08-09-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION DRAFT 4 Staff noted that the impact of adding the storm water utility would be revenue of 133 $300,000. 134 135 Councilmember Stoesz asked if contracting for park services is an option instead of 136 adding a position. Public Services Director DeGardner responded that it’s been 25 years 137 since a park maintenance position was added and it’s just a matter of needs and more 138 personnel I warranted. 139 140 Councilmember Lyden asked what staff needs on the budget right now. Ms. Lynch said 141 staff is getting information through this process; she asks if staff should produce a budget 142 book that includes the higher tax rate. Are there any assumptions the council would like 143 staff to incorporate (she noted the recreation questions and if the surface water fee should 144 be included even though it’s not approved, or the YMCA levy that could be changed). 145 146 Mayor Rafferty said two councilmembers have asked for a scenario that brings the rate 147 down to 40.1% and he asked if a 41.5% scenario would be an acceptable view. Ms. 148 Lynch remarked that with a flat tax rate, all the adjustments requested by staff would 149 basically be gone. Councilmember Lyden asked for a budget that maintains city services 150 but nothing else; Ms. Lynch said the 44.5% is that level. 151 152 Mayor Rafferty noted the storm water utility as a must and also funding the capital 153 program through reserves saving $250,000. The mayor asked for the pros and cons of 154 not purchasing the dump truck. Public Services Director DeGardner noted that the truck 155 proposed to be replaced has been identified by the City mechanic; it’s a specialized 156 vehicle and if it goes out of service, there is a real impact. Staff clarified that the mayor is 157 discussing the option of utilizing the $500,000 reserve fund for capital equipment funds 158 and including the dump truck purchase. Staff asked if the dump truck should be included 159 in the next round and the council concurred. 160 161 Administrator Cotton noted that there is no funding included for Blue Heron Days. She 162 recommends that funding be included if the council sees the need for 2022. 163 164 Councilmember Cavegn asked if there is a way to reduce smaller areas, noting recycling 165 costs, by just using less. Public Services Director DeGardner noted that management 166 staff works to reduce costs at all the time and in the normal course of their work and he 167 noted some recent cases. 168 169 Mayor Rafferty noted the Recreation Coordinator position; he suggested that 170 collaboration could be a good approach. Administrator Cotton suggested that if there 171 were staff at a new rec center, there should be opportunity to coordinate recreation 172 staffing with certain event planning functions. 173 174 Staff will take feedback received tonight and update the proposed budget and get that into 175 books. 176 177