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City Council Study Session Minutes • August 14, 2001 Page 8 1 Councilmember Sparks questioned if the $112,000 budget reserves could not be used for 2 2002. City Manager Mornson stated he feels it is in the best interest of the City's to use 3 these funds to prevent cuts in other areas such as personnel. He indicated if the Council 4 is against using these funds,they could advise staff to redraft the budget and report back. 5 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he would be in favor of not using the $112,000 along with 6 providing additional cuts in the budget to reduce the tax levy. 7 Councilmember Thuesen and Councilmember Hodson stated they would not be in favor 8 of this suggestion as they would like to see the same level of services maintained for the 9 residents. 10 Councilmember Sparks noted the residents would not be able to truly see the changes in 11 the budget until next year, which makes this budgeting cycle very difficult. She 12 indicated she would be willing to pass this budget as is to maintain the same level of 13 services, but noted she was leery of the residents' response. 14 Mayor Cavanaugh noted a change in residential tax rates from 30% to 38% should make 15 the residents stand up and take notice. He indicated he wants to see the budget revised • 16 but noted there was not support from the Council at this time. 17 VII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 18 City Manager Mornson noted the Minneapolis Fire Department has submitted a proposal 19 to provide services to the City of St. Anthony as early as January 1, 2002. He noted the 20 fire union opposes this change, but asked that the Council allow the Minneapolis Fire 21 Department to present their proposal at the Council's next meeting. 22 City Manager Mornson recommended a firm provide the City with an independent 23 summary of the services that could be provided by the City of Minneapolis versus the 24 current services. He explained this would allow the Council to compare the two in an 25 unbiased manner. City Manager Momson indicated this item was not solicited but 26 brought to the City from the Minneapolis Fire Department. 27 Mayor Cavanaugh asked for the wishes of the Council. 28 Councilmember Horst noted he does not want to hear from the Minneapolis Fire 29 Department. He stated the residents are willing to pay extra for quality services and 30 indicated he would not be in favor of switching from the current arrangement. 31 Councilmember Sparks asked for the wishes of staff. City Manager Mornson stated this 32 item could be heard without an independent survey completed. Councilmember Hodson 33 and Councilmember Thuesen concurred with this suggestion. • 34 The Council agreed to hear the proposal knowing full well this was not the wishes of the 35 Council at this time.