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August 15, 2024 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 3 Councilmember Stephens stated it is good to hear we are capitalizing on grant monies available. Councilmember Jenson stated we are just getting started with our sustainability plan. The Coordinator has been hired and some other small projects are being considered. We do not know the cost yet as the projects have not been identified. Mayor Webster stated there are a lot of recommendations on the Climate Action Plan but they are also flexible. Councilmember Randle suggested before we go forward, we need to settle down. We need to be mindful in what we are doing. We can’t do everything that larger cities do. Residents are concerned about property taxes. We need to be careful where we are spending money and recognize what we can and cannot do. St. Anthony has good staff that manage the budget well. Services need to be the main priority. Mayor Webster asked if Councilmember Randle sees items in the budget that are concerning. Councilmember Randle stated he does not but doesn’t want it to be in the future. Councilmember Doolan referred to the liquor operations page. She asked why a lower cash ceiling is noted for 2025. She asked what the benefits/risks are in doing that. Ms. Maloney stated it was a stress test and if revenues were to drop how the ending cash balance would be affected. Mr. Yunker stated this is due to how the business was affected during the pandemic. Improvements need to be made to the stores. It is unknown how cannabis sales will affect the revenue. Councilmember Jenson asked Ms. Maloney to review the graph provided. Ms. Maloney stated one line shows the current rate of revenues along with the ceiling and the floor. Councilmember Stephens asked what the legend says on the graph as it is very small to read. Mr. Yunker responded. Councilmember Doolan stated the opportunity to grow in the liquor operations, noting we need to invest while achieving some of the sustainability goals. There will be great savings when replacing the refrigerator with an energy efficient refrigerator. Mayor Webster stated we are using liquor store revenue to make improvements that will save money in the long run. Councilmember Jenson stated it looks like we are going forward in a good state. The projected increase in levy is in line with other years. Mayor Webster stated this would be a 4.46% increase to the levy. This cannot be increased but can be decreased. The counties and school districts are going through a similar process for their levy. Councilmember Doolan observed when looking at the larger increases, they are in police and fire services to offer critical services. Councilmember Jenson commended Ms. Maloney and the Staff on this and how money is being spent. 5