Laserfiche WebLink
2 <br /> The Public/Intergovernmental Relations Budget increased 14.14% to better reflect the <br /> actual costs for dues to the League of Minnesota Cites and the Association of <br /> Metropolitan Municipalities. In addition, the planned expansion of the newsletter to <br /> provide improved communications about St. Anthony's.important issues is reflected <br /> in the proposed expenditures of this budget <br /> The City Buildings Budget is up 6.47%, which is due to anticipated increases in utility <br /> costs, building maintenance; and to support the costs of operating the Community <br /> Center, the rent transfer has been increased. <br /> The Civil Defense Budget is up 13.45% and the Fire Protection Budget reflects a <br /> 10.94% increase. These budgets were restructured by the new Fire Chief to include <br /> new and innovative firefighter safety training and programs. <br /> The Inspections Budget has been revised up 7.24% to reflect the actual costs of our <br /> consultant, Greg Schmidt. Our building official is compensated on a fee basis that is <br /> associated with a portion of all building, heating and plumbing permits. This Budget is <br /> funded by offsetting revenues and does not reflect an increase in the levy or costs to the <br /> residents. <br /> Overall, the personal services portion of the Budget continues to be the largest portion <br /> of the General Fund Operating Budget. This year the proposed Budget includes a 3% <br /> increase in salary costs, as well as a $25.00 per month increase to the City's health <br /> insurance contribution for family coverage. <br /> The negotiation of union contracts for Police, Fire and Public Works employees was <br /> completed last year and will be in place until December 31, 2001. Throughout the <br /> entire budget, most costs associated with maintaining our current level of service <br /> and programs were downsized to better reflect a budget that is closer to actual <br /> expenditures. <br /> Infrastructure Improvements <br /> During the past few years, in support of past residential and community wishes, there <br /> has been significant reconstruction of City streets and park infrastructures. As part of <br /> the annual road improvement project and increased need for park usage, this activity <br /> will likely continue over the next 5 - 10 years. <br /> One of the goals the City Council established in March of 2000 was to provide 100- <br /> year flood protection for all residents and businesses. The 2001,2002 and 2003 <br /> Road Improvement Projects all provide additional benefit to the 100-year flood <br /> • protection project <br />