09-10-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 from the City. He noted that the 2009 Budget as proposed places the City about 7`" from the bottom of Ramsey County cities. The Administrator again suggested the use of LGA dollars for one-time expenditures such as a street sweeper or setting aside funding for new fire equipment. Allan asked if the Watershed would participate in the cost of a street sweeper. The Administrator replied that they are not willing to participate in the cost, but would lend advice in the type of sweeper to purchase. The Finance Director began her review of the preliminary 2009 Budget explaining that there is an estimated surplus of $476,876 for 2008. A surplus of $407,000 was anticipated at the time the 2008 Budget was adopted. Given savings in Attorney costs, and larger building permit revenue associated with the St. Jude project, that surplus is estimated at the higher number. The Finance Director then began a detailed review of the proposed 2009 General Fund Revenue Summary. She reviewed revenues associated with Licenses & Permit, Intergovernmental, Charges for Service, Fines and Miscellaneous, with total revenues projected to increase by 1.03%. The Finance Director then reviewed projected 2009 General Fund Expenditures. The Director noted that projected wages reflect generally a 3% cost of living increase as well as any appropriate steps on wage scales. The Director indicated that she had reallocated salaries to better reflect employees' duties, thus there are some increases in salary expense in some categories and decreases in others. The Director reviewed key General Fund expenditure line items, pointing out key differences fiom the 2008 Budget. It was noted that Public Safety expense is over 50% of General Fund Expenditures. The Finance Director also noted that total General Fund Expenditures are projected to increase by 7%. The Council noted that most of the increase to General Fund Expenditures can be attributed to Public Safety, and most specifically police costs. The Finance Director noted that a specific line item will be added for dispatching costs, which are estimated at $42,000 for 2009. The Council again focused on the possible levy scenarios as laid out by City staff. It was again noted that the Legislature imposed a Levy Limit of $2,195,962. Special levies can be used to exceed that amount but are limited to additional policing costs. There was additional discussion on the addition of a Sheriff's Deputy to patrol Little Canada, thus delaying formula change increases for 2 years. It is hoped that the addition of this officer will eventually result in reduced calls in Little Canada, thus reducing policing costs given the formula has a call component.