12/16/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• APPROVED COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2002 Councilmember O'Donnell moved to adopt Resolution No. 02 — 183, as presented. Councilmember Carlson seconded the motion. Councilmember Carlson stated she would vote in favor of the levy. She stated she did research and did speak to residents on how this will affect them. She referred to her property assessment and noting the City portion of property tax only went up $1.75. She urged residents to look at their property taxes that go to the City in comparison to what goes to the County. Motion carried with Councilmember Dahl voting no. Resolution No. 02 — 183 can be found in the City Clerk's office. Consideration of Resolution No. 02 —184, Adopting the 2003 General Operating Budget — Finance Director Rolek advised State Statutes require the City of Lino Lakes to adopt and certify a final 2003 operating budget on or before December 28. A Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on the budget on December 9. A summary of the proposed budget and tax levy was presented and discussed during the public hearing and public testimony was received. The final 2003 budget represents a 4.12% increase over the 2002 budget. The City experienced growth in the tax base of 16.66% over the same period. • The City Council needs to take final action on the budget at this time. Staff recommendation is to adopt • Resolution 02-184 approving the final 2003 General Fund Operating Budget. Finance Director Rolek noted $5,000 was added to the budget for the overlap of electrical inspections before the state takes them over. Councilmember Carlson moved to adopt Resolution No. 02 — 184, as presented. Councilmember O'Donnell seconded the motion. Councilmember Dahl stated she knows that healthcare costs go up every year. She stated she pays far more than the City does for healthcare. She advised that she has talked to residents about healthcare and they have indicated the costs have gone up and they are having to pay the difference. Companies are not picking up the extra costs. Residents are willing to pay the additional costs to maintain their healthcare. She stated that if everyone else has to make concessions City employees should do the same. She also suggested the City change plans because the state is not going to give the City any help. Salaries are also being frozen by companies and the City may have to look at doing the same thing. She stated she does not believe the City is being fiscally responsible if the proposed budget is approved. She stated she needs to listen to the residents and she will vote no for the proposed budget. City Administrator Waite Smith advised 55 of the 65 City employees belong to a union. The City has to negotiate with these unions. The City did have an independent agent find the best plan at the best cost for the City. Staff does a lot of work to keep costs down. The City is required to bargain with 7