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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 7 7 September 14, 2004 Page 11 1 at the time, the County will provide the City with our citywide valuation numbers and St. 2 Anthony's distribution from the Fiscal Disparities Pool. He added that this year, St. Anthony's 3 Truth-in-Taxation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 30th. He stated if necessary to 4 reconvene, the regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 14 will be held on Monday, 5 December 13. 6 Discussion: 7 Councilmember Faust clarified revenues changing from fifteen percent to five percent in 8 indicating that there were cuts from years ago, however, now there is funding. He added that 9 the closing ofthe'liquor store,with the opening.of two new stores should help to increase 10 revenues as well. He suggested also that the City needs to keep moving capital equipment. He 11 noted his support of the 2005 tax levy and budget, adding that Staff works well together in 12 watching City funds. 13 14 Councilmember Faust continued in noting expenditures that have contributed to the decrease in 15 revenue including park lighting and recreational funding that-had been lost. He indicated, 16 however, that the new properties that are coming into the community will increase property 17 values, therefore, being a"light at the end of the tunnel." 18 19 Councilmember Stille recognized the increase in taxes, suggesting that it is due to the City's 20 funding of parks and community services. He continued in addressing residents inquires with 21 regard to the need for fire trucks to be sent out on medical calls. He noted that soon the fire 22 department will have the opportunity to send lighter vehicles out, allowing the crew to split up 23 and respond to different needs. 24 25 Councilmember Horst indicated that a lot of the City budget is based upon the employment and 26 cost of salaries. He stated that cutting the budget would require the City to cut jobs,therefore, 27 affecting residents within the community. He noted his appreciation for the City's employees, 28 adding that he is in support of the budget. 29 30 Mayor Pro-tem Thuesen characterized the budget as being"people driven"in the fact that City 31 employees work to keep the streets clean, the Police work to keep the streets safe and the Public 32 Works Staff are driven to provide community activities. He noted that everyone would like a 33 decrease in taxes, adding that the City Staff and Council work"well"together to do'.the best 34 with requiring as little expense as possible. He concluded by indicating that the budget 35 presented this evening is not set in stone. He invited those in attendance to come forward and 36 address the Council with questions or concerns. 37 38 Jim Wiehoff, 3508 Coolidge Avenue, questioned with regard to the reserve that is available 39 from the water deal that took place with New Brighton. He requested also that the total debt be 40 put into record for the public to view. City Manager Mornson responded in stating that the 41 calculations could be made and presented to the public at the Truth and Taxation Hearing. 42 43 Mr. Wiehoff suggested as well that the City is over staffed in comparison with surrounding 44 communities, therefore, should impose a hiring freeze. He indicated his appreciation for the tax 45 break the residents received last year, adding however, he does not see that happening again.