12-02-2020 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Other Possible Changes to the Preliminary Budget: If the City Council is interested in lowering the 2021 budget and levy even further, there are additional options that can be considered. Each of these options would have additional impacts on staff and how services are provided. Other possible reductions to the preliminary budget that would have impacts to the levy are as follows: •Postpone market rate and step increases. For each month of postponement of employee cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) and step increases, there would be a reduction to the General Fund budget of $3,200. A COLA of 1.9% is currently included in the budget. According to an updated survey of comparable cities, the average COLA is 2.5%. •Postpone adjustment to recreation coordinator position. The current budget includes an increase in hours for the recreation coordinator position from 25 to 34 hours per week. For each month the increase in hours is postponed, there will be a General Fund budget reduction of $2,300. •Reduce or eliminate commissioner stipends. Few cities provide payment or stipends for Planning or Parks & Recreation Commission members. By eliminating stipends for Commission Members, there would be an annual savings of $3,500. •Reduce or eliminate the Council Contingency. A ‘Council Contingency’ budget line item of $15,000 was established in 2020. This line item provides additional flexibility for the City Council when unanticipated budget issues come up after the budget is finalized. If desired, this line item could be reduced or eliminated to provide additional savings. If there is Council consensus on changes to the budget and levy, staff will make these changes in the Final Budget that will be presented on December 16th.