12/20/1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION DECEMBER 20, 1989 Department since Chief Campbell became Chief. He did not wish to offend the Chief but said he did not know the answer for funding his needs. Mr. Bisel also noted that the Police Department has come a long way and said he would rather have Mr. Schumacher make these budget decisions. Mr. Reinert suggested that possible funding could come from any surplus from the 1989 Budget. Mr. Neal asked how many tickets would this new officer have to write to fund his position? Chief Campbell said that revenue from tickets is part of the Police Budget revenue and noted that in some cities officers must pick up a stated number of violators to fund his position. (Chief Campbell did not offer a position on this matter) Mr. Bisel noted the growing drug problem and said he felt that maybe another officer could be added in the summer to handle the juvenile drug problem if can be worked out through the administration process. It would have to come from what is left in the 1989 surplus. Mr. Reinert said that the Public Works Department is an important department and noted that it is really conservative. Chief Campbell said again that he felt it was his duty to bring these concerns to the Council. Mr. Reinert said he felt budget problems would only get worse unless a better tax base is built. Mr. Bohjanen felt that the City should not get behind in the Police Department. Mr. Bisel said the whole point of the matter is that the City needs a better tax base to provide the additional services. He asked if this City should levy to the maximum? Does the City want to cut taxes? If we cut the levy, will the City be worse off next year? He felt the point is if the City goes with the current levy, it will take care of present needs and if there is any shuffling to do, let the Administrator and Department Heads take care of it. Mr. Reinert said it appears that the proposed budget will not raise taxes and the budget itself looks good. Mr. Bisel asked about the reconstruction of 24th Avenue (Elmcrest). Mr. Schumacher explained that this could also be funded from any 1989 surplus. Mr. Schumacher said he is drafting a letter to the City of Hugo letting them know that Lino Lakes is proceeding with a feasibility study. Mr. Bisel asked what would happen if there is no surplus, $2,500 worth of engineering costs could be lost if this improvement is not carried forward. Mayor Benson left the meeting at 6:30 P.M. and Mr. Reinert resumed the Chair. Acting Mayor Reinert asked that all concerns be taken care of at this evening so that the public hearing on December 26th will be short and smooth. Mr. Neal raised a concern about Rustic Lane. It was PAGE 7