05-12-2021 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Position Classification Plan Adjustments In 2021, staff has been evaluating the current position classification plan to determine if further adjustments to classes or wage ranges are needed. Staff has identified a few classifications that warrant further study and will be included in the 2022 budget process. A more comprehensive compensation study may be needed in future years to ensure that wages remain competitive. Police Services At this time, the contract cities have not yet begun budget discussions for 2022. Based on the fact that the City of Falcon Heights will be withdrawing from the RCSD contract cities at the end of the year, it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in police services costs for 2022. Background Checks Currently, background checks are only completed for activity in the State of Minnesota for new hires, instructors, and volunteers. In order to be comprehensive, national background checks are being proposed. The preliminary estimate for this cost is $1,500. Emerald Ash Borer Depending on the results of preliminary emerald ash borer analysis, funds may be needed for emerald ash borer remediation activities. CITY COUNCIL QUESTIONS An e-mail with the following questions will be sent to each member of the City Council to obtain feedback prior to the budget workshop. Staff is requesting that each Council Member reply with their responses by the end of workday on Tuesday, May 11. 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? If not, please explain: a. Are there additional services that should be included in the 2022 budget? b. Are there services that should be reduced or eliminated from the 2022 budget? 3. Given the current status of the unreserved fund balance and the additional one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan, please respond to the following: a) Should the City of Little Canada strive to moderately reduce the levy for 2022? b) Should the City of Little Canada strive to maintain a flat (0%) levy for 2022? c) Should the City of Little Canada strive to moderately increase the levy for 2022? It is important to note that if the City Council desires a reduction to the levy or flat (0%) levy and utilizes one-time dollars for operating expenses, a steeper levy increase may be necessary in future years to accommodate ongoing operating expenses.