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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NOVEPSBER 8, 1995 <br />However, to plan for future increases it would take an <br />$18,000 contribution on an annual basis. <br />Morelan stated that his concern was that there must be <br />a benefit level increase in the years to come, however <br />minimal that increase may be, since the City must plan <br />for some growth. The City needs to make sure there are <br />adequate funds in the Relief Fund to address those <br />concerns in the next 2 to 4 years. Morelan felt that <br />the City Administrator's recommendation accomplishes <br />the objective. Morelan asked if there was a tremendous <br />influx of funds from an increase in State Aid, for <br />example, if the City would have the opportunity to <br />negotiate and lower its contribution. <br />The Administrator replied that he did not have that <br />discussion with the Fire Department. However, the <br />president of the relief association contacted the State <br />Auditor who suggested that conservative numbers should <br />be used, those numbers being the 1995 State Aid levels <br />for the years beyond 1996. <br />Morelan felt it only made sense that the City would <br />renegotiate its contribution to lower it if the Relief <br />Fund realizes a dramatic increase in State funding. <br />Morelan stated that he would feel comfortable with the <br />recommendation with the addition of that provision. <br />Fahey agreed that the two $25 increases in the years <br />1997 and 1999 provide a plan for the future so that the <br />Council does not have to debate this issue year after <br />year. <br />The Administrator reported that the purpose of the <br />recommendation was to bring some stability to the <br />issue. There has been concern about fluctuation in the <br />amount o£ the City's contribution. While $18,000 is <br />obviously higher than what was initially anticipated, <br />after running the numbers that is the level needed to <br />support future increases. <br />Fahey stated that 5 or 6 years ago the City made a <br />commitment to provide a contribution equal to the <br />amount of State Aid received. Fahey asked if the <br />Council adopts the Administrator's recommendation, if <br />that would be binding on future City Councils. <br />Scalze pointed out that the recommendation assumes that <br />things would remain on a steady course. If the City <br />received cuts in LGA or HACA, perhaps it will not be <br />possible to maintain that level of funding. <br />4 <br />