12-22-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2008 The Council informed Mr. Thao that he could continue to operate his restaurant, but there can be no liquor sales or serving of liquor as part of the Bangkok Avenue business. 2009 BUDGET Blesener opened the public hearing to consider adoption of the 2009 Budget. The City Administrator reviewed his and the Finance Director's report dated December 19, 2008 outlining various budget adjustments. He reported that these adjustments are the result of staffls continued review of the 2009 Budget as well as in response to the State's budget crisis and the fact that the State is unalloting $106,597 of Local Government Aids that were due the City this week as par•Y of the 2008 Budget. The Adminishator presented a detailed review of 2009 Budget adjustments. He noted that it is projected that the City will have a $271,663 surplus for 2008, which is the direct result of the St. Jude Medical building permit fee, which is a one-time revenue source. Factoring in the use of $51,456 of the 2008 surplus coupled with the budget adjustments, staff is presenting a balanced 2009 Budget. The Administrator noted the adjustments proposed are necessitated by anticipated cuts to LGA and/or Market Value Homestead Credit. He noted that cuts in 2009 and 2010 could exceed $300,000. To offset the anticipated cuts, staff is also recommending transfer of MSA maintenance funds to the General Fund, imposition of TIF adminisri•ative fees, a reduction in the increase of patrol time from the addition of a full-time deputy at Montreal Courts to a part-time deputy for weekend coverage, elimination of the goose control program, reduction in number of animal control patrol hours, eliminating of the prison work crew, etc. Keis noted the improvements that the prison work crew have done in the parks, and asked if it would be possible to have the crew in periodically for maintenance work. The Administrator indicated that that may be a possibility. He also noted that given current fuel prices, the City may see a savings in these areas over budgeted expenses. The Administrator also noted that at this point he is proposing that employee salaries be frozen for 2010. This will give employees a year to prepare for this freeze. Based on the proposed 2009 Budget adjustments, the Administrator indicated that the gross levy increase is reduced to a 3.68% increase from the 5% increase originally proposed. The net levy increase is reduced to 2.42%. 20