08/18/2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 • 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 • 44 45 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 APPROVED understands that the steering committee will revisit the matter. of services was suggested by a council member. August 18, 2008 Outsourcing of that type Public Services — one new position was originally included and then taken out of the budget. The impact of not having that position is basically response time to public service activities. Upon, Mr. Rolek explained that snow plowing expenses are budgeted (including presumed overtime costs) based on experience and averages. The contract for storm water maintenance has been held level but that is really a bare minimum. The fuel cost budget has been increased based on an estimate. Health Care Costs — Staff will probably know by November where health care costs will fall. The proposed twenty percent increase equates to about $8,000 per month. The council expressed an interest in looking ahead and planning for continuing large increases in this area, i.e. self insurance, consortium with League of Minnesota Cities, combination of self insurance and stop -gap for catastrophes. Government Buildings — personnel and energy costs are the only areas with an increase. Parks — Includes utility costs (watering parks) and contracted services (maintenance and repair of park facilities). Through research, staff has found that the seal coating of trails is not cost effective but there is some on-going maintenance such as crack filling that occurs. Recreation — third and final year of the Super Rink payment. Otherwise the programs are self-funded. Water and Sewer — funded by fees. Staff does intend to come forward with a proposal to adjust rates (water only) this fall. The rain sensor program is included in the budget for 2009. On the question of the budget deficit ($72,000), staff is recommending the revision of the levy up to the limit to cover that gap. It preserves the levy limit and preserves fund balance (another option to cover the gap). The council concurred to consider the preliminary budget with the levy limit change as recommended, with the understanding that the $4,100 raised beyond the gap will be designated to the contingency fund. The council will be asked to approve a preliminary budget and tax levy on September 8, 2008. At that same time, the Truth In Taxation date will be set. There will be an option to make adjustments/have more discussion at the September work session before the council meeting. After the council action, the levy cannot be increased but the preliminary budget can be amended within the limit. There was a final suggestion that staff explore the possibility of a request for proposals process for engineering services. 3