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<br />exploring fire service options, that he believes it allocating those dollars may be beneficial if <br />used for a consultant to evaluate fire service models and pull together a summary of the <br />current costs of fire service. <br />Directors Lynch and Swenson confirmed they would anticipate consultant costs to come in at <br />approximately $100,000. <br />Mayor Rafferty commented on his review of 2014 staff reports related to fire services analysis <br />and the models highlighted at that time: hybrid and/or standalone departments. He said that <br />he is not presently in favor of any additional analysis by a paid consultant. <br />Councilmember Lyden commented that he believes ignoring the issue (fire services) will not <br />resolve it and he would like Council to get a big-picture view of the situation for the long- <br />term. <br />Councilmember Ruhland added that reviewing what neighboring communities are paying <br />paid-on-call firefighters (POC), including pensions, would be beneficial. <br />Brief discussion was held on the model in neighboring communities serviced by the SBM <br />Fire Department. <br />Future discussion will be held of this topic as no consensus was reached. <br />3. Draft Budget and Tax Levy <br />Finance Director Hannah Lynch provided a recap of the budget work sessions held on <br />August 14 and August 28, noting no changes were made to the proposed budget since since <br />the work sessions. She requested Council’s direction as to any needed changes prior to <br />preliminary levy consideration on September 25 and highlighted that staff is proposing a <br />$1M increase to the levy which includes increasing Rookery tax levy to $500,000. She added <br />that increases to the capital equipment fund may include potentially off-set with public <br />safety aid dollars for some of the purchases. <br />Director Lynch noted that at a recent meeting of local finance directors, the average <br />increase in levy in local communities was 9.8%. <br />Council discussed capital purchases, including vehicle orders for public safety and possible <br />early approval of orders to ensure timely delivery. <br />Council provided direction to staff to prepare a proposal for consideration at the September <br />11 regular meeting for certain 2024 Public Safety capital purchases. <br />Council concurred with the increased preliminary level numbers related to the Rookery and <br />noted that reductions can be made before finalizing the levy in the coming months. <br />4. Adjourn