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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 13, 2000 <br />Fahey pointed out that last year the Council cut the net levy by 8.2%. <br />However, it may be necessary to have a slight increase in the net levy for <br />this year. The Administrator agreed and pointed out that some other cities <br />are projecting dramatic increases for 2001. The Administrator noted that <br />whatever number is certified for the preliminary is the maximum that the <br />City can levy. However, the Council will have the ability to reduce the <br />levy. <br />Morelan asked what the change is for 2001 in the City's tax rate. The <br />Administrator pointed out that Ramsey County does not have the <br />preliminary 2001 valuations at this time, so it cannot be determined. <br />Morelan indicated that there are a lot of unknowns at this point. <br />Therefore, he felt the preliminary net levy should be certified at 5% with <br />the goal to reduce that amount for the final levy. <br />The Council discussed this suggestion at length, with Fahey, Pedersen, <br />and Morelan agreeing to 5%. Scalze and LaValle stating that they thought <br />the number should be lower. <br />The City Attorney reviewed the increased caseload that his office has <br />experienced in misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor prosecution. <br />Because of this increase, his budget requests reflects a 12% increase. He <br />noted that fine revenue has stayed fairly flat over the past three years. The <br />Council and the Attorney discussed fine revenues and it was noted that <br />Ramsey County Judges are not adhering to the County's fine schedule. <br />Fahey encouraged the City Attorney to work with the City Administrator <br />in an effort to reduce his 2001 Budget request. <br />The Council discussed City newsletter printing costs, and the <br />Administrator reported that costs are up due to an increase in the volume <br />of newsletter pages. City staff has and will continue to look at the City's <br />options and obtain quotes from other vendors in an attempt to keep these <br />costs at a minimum. <br />Morelan asked about increased Repair & Maintenance costs in the Parks <br />& Recreation General Fund Expenditure Budget. It was noted that <br />materials costs have increased partly due to increased fuel costs. The <br />Council also discussed electrical costs at Pioneer Park and other <br />recreational facilities. Scalze suggested that increased electrical costs for <br />lighting Pioneer Park ballfields be passed on to the users. <br />