06-22-99 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUN~ 22, 1999 comparison led them to feel Little Canada was more similar to Roseville than to Vadnais Heights. Fahey asked if there were any concerns about levy limits and the return of debt levy funds to the taxpayer. The City Administrator replied that it is not an issue under the existing laws. However, these laws can change. The Administrator also pointed out that for the last two years the City has not levied to the maximum. Currently levy limits are on forjust one more year. However, that can change. Morelan took issue with Council Member Scalze's comments that money will be spent if it is there. He pointed out the Council looks at expenditures very ciosely. Scalze pointed out that the City has always budgeted ti~htly because it had to. When that reason no longer exists, things may change. Finegan reported that the committee did not want to make any decisions on the Capital Improvement Bud~et, and felt that was tl~e Council's responsibility. However, the committee did feel that there should be a basic amount going into the Capital Improvement Fund so that the City is not juggling funds to pay for capital improvement items. Fahey suggested that Scalze's comments relate to the public perception that if the money is there, it will be spent. He pointed out, however, that the long-term goal of the Council's has been for a 0% net levy increase. Duray reported that the committee members feel comfortable with the way the Mayor and City Council have been operating the City, and feel this is a reflection of the way the beneral public feels as well. Duray indicated that when the committee was first formed, over half the members felt the City should keep the entire debt ]evy amount and save it or use it as needed. Duray also noted that four of the past seven years the City has had a 0% net levy increase, and the committee's goal was to continue with a 0% increase for the next five years. Morelan asl<ed why if over half the committee felt the debt levy amount should be retained, that was not the committee's recommendation. Duray replied that it was part of the committee's initial discussion; however, as meetings progressed, many more options were discussed. LaValle asked if staff's and the committee's recommendation is that a public hearing should be held to formally present the committee's report, The Administrator replied that that w1s correct.