HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2024 - Council Special Budget Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Special Budget Work Session
Minutes
DATE: August 26, 2024
TIME STARTED: 9:32 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 10:47 P.M.
LOCATION: City Hall Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty, Councilmembers Stoesz, Cavegn, and Ruhland
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council member Lyden
Staff Members Present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton, Finance Director Hannah Lynch, Public
Safety Director John Swenson, Public Services Director Rick DeGardner, and Community
Development Director Michael Grochala
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Rafferty called the meeting to order at 9:32 p.m.
2. Setting the Agenda: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items
The agenda was adopted as presented.
3. 2025 Annual Budget and 2025-2029 Financial Plan
The Finance Director reviewed that at the August 12, 2024, Budget Work Session, the
Council discussed the 2025 Annual Budget and 2025-2029 Financial Plan, and that
discussion has been continued to this evening. Formal council action is requested by the
September 23rd meeting in order to set the Preliminary Tax Levy and schedule a public
hearing date. The Preliminary Levy set at the September meeting may not be increased
thereafter but may be lowered before approving the Final Budget and Levy in
December.
The Finance Director presented an Average Residential Property City Tax Impact
Calculator worksheet for the consideration of the City Council. She reviewed the City of
Lino Lakes 2024 Tax Rate was 36.098% and the proposed 2025 Tax Rate is 39.857%.
Comparable area city tax rates were discussed.
The Finance Director reported that in keeping with the most recent rate studies the
water service base fee is proposed to increase by $5 per quarter and the volume charge
is recommended to increase by 4%, the sewer charges are proposed to increase by 2.5%
and the stormwater charge was adjusted for new customer counts but was not
proposed to be increased. She reviewed the capital reserve projects in each fund that
are covered by the rates. She recommended that the city consider a new rate study
once the water treatment plant is online.
The Finance Director provided an overview of the projected 2025 budget deficit for the
Rookery Activity Center, which after proposed increased membership rates, is at
$99,123. Several cost cutting options were reviewed by the City Council.
Council Consensus
It was the consensus of the City Council to support closing the Rookery one hour earlier
than the current schedule, if so, determined by the Public Service Director based on a
review of regular and seasonal attendance, as a cost savings measure.
The City Council discussed in-depth the city enterprise funds including the water, sewer,
storm water and Rookery Activity Center.
Council Consensus
It was the consensus of the City Council to increase the Proposed Tax Levy by $100,000.
The City Council identified the September 9th Special Work Session, immediately
following the Regular Council Meeting, for the next budget discussion.
4. Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 10:47 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on September 9, 2024.
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC Rob Raf rty,
City Clerk May