniqueness of this position given its dual capacity. The City Administrator fm'ther noted that during the winter months this position assists the Public Works Department with snow plowing duties. The Administrator felt that the City gets a good value from this unique arrangement.