05-12-2021 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 129 2021 in carrier and timing of when the premiums were paid. He reported that in 2021 they were able to decrease their overall budget about 3% due to savings from 2020 and some other reductions. He stated in 2020 the remodel of the fire station was completed and they started construction of the Firefighter's Memorial which is located behind the station, and is planned to be completed this summer. He stated that 2020 was the 751h anniversary of the Little Canada Fire Department so they are hoping to be able to do some events this year since everything was canceled in 2020. He reported they have the third fire chiefs vehicle and new radio system in service now and Firefighter Chris Jaede was awarded the Firefighter of the Year. He explained the ladder truck replacement committee has started meeting, which will be about a year -long process to design and order a new ladder truck. He noted there have been several Fire Chief retirements in nearby communities over the last year. He stated they are still getting a good pool of candidates for their firefighter positions, and he is not aware of any upcoming retirements at this time. Keis asked if they have any upcoming large expenses. Chief Smiley stated that nothing other than the ladder truck at this time, but they may look at some additional remodeling in the building. He noted that their charitable gambling was closed for several months, but it has bounced back and been doing really well. He stated they now have 28 firefighters and noted they want to stay around 3 0, so they may hire again this year. PRELIMINARY 2022 BUDGET DISCUSSION The Finance Director stated that work will begin on the 2022 budget in the next month and a survey was sent to Council for initial thoughts to help guide staff. The City Administrator showed past years of the City's property tax levy rate and would like to get preliminary discussion on what the Council's goals are for the General Fund, which is the day-to-day operating budget for the City. He reviewed a summary of the survey question results that were asked of the Council: 1) Do you feel the 2021 operating budget is in alignment with the City Council's priorities and strategic initiatives laid out in the 5-year Strategic Plan? 2) Do you feel the City currently offers the right level of services? 3) Given the current status of the unreserved fund balance and the additional one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan, should the City strive to reduce, maintain flat or moderately increase, the levy for 2022? Keis stated he would look to spend the rescue funds on things that are a one-time expense rather than an on -going expense. The Finance Director explained that if the unassigned funds are used for operating costs, the Council will need to expect that a higher levy increase would need to happen in future years. The City Administrator explained that the American Rescue Plan Funds are anticipated to have specific guidelines for what it can be used for. The Finance Director stated that big tickets items that it is anticipated it could be used for are water, sewer, storm sewer and broadband. McGraw asked if there was an overall list of conditions and needs for stormwater systems. The Public Works Director stated there is not a list of the current status of the city's systems, but he could do that in the next couple of months and determine some preliminary costs. There was Council and staff discussion regarding one-time expense suggestions. 2