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August 15, 2024 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 2 Debt service levy at a zero levy increase. Infrastructure annual levy increases are consistent with Long Term Capital plans. Building fund increase of an additional $12,500 to accommodate Solar on Public Buildings project if approved by Council. CIP recommended a $30,000 additional increase for the health of the fund balance due to inflation. Park Improvements fund levy recommended increase of $15,000 for the health of the fund and greater ability to fund minor amenity upgrades. The spreadsheets showing General Fund Revenues Detail, General Fund Expenditures Detail, and Liquor Operation Cash Position were provided for Council consideration. Mayor Webster asked about solar on the buildings and their alignment with upgrades to the roof at the buildings we were looking at. Ms. Maloney stated the public works building was being pushed forward a year. The CIP would accommodate pushing that forward one year. Councilmember Randle asked about the park improvement levy increase of $15,000. He asked if that is part of the pyramid along with the sustainability coordinator position. City Manager Yunker stated the amount is ramped up every year and will cover park improvements. This will allow the park fund to pay for lower-level amenities. The Sustainability Coordinator position was for the FTE that was already in place. This was shifting from one area to another. Councilmember Jenson asked Ms. Maloney to go over the line items to allow residents watching to hear the details. He asked about the Police Service additions and that comes from Lauderdale. Ms. Maloney stated that is correct. Councilmember Doolan commented on the General Fund Revenues Detail the first line was what the County tax portion could be. They are planning an 8% increase. She wants to be mindful that this is a cost of living increase for services. Ms. Maloney stated there are no new programs or services provided. Councilmember Stephens stated Ramsey County is lower. Councilmember Randle stated with the sustainability issues we want to implement in the City how can that be done without an increase? What will need to be cut and what direction will we need to take? The Climate Action Plan is being implemented. Councilmember Randle stated the money needs to be prioritized by services and he is trying to tie the two together. He asked where the funds are going and how we prioritize where the money goes without cutting services. The Assistant to the City Manager position is included in the budget. There is a gap in the hiring for the position. Mayor Webster stated the amount of the levy has an impact on resident’s budgets. City Manager Yunker stated the action item from the Climate Action Plan is through education of residents. Adjustments to Operations will also be done which includes equipment. Need to determine where to add in electric vehicles. Solar Panels are through grants and the decision needs to be made whether to own or lease. The preliminary levy can be decreased but not increased after September. Councilmember Doolan stated when she was campaigning sustainability is important to the residents but it needs a return of investment. There is a state grant coming out which Staff is working on. The amount of return on energy reduction costs will be substantial. Now is the time to invest in solar due to the State grant availability. Excel Energy is also helping by providing resources. 4