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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 16 2010 5 <br /> 2.B 2011 Budget/CIP (continued) <br /> Finance Director Iverson explained there was a proposed levy increase of 3.4% with all budget <br /> increases as stated within the budget book at this time. The number would decrease if the Council <br /> made decreases. <br /> Mayor Harpstead suggested the Council now address the total budget, since the personnel issues <br /> have been discussed. <br /> Councilmember Grant stated he did not recall discussing additional personnel for the finance <br /> department. <br /> Finance Director Iverson indicated this had not yet been discussed by the Council as a group, <br /> but several Councilmembers had discussions with her and the City Administrator. The numbers <br /> were included just to show the Council how it would affect the budget. <br /> Councilmember Holden suggested the additional finance staff member as this department <br /> seemed to be behind. She felt the additional staff would greatly benefit the City and allow this <br /> department to catch up. <br /> Mayor Harpstead explained he would be reluctant to add another staff member to this <br /> department. He felt neighboring cities had similar finance systems and a joint powers <br /> arrangement could be established to share one half of the position. He questioned how many <br /> hours the current interns were working. <br /> Finance Director Iverson indicated one intern works about 40 hours per week while the other <br /> works between 10-20 hours per week. <br /> City Administrator Klaers stated the finance department did have a need in the short term, but <br /> long term the City may not have the need. He suggested the Council consider a one year contract <br /> for this position. <br /> Councilmember Holmes suggested the Personnel Committee discuss this further and potentially <br /> put Sue into a Finance Director/Assistant City Administrator position for the City. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked who was completing human resource tasks at this time. <br /> Finance Director Iverson indicated she was handling human resources. <br /> City Administrator Klaers stated there was no one individual that handled all of the human <br /> resources at this time. He indicated the Deputy Clerk did not have the experience necessary to <br /> complete all of the Human Resource tasks. Typically the City Administrator does .not handle <br /> these tasks but makes recommendations to Council. Currently Sue is the only one with the <br /> experience and skill set to supervise these functions. <br /> Councilmember McClung commented he was uncomfortable with this discussion in that this <br /> issue should have come before the Council prior to the budget discussion. He felt an <br /> organizational chart of the City should be reviewed further. <br />