07-26-2021 Council Special Budget Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION APPROVED 89 DeGardner noted that would be an excellent addition whoever it would be cost 90 prohibitive without something like a county project providing funding; 91 92 Councilmember Lyden noted that the numbers are tough. He received confirmation that 93 the pickle ball court funding has already been spent. 94 95 - Debt Levy — significant changes (street reconstruction is added); 96 - Some reserves are available — if used, Ms. Lynch said reserves should be used for 97 one-time costs only; $500,000 in General Fund reserves available; Common 98 Bond Funds available but that has been discussed for rec center funding; 99 - Transfers in — Cable funds coming in for the communications specialist. 100 101 In conclusion, Ms. Lynch said that staff brought forward a budget that continues city 102 services. 103 104 Councilmember Ruhland asked about the value increase projection? Ms. Lynch said 105 taxable market value increase estimate is 5.6 %, as provided by the County Assessor. 106 107 Councilmember Stoesz asked staff to forward a template of the handout so that he can 108 create additional scenarios. ]09 110 Councilmember Ruhland asked about impact on the City's bond rating if reserves are 111 utilized; Ms. Lynch suggested that the $500,000 use would leave the City still within its 112 reserve policy so shouldn't impact the bond rating. 113 114 The council had a discussion about public works facilities. 115 116 Councilmember Lyden said he hasn't voted for a tax increase. He would love to see staff 117 come back at 40.1 % to see what it would look like. Ms. Lynch noted the final scenario in 118 the handout provided; it's a $1.1 gap. 119 120 Staff is asking the council to provide direction on areas to cut. Councilmember Lyden 121 suggested that staff has a better knowledge and he'd like to receive their 122 recommendations. Administrator Cotton suggested that she'd recommend that staff have 123 the opportunity to present information on what is needed. Mayor Rafferty remarked that 124 he sees that staff is looking for guidance; he doesn't think that 41 is an unrealistic number 125 based on the needs. Councilmember Lyden said he would like information on the tax 126 rate of other communities. Councilmember Cavegn suggested he could use more detail 127 on many of the items, noting fire services in particular and he also noted the half time 128 building inspector. 129 130 Councilmember Ruhland asked if the current drought conditions shouldn't help get storm 131 water maintenance work done in an easier fashion. Staff will investigate. 132 [t3