CC PACKET 11041998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Worksession Meeting Minutes October 6, 1998 Page 3 1 of the levy is budget and tax capacity. Cavanaugh reiterated his wish for a 0% levy increase. 2 Cavanaugh questioned the significant budget increase for community law enforcement. Dick 3 Engstrom, Police Chief, stated crime prevention is aided by community service programs. He 4 added he is proud of the City's low crime rate. Cavanaugh stated the City has a low close-out 5 rate on burglaries. Engstrom stated that the City's close-out rate is one of the highest in the 6 country. 7 An audience member asked whether the City had considered contracting out law enforcement 8 services, and requested comparable figures from other communities. Mayor Ranallo stated the 9 possibility of contracting out had been considered but was deemed unfavorable due to lack of 10 interested contractors. Mr. Mornson added the City generates revenues from its contracts with 11 Lauderdale and Falcon Heights. 12 Another audience member asked for the total amount of the budget reserve fund. Mr. Larson 13 stated he would have to contact a financial analysis to determine the exact figure available. Another audience member questioned the high number of meetings and conferences budgeted for attendance by City staff. Mayor Ranallo stated all meetings and conferences attended by City 16 staff are mandated by State law. 17 An audience member expressed concern that Mr. Larson was unable to produce the amount of 18 the budget reserve fund. Another audience member expressed concern with regard to the 19 investment of the reserve funds. Mr. Larson confirmed the City's reserves are invested in 20 restricted funds which comply with State statutes. 21 Thuesen stated expenses should be reviewed periodically to ensure savings and long-term cost 22 reductions. Mr. Morrison stated expenses and cost reduction efforts are discussed at a monthly 23 meeting with each department head. 24 Thuesen stressed the necessity of accurate budgeting practices. He added he understood the need 25 for reserve funds. He added a budget glossary providing definitions of terms should be included, 26 as well as succinct summaries from each department head. 27 Cavanaugh expressed concern over the high number of emergency responses required at 28 Chandler Place,which,he claims is drawing on the community's resources inordinately. He 29 asked whether efforts had been made to reduce their dependence on emergency services. Dick 30 Johnson, Fire Chief, stated many efforts have been made, including a triage program to determine emergencies and routine transports. 2 Mayor Ranallo asked whether Chandler Place could be a potential Council agenda item.