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Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 11 Commission. He explained that this was not the case, but rather three options were discussed at a worksession meeting and no decisions can be made by the Council at a worksession meeting. Charter Commission Chair Warren indicated this was the case, noting the Council took no vote, but rather discussed the options at a worksession meeting. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the differences between Mounds View and its neighboring communities with respect to taxes. He noted Mounds View had its own police department and did not have contracted services the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department. He commented further on how this expense impacted the City’s budget and tax levy. Further discussion ensued regarding the cuts that would have to come to staffing in order to reduce expenses for the City of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause stated the City Council had a fiduciary responsibility to the Mounds View residents and noted the current levy limitations would not allow the Council to provide the necessary services the residents are requesting. Mayor Mueller indicated she served on the Charter Commission from 2006 to 2008. She noted when she was first on the City Council the City had 49 full time employees. She explained the City now had employees wearing numerous hats and cuts would be difficult to make without disrupting essential services. She stated she is not in favor of removing the levy cap, but did support altering the cap in order to make the community thrive. She discussed the numbers before the Council noting there is a rising cost to hiring and retaining qualified employees. She commented she would be supporting the proposed Ordinance amendment. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Ordinance 984, Charter Commission Amendment Regarding Chapter 7, Levy Limits. Council Member Hull indicated the Police Department was currently shorthanded due to a retirement, COVID absences, and on the job injury. He believed it was absolutely critical for the City Council to approve this levy limit change in order to help the police department be properly staffed. Council Member Meehlhause noted he supported the Ordinance amendment. He reiterated that the City Council was not opting to eliminate the levy limit, but rather was altering the rate that was set 13 to 14 years ago. He commented on how costs have increased over the past 13 years. He stated he was 99% sure he voted for the levy limit originally but after learning more about City finances, he no longer supported the previously approved limit. He provided a brief history of the State’s recession and discussed how this impacted the City’s taxes in the early 2000’s. He stated he was extremely proud of the fact Mounds View had the best streets and was taking care of its infrastructure. He appreciated how the City Council was looking to the future in order to protect its financial position and bond rating. He reiterated that the City Council was not eliminating the levy limit, but rather was considering an adjustment. ROLL CALL: Bergeron/Cermak/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller.