10-11-95 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER il, 1995 determine benefit levels. Scalze pointed out that the City knows that for 1996 a $2,100 benefit level is competitive. However, there is no way of knowing what level will be competitive in 1997 or 1998. Scalze also pointed out that the Fire Department currently has a$2,050 benefit level, and the Council has not been presented with a request to increase it. Fahey pointed out that the Fire Department might request an increase to $2,150. Fahey stated that he wanted the City to fund the pension fund appropriately, pointing out that this is one of the few incentives for joining the Fire Department. Fahey felt that an increase from $17,100 in 1995 to $18,000 in 1996 was not a significant increase. Scalze pointed out that last year the City's contribution was over the minimum required. Scalze asked what that minimum was. The City Administrator did not recall, but estimated it to be in the $8,000 to $10,000 range. Fahey asked the City Administrator for his recommendation on the issue. The Administrator pointed out that there are a number of variables to consider. Given current benefit levels and likely increases, he would be concerned if the City's contribution dropped below the $15,000. LaValle pointed out that a contribution of $14,872 would support a$2,100 benefit level. LaValle suggested that the contribution for 1995 be set at $15,000 pointing out that this will save $3,000 in the budget. LaValle also requested a survey of benefit levels being paid by the surrounding cities and cities of similar size. Fahey stated that he did not want to see come up short and not be able to fund future benefit level increases when justified. LaValle suggested that the decision on this issue can be made after the Council has the survey results and once a request for an increase is submitted by the Fire Department. Fahey suggested that $18,000 can be budgeted for, and 7