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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 <br />