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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 <br />2008 Budget, and at some point when there are no cuts that can be <br />identified, the discussion goes to which City services will be eliminated. <br />Keis pointed out that many people are receiving 2% to 3% cost of living <br />increases, and a net levy over that amount causes people to go backwards. <br />Keis agreed that the City needed to sharpen its pencil and bring down the <br />net levy increase as much as possible while utilizing LGA dollars <br />cautiously. <br />The City Administrator again noted that in 2009 it is very likely that Little <br />Canada and Vadnais Heights will pick up a larger share of the contracting <br />cities policing costs. <br />The City Administrator stated that a 4% net levy increase did not make <br />him comfortable, and pointed out that even at that level the City will <br />become reliant on LGA dollars. He again noted that this is the preliminary <br />budget estimate and work will be done to decrease that number. The <br />Administrator cautioned the Council that a 3% net levy increase may be <br />the number needed without cutting City services. He also noted that the <br />City will have to re-evaluate its electrical franchise fee in 2008. That fee <br />was enacted by the City in 2003 to absorb a portion of the LGA cuts. The <br />Administrator further noted the hard work of the Council on budgeting <br />over the past several years, pointing out that Little Canada's per capita <br />spending is still one of the lowest. <br />McGraw noted that should LGA become a more stable source of funding <br />for Little Canada, future budgets can be adjusted to provide more tax <br />relief. McGraw stated, however, that he was very concerned about the <br />future of LGA as it related to Little Canada. Allan agreed, and pointed out <br />that a re-working of the LGA formula will be telling. <br />Blesener noted the need for the City to adopt its preliminary 2008 Budget <br />by September 15"'. The fina12008 Budget will be adopted in December. <br />Allan suggested that the proposed net levy increase be set at 4% at this <br />time, with the goal to be a 3% or less when the final Budget is adopted. <br />The Administrator indicated that surplus LGA dollars would be allocated <br />to the General Capital Improvement Fund for one-time expenditures. <br />There being no further business, the workshop meeting was adjourned at <br />7:20 p.m. <br />,. <br />Wiliam Blesene •, ayor <br />