Agenda Packets - 1998/08/31 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Three options will exist for considering payroll from an overall budgetary approach. First, a percentage increase such as the 3% currently in draft that is covers wage increases and comp worth adjustments. Second, a percentage increase pertaining to wage increases (as with the police agreement) with consideration of comp worth adjustments on top. Or third, a combination resulting in variable increases in wages by position with comp worth adjustments figured within an acceptable budgeted amount. The third major issue to be further worked on is the general fund associated expenses of the community center. Next week I will begin reviews of proposals from outside bidders for management services, and as approved by the Council several weeks ago, will be working towards a presentation to the Council for management options at the October work session. For Monday night,two areas are currently in the budget pertaining to the community center, one,the$50K under miscellaneous, and the assumption for budgeting purposes of having some or most of Park and Recreation payroll and associated expenses available for managing the community center. These obviously have to be worked on more, but will need to be decided somewhat quickly, and hence the October schedule. Finally, while the rest of the budget does not need final decisions on Monday night, the items outlined in the cover memo of July 17 should be prioritized as possible and compared to priorities within the budgeted figures. What we are ultimately trying to do with a budget is reflect the direction the community would like to see City Hall move towards by allocating resources in a budget plan. Last year we reviewed several service aspects of the budget relative to the concerns on the franchise fee and ended up reassessing the need for the fee in proportion to the interest in retaining most of the city services. An easy question to answer should be does a particular expense or revenue help get the city to where you, the residents or other interests want it to go. It is a little harder to define where city hall is going or should go. We have spent some time on sorting those questions out in our retreats and perhaps that approach with an eye towards compromise under a collective vision may help in making the 1999 budget meet the needs you see in Mounds View. See you Monday night.