HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-02 CCMLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
BUDGET WORKSHOP
September 12, 2002
Mayor Hunt called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.
The following council members were in attendance: Mayor Hunt, Charles Siedow, Susan
Dunn (5:20), Rose Armstrong, Steven DeLapp.
The following staff members were in attendance: Abigail Grenfell (Finance Director),
Charles Dillerud (City Planner/Assistant City Administrator).
Mayor Hunt summarized the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed levy and
budget. To facilitate the discussion, budget issues would be collected and referred to the
Finance Committee for discussion. The Finance Committee would report their
recommendations back to the City Council at a future budget workshop.
September 24, 2002 was established as the next budget workshop with the City Council,
beginning at 5:15. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) portion of the budget. The CIP must go to public hearing before the
Planning Commission before the final adoption of the budget. Staff would like this to
occur in October. A second budget workshop to discuss expenditures will be established
shortly.
The Finance Director shared past ad valorem increase percentages. From 1998 to 1999,
the increase was 4% from actual number; from 1999 to 2000, the increase was 3% from
an estimated budget value; from 2000 to 2001, the increase was 9% from an estimated
budget value; from 2001 to 2002, the increase was 12% from an estimated budget value;
the 2002-2003 proposed levy is an increase of 10.4%.
Revenue Issues Referred to Finance Committee:
1. Breakdown on Ad Valorem taxes, specifically fiscal disparities, delinquent
taxes, etc.
2. Increase in the ad valorem levy compared to the increase in expenditures. Are
we spending more than the new housing starts are providing in tax revenues.
3. What is the current rates on our investment bonds.
4. Complete the enterprise fund analysis for water and sewer. Are they self-
supporting ( a non -general levy issue).
5. What is the interest lost to the City for the $500,000 loan on the water project,
used to lower the bond value.
The Council passed a motion (5-0) to lower the 2003 account allocation in 101-410-
1110-44330 (dues and subscriptions for the City Council) from $6,000 to $1,000.
-2-
Expenditure Issues Referred to Finance Committee:
1. Cost of a web developer
2. Insurance costs, options
3. Review 101-410-1610-43040 (City Attorney) to budget for current conflict
4. Discuss costs of legal and lobbyist for Met Council issues.
5. Break the current attorney account fund into civil and criminal.
6. Estimate cable expenses with increased cable coverage of workshops.
7. Establish a meeting with Fire Chief and City Administrator to discuss the Fire
Department's operating budget.
8. Discuss a combined public works/parks part-time position
9. Research possible revenue sources to recoup expenses from Fire dept.
responses,
10. Review bond payments (principal and interest)
11. Discuss Historical Society contribution
12. Discuss costs of reinstating woodchipping services.
13. Discuss New Brighton's alternative revenues report.
Council member Siedow mentioned that he has seen 4 budgets during his term on the
City Council and would like to see the same format next year.
The Finance Director mentioned receipt of a study done in the City of New Brighton and
asked if the council would like a copy. Council member Dunn suggested a summary if
the report is long. The Finance Committee will review and discuss any potential benefit
for Lake Elmo,
The Finance Director will discuss meeting dates with the Finance Committee.
Mayor Hunt adjourned the meeting at 6:05.