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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes <br />The Finance Director provided a report on the proposed 2026 budget and levy. She <br />reported that the levy is designed to maintain essential city services and programs while <br />addressing rising costs. It also reflects expanded staffing and coverage in both the Police <br />and Fire Departments, following recommendations from the study conducted by <br />Citygate Associates. The final report, delivered in April 2025, advised splitting the Public <br />Safety Department into separate Police and Fire divisions, requiring additional staffing <br />to strengthen coverage and supervision. <br />The final proposed levy is $18,069,665. Key factors contributing to the 2026 levy <br />increase include: <br />• Expanded staffing and coverage in the Police and Fire Departments including <br />increased wages for current personnel to protect competitiveness in recruitment <br />and retention. <br />• Street rehabilitation and reconstruction programs. <br />• Replacement of essential capital equipment. <br />Motion to Open the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m. <br />RESULT: <br />CARRIED [5-01 <br />MOVER: <br />Lyden <br />SECONDER: <br />Stoesz <br />AYES: <br />Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz <br />NAYS: <br />None <br />Public Hearing Comments <br />Ken Kasprisin, 6025 Sargent Ct N, Lino Lakes, stated that he is not familiar with the <br />Citygate study. He stated that he worked in government and the department managers <br />always asked for more money. He stated that he doesn't know if the increase proposed <br />today is to make up for past deficiencies, however, the 15.9 % increase proposed is too <br />much. <br />Mike Settimi, 1393 Hunters Ridge, Lino Lakes, stated that he didn't read in the reports <br />how the city looked at reducing costs. He stated that, for example, a metro area <br />corporation expects their staff to reduce costs by 10% every year. He asked if any <br />consultants had reviewed if what the city is doing makes sense. He stated that the <br />Rookery has lost money since the facility was purchased from the YMCA. He commented <br />that city staff should not be provided with free membership. He stated that when the <br />fire and police departments were combined into the Public Safety Department that <br />made sense, but apparently that didn't work out. He suggested that the city look at cost <br />efficiencies. <br />Page 3 of 11 <br />